Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) is a security vulnerability where an attacker tricks a server into making unintended requests, often targeting internal systems that are otherwise protected by firewalls or other security measures. This type of attack exploits the server's trust in its own network, allowing malicious actors to access internal resources, perform port scanning, or even exfiltrate sensitive data. The impact of SSRF can be severe, leading to unauthorized data access, service disruptions, or even full system compromise. For instance, in 2019, Capital One suffered a significant data breach due to an SSRF vulnerability, exposing personal information of over 100 million customers. blog.codacy.com
To mitigate SSRF vulnerabilities, it's essential to implement robust security measures. Developers should validate and sanitize all user inputs, enforce strict allow-lists for URLs, and avoid sending raw responses to clients. Disabling HTTP redirections and being aware of URL consistency can also help prevent attacks. Additionally, segmenting remote resource access functionality into separate networks and enforcing "deny by default" firewall policies can reduce the impact of SSRF. Regular security audits and staying updated with the latest security practices are crucial in defending against SSRF attacks. owasp.org