JavaScript is one of the popular forms of programming languages out there which indicates there are numerous developers who are working on the same. But JavaScript as a programming language does have some vulnerabilities that could turn out to be a surprise to veteran coders as the companies use the language on websites. Below are some of the reasons to understand why JavaScript turns out to be a vulnerable language.
JavaScript security flaw
The JavaScript security that is embedded in the web pages, may be manipulated by an attacker to run malicious code. This would allow them to exploit memory or other vulnerabilities on the computer by relying on the use of unpatched browsers like internet explorer 6,7 and 8. Browser vendors like Google have gone on to create new patches for these forms of security flaws but do face trouble when it comes to upgrading the browsers. There are close to 900 million users relying on the older versions of internet explorer which means there are a lot of measures at the end cybercriminals to exploit insecure browsers. It is going to interfere with the browser vendors.
The issue of cross-scripting
Just like any other programming language, security is an important point of consideration in JavaScript. Hence the main threat in this regard is cross-scripting or CSS. What tends to occur is that malicious code will steal information from a legitimate site or even injects another piece of code. There is another concern when it comes to JavaScript code would be weak passwords. The reason for the same is that the websites do not force you to be using complex passwords. An XSS attack may steal all your credentials along with other valuable data by figuring out how went on to use your password.
Remote code execution
The code of JavaScript can be sent from one code to another code via a secure network connection ensuring it is vulnerable to attack. For this reason, the developers rely on the use of security features, that are developed by programming languages, such as Java or C ++ in making sure they are writing the correct code. If they fail to do so, the users of the application are subject to serious threats like being spied on and how their machines have taken over.
JavaScript will not be having an in-built code which is expected to provide you protection from malicious hackers as any attacker does become easy as no longer you need to write thousands of complex codes that are bound to lead to a higher level of developer fatigue as the time is lost during the debugging process.
Lack of data encryption
JavaScript is hosted on web servers as it can be accessed from anywhere by any visitor. What it means is that if anyone hacks into your server or your website all the data would be extracted from the JavaScript code. The programming languages like C and Java have frameworks in place as it indicates that only authorized users can read the code. This means that if someone gets hold of it they would be able to see what they would want to see. There are some precautions that should be taken with JavaScript that most programmers do not include browsers that lack native support for such features.
Shortage of transport layer protection
Coming to the communication model for web apps is stateless, which indicates that the HTTP connection is independent of the earlier connections. What it indicates is that the session data can be passed from one page to another, which forces developers to occupy cookies along with the transport layer to save information. Platforms like appsealing are going to guide you about the same. The cookies can be intercepted and it is modified by malicious actors, as they are rated to be secure and ignored in the form of transport protection.
Browser manipulation
Java Script is not only used for client-side scripting it would be used for device programming and server side. When the question of browser manipulation arises, JavaScript will be limited to your imagination levels. If you are able to manage it there is a possibility of doing it via JavaScript. The idea is what is going to be without the use of JavaScript and client-side scripting language HTML5
Authentication practices lack of it
If you observe the JavaScript code as an anonymous user, then you need to work hard to get things right. You may do what you want and no one is likely to notice. The users are aware of where to look as JavaScript is not easy to hack as hackers are able to cash in on the benefits of poor authentication practices. They would be running out of someone else credentials.
The hackers would be able to steal information as it becomes easy for them to break into accounts and helps them to steal or sell credit card information. This can be online details or sensitive forms of information. If you think that you need to protect your website from sensitive attacks then do not use JavaScript as it is not worthy in any way at all.
There is a lack of software testing before it reaches the market
In any software, there are bound to be bugs or issues that are likely to spring up. They may be annoying but rarely do they pose a threat to your personal information and security. But this is not the truth with other forms of software that include open-source programs like Java Script. Most of the programs have a rigorous type of testing, the others are not going to obtain an effective test regime till you go on to release it to the public. By that point of time you would be vulnerable to an attack as anyone would be looking to strike at that juncture.
To conclude there are numerous ways of implementing JavaScript code, so it is better that you go on to have a documentation of the same.