The iFrame is a common technique to embed webpages, videos, or maps in another web page. Despite its popularity, iFrames carry several security risks that could let in attackers if we do not take the necessary security steps. Today’s developers must ensure both the content used in iFrame and the iFrame configuration follow security guidelines to avoid opening vulnerabilities.

For example, suppose you use content from a malicious website within an iFrame. In that case, it could execute harmful scripts or redirect the user to a malicious site, exposing sensitive information. Similarly, XSS attacks account for more than 30% of cyber attacks on web applications, and iFrames cause a significant portion of them.

The security of your application significantly impacts your organization’s reputation–it’s essential to understand what steps we should take to improve app security when using iFrames. Let’s look at the seven steps developers must follow when working with iFrames.

What is iFrames security?

One of the biggest reasons for using iFrames to embed webpages elsewhere on the internet is its ability to allow the child web page to use its cookies. Hence, web applications can use iFrames even if they do not allow direct hotlinking content.

But using iFrames also has its challenges. For example, iFrames can cause security vulnerabilities, usability issues, and SEO problems. Out of these, security vulnerabilities are the most burning issue since they directly impact sensitive information stored in your database and, consequently, the entire organization’s reputation.

What security risks do iFrames bring?

The main security threat of iFrames is XSS (cross-site scripting) attacks. Attackers can perform XSS attacks in multiple ways. For example, they are changing the source site URL, installing malware, stealing information, or hijacking clicks and keystrokes through an iFrame. Additionally, malicious software with browser add-ons might inject an iFrame into legitimate websites.

These XSS attacks can be categorized into 3 types based on their behavior:

• DOM-based XSS – Process data originated from an untrusted source.
• Reflected XSS – When data is received in an HTTP request.
• Stored XSS – Injects code into the server.

Apart from the XSS attacks, attackers can use several other methods to exploit iFrames:

• iFrame Injection – HTML documents are displayed on websites using iFrames, redirecting users to different websites.
• iFrame Phishing – iFrame phishing attacks combine iFrame, which loads a legitimate page, with an iFrame which loads the attacker’s website to steal data from an unsuspecting user.
• Cross-Frame Scripting – The Cross-Frame Scripting (XFS) attack uses malicious JavaScript on an iFrame that loads a legitimate page to collect data.
• Clickjacking – A clickjacking assault occurs when a person is persuaded to click a un readily visible webpage element. Therefore, consumers risk unintentionally downloading malware, accessing malicious websites, disclosing passwords or other sensitive information, transferring money, or making online purchases.

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