Business Logic Vulnerabilities
Business Logic Vulnerabilities
Business logic vulnerabilities are security flaws in the logic or design of an application
that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or
perform malicious actions. These vulnerabilities typically occur when an application's
security controls fail to properly implement or enforce business rules.
Business logic flaws are often difficult to detect and vulnerability management can be
challenging. Identifying them often requires cooperation between individuals who
deeply understand the business and manual testing teams.
Business logic bugs can often stem from incorrect assumptions made by developers
about user behavior. These flawed assumptions can lead to the failure to consider
potentially dangerous scenarios, leaving vulnerabilities in the application. For
instance, some applications may appear secure due to the implementation of robust
business rule enforcement but fail to recognize that user data and behavior cannot be
trusted indefinitely after initial controls. By neglecting to verify constraints throughout
user interactions, attackers can exploit privilege escalation vulnerabilities. Overall,
consistent application of business rules and security measures across all user
interactions is crucial in preventing potentially dangerous vulnerabilities that attackers
can exploit.
Many logical flaws are domain-specific and can relate to the subject matter or
business domain of a specific application. For instance, a discount feature in an
eCommerce website presents a significant attack surface that attackers can exploit
to uncover underlying logical flaws in how discounts are applied. Any application
function that allows users to adjust prices, make payments, or modify sensitive data
values based on user interaction must be carefully scrutinized. It is essential to
understand the algorithms used by the application to make these adjustments and the
circumstances in which they occur. One effective testing method is to manipulate
these functions by attempting user inputs that may lead to unexpected results.
Top 10 Business Logic Attack Vectors
Business Logic Vulnerabilities can have significant impacts on the security and
integrity of an application and its data. Here are some of the impacts that can result
from exploiting Business Logic Vulnerabilities:
1. Financial Losses:
2. Reputation Damage:
4. Operational Disruption:
5. Compliance Violations:
Keeping software and libraries up-to-date can help ensure that known
vulnerabilities are patched, reducing the risk of exploitation.
https://portswigger.net/web-security/logic-�laws
https://www.wallarm.com/what/business-logic-�law
https://brightsec.com/blog/business-logic-vulnerabilities/
https://owasp.org/www-community/vulnerabilities/Business_logic_vulnerability