#pentesting

[pentesttestingcorp]

Prevent HTTP Parameter Pollution in Laravel with Secure Coding

Understanding HTTP Parameter Pollution in Laravel

HTTP Parameter Pollution (HPP) is a web security vulnerability that occurs when an attacker manipulates multiple HTTP parameters with the same name to bypass security controls, exploit application logic, or perform malicious actions. Laravel, like many PHP frameworks, processes input parameters in a way that can be exploited if not handled correctly.

In this blog, we’ll explore how HPP works, how it affects Laravel applications, and how to secure your web application with practical examples.

How HTTP Parameter Pollution Works

HPP occurs when an application receives multiple parameters with the same name in an HTTP request. Depending on how the backend processes them, unexpected behavior can occur.

Example of HTTP Request with HPP:

GET /search?category=electronics&category=books HTTP/1.1 Host: example.com

Different frameworks handle duplicate parameters differently:

PHP (Laravel): Takes the last occurrence (category=books) unless explicitly handled as an array.

Express.js (Node.js): Stores multiple values as an array.

ASP.NET: Might take the first occurrence (category=electronics).

If the application isn’t designed to handle duplicate parameters, attackers can manipulate input data, bypass security checks, or exploit business logic flaws.

Impact of HTTP Parameter Pollution on Laravel Apps

HPP vulnerabilities can lead to:

✅ Security Bypasses: Attackers can override security parameters, such as authentication tokens or access controls. ✅ Business Logic Manipulation: Altering shopping cart data, search filters, or API inputs. ✅ WAF Evasion: Some Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) may fail to detect malicious input when parameters are duplicated.

How Laravel Handles HTTP Parameters

Laravel processes query string parameters using the request() helper or Input facade. Consider this example:

use Illuminate\Http\Request; Route::get('/search', function (Request $request) { return $request->input('category'); });

If accessed via:

GET /search?category=electronics&category=books

Laravel would return only the last parameter, category=books, unless explicitly handled as an array.

Exploiting HPP in Laravel (Vulnerable Example)

Imagine a Laravel-based authentication system that verifies user roles via query parameters:

Route::get('/dashboard', function (Request $request) { if ($request->input('role') === 'admin') { return "Welcome, Admin!"; } else { return "Access Denied!"; } });

An attacker could manipulate the request like this:

GET /dashboard?role=user&role=admin

If Laravel processes only the last parameter, the attacker gains admin access.

Mitigating HTTP Parameter Pollution in Laravel

1. Validate Incoming Requests Properly

Laravel provides request validation that can enforce strict input handling:

use Illuminate\Http\Request; use Illuminate\Support\Facades\Validator; Route::get('/dashboard', function (Request $request) { $validator = Validator::make($request->all(), [ 'role' => 'required|string|in:user,admin' ]); if ($validator->fails()) { return "Invalid Role!"; } return $request->input('role') === 'admin' ? "Welcome, Admin!" : "Access Denied!"; });

2. Use Laravel’s Input Array Handling

Explicitly retrieve parameters as an array using:

$categories = request()->input('category', []);

Then process them safely:

Route::get('/search', function (Request $request) { $categories = $request->input('category', []); if (is_array($categories)) { return "Selected categories: " . implode(', ', $categories); } return "Invalid input!"; });

3. Encode Query Parameters Properly

Use Laravel’s built-in security functions such as:

e($request->input('category'));

or

htmlspecialchars($request->input('category'), ENT_QUOTES, 'UTF-8');

4. Use Middleware to Filter Requests

Create middleware to sanitize HTTP parameters:

namespace App\Http\Middleware; use Closure; use Illuminate\Http\Request; class SanitizeInputMiddleware { public function handle(Request $request, Closure $next) { $input = $request->all(); foreach ($input as $key => $value) { if (is_array($value)) { $input[$key] = array_unique($value); } } $request->replace($input); return $next($request); } }

Then, register it in Kernel.php:

protected $middleware = [ \App\Http\Middleware\SanitizeInputMiddleware::class, ];

Testing Your Laravel Application for HPP Vulnerabilities

To ensure your Laravel app is protected, scan your website using our free Website Security Scanner.

Screenshot of the free tools webpage where you can access security assessment tools.

You can also check the website vulnerability assessment report generated by our tool to check Website Vulnerability:

An Example of a vulnerability assessment report generated with our free tool, providing insights into possible vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

HTTP Parameter Pollution can be a critical vulnerability if left unchecked in Laravel applications. By implementing proper validation, input handling, middleware sanitation, and secure encoding, you can safeguard your web applications from potential exploits.

🔍 Protect your website now! Use our free tool for a quick website security test and ensure your site is safe from security threats.

For more cybersecurity updates, stay tuned to Pentest Testing Corp. Blog! 🚀

[cypheroxide]

Building Your Own Cyberdeck:

What do you do when you have extra time between a job and your next? How about building your own Cyberdeck? Check this article out for tips on building your own!

The Ultimate Hacker Project For aspiring cybersecurity professionals, cyberpunk enthusiasts, hardware hackers, and circuit benders, one of the best hands-on projects you can take on is building your own cyberdeck. Despite overwhelming schedules full of training programs, full time work weeks, sometimes limited funds, and the endless possibilities of hardware combinations, many fans of the…

[haruthewolfdog]

Greetings fellow freaks and geeks!

Allow me to introduce myself:

My name is Haru

Im (at the time of posting this) 18!

Im a Therian and a furry :3

Im pansexual and genderfluid (so if possible please ask for my pronouns)

I enjoy Cybersecurity, general technological devices, music (punk, rock, indie and a whole lot more)

Im diagnosed autistic, ADHD, dislexic, disbraxic, disgraphic and more ^^;

Im currently self teaching for red team cybersecurity, art and guitar as well as fursuit making and other crafty things

Currently this is my main blog where ill post just whatever and i plan on making 2 other blogs but ill announce when that is ;3

For now enjoy the insane ramblings about anything and everything all of the time.

[c-cracks]

Infrastructure Recon Script

Hello everyone, it's been a while. :) Just wanted to share something I've been working on with you all.

I've developed a recon script for infrastructure testing which works off a CIDR or a list of IPs. It splits given IPs into groups of 64 (as nmap performs TCP scans on hosts in groups of 64,) launches nmap scans on each group as background processes and then merges the results together once every group has been scanned. The theory behind this is that port scans on over 64 hosts will complete in the time it takes to scan one group of 64 hosts.

From here, it analyses the port scan results and launches service-specific scans. It also creates lists of IPs by service, making any extra checks applicable to all hosts found with a specific service open.

You can find it here. It's still lacking a bit in documentation and usability- there's tools you need to install that I haven't noted down anywhere- but it's 80% tools found on an average Kali Linux build anyway. ^^ I do also want to improve the service scan scripts and see if there's anything I can add to them. Recently got it up and running fully so thought I'd share it.

Otherwise, I am working my way through Burp Suite Academy right now. My plan is to post a review on it here when I've covered what I want to there. Been slacking on it a little since starting work but I'm working on that.

EDIT: Still problems with the analysis section- I had a run through where everything was picked up but there's an issue stopping all hosts and services being picked up. Working on this.

UPDATE: Changed the flow of this and issue seems to have been addressed. :)

[lostlibrariangirl]

Hello guys! How are you doing? I am trying to keep up with Angular studies, plus I am doing a short Pentest classes in order to understand it a little bit more, as I requested some Pentests at work for a special team inside the company. It is very interesting, to understand the vulnerabilities that can occurs, and how to think about them while we are creating the architecture of applications, databases, etc. I will start new Spring boot courses as soon as possible too. Yesterday I started for real in the architecture team at work, and I am terrified as I already have some deadlines I must look forward to things I am not an expert yet (✖﹏✖) Well, I will do my best, and ask for help whenever I need (≖͞_≖̥) Keep studying, keep pursuing your dreams!

[elysiumacademy]

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[hackgit]

[Media] ​​Skyhook

​​Skyhook A REST-driven web application used to smuggle files into and out of networks defended by perimeter controls that inspect and act on traffic perceived to contain malicious content. https://github.com/blackhillsinfosec/skyhook #infosec #pentesting #redteam

[theunknowntako]

Guess what I'm now obsessed with :)

[pentesttestingcorp]

Secure Your Laravel App: Fix Insufficient Transport Layer Security (TLS)

Introduction

Transport Layer Security (TLS) is vital for ensuring secure communication between clients and servers over the Internet. Insufficient TLS configurations can leave your Laravel web applications exposed to various cyber threats, like Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks. In this blog post, we’ll explain the risks associated with insufficient TLS security in Laravel and provide a detailed guide on how to configure your Laravel application for optimal security.

Additionally, we’ll show you how to check and resolve potential TLS issues using our free Website Security Scanner tool.

What is Insufficient Transport Layer Security?

Insufficient Transport Layer Security occurs when a website fails to use strong encryption protocols like TLS 1.2 or higher, or when it doesn't properly configure SSL certificates. This exposes web applications to data interception, tampering, and attacks. A properly configured TLS ensures that all data transmitted between the server and client is encrypted and secure.

Common Issues in Laravel with Insufficient TLS Security

Some common causes of insufficient TLS in Laravel include:

Outdated SSL Certificates: Using deprecated SSL/TLS protocols (like SSL 3.0 or TLS 1.0) that are no longer considered secure.

Improper SSL/TLS Configuration: Misconfiguration of the web server or Laravel app that doesn’t force HTTPS or downgrade protection.

Weak Cipher Suites: Servers using weak ciphers, making it easier for attackers to break the encryption.

Lack of HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS): Without HSTS, an attacker can force the browser to use an insecure HTTP connection instead of HTTPS.

How to Fix Insufficient TLS in Laravel

Upgrade Your Laravel App’s TLS Protocol To enforce TLS 1.2 or higher, you'll need to configure your server to support these protocols. Here’s how you can configure your server to prioritize stronger encryption:

In Apache: Modify the ssl.conf file:

SSLProtocol all -SSLv2 -SSLv3 -TLSv1 -TLSv1.1

In Nginx: Edit your nginx.conf file:

ssl_protocols TLSv1.2 TLSv1.3;

These configurations will ensure that your server uses only secure versions of TLS.

2. Force HTTPS in Laravel Laravel provides an easy way to force HTTPS by modifying the .env file and the config/app.php file:

In .env file:

APP_URL=https://yourdomain.com

In config/app.php file:

'url' => env('APP_URL', 'https://yourdomain.com'),

This will ensure that all requests are redirected to HTTPS, preventing insecure HTTP access.

3. Enable HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) HTTP Strict Transport Security is a web security policy mechanism that helps to protect websites against Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks by forcing clients to communicate over HTTPS. Here's how to add HSTS headers to your Laravel app:

In Apache: Add the following line to your ssl.conf or .htaccess file:

Header always set Strict-Transport-Security "max-age=31536000; includeSubDomains"

In Nginx: Add the following line to your nginx.conf file:

add_header Strict-Transport-Security "max-age=31536000; includeSubDomains" always;

4. Use Strong Cipher Suites Weak cipher suites allow attackers to break the encryption. You can configure your server to use strong ciphers:

In Apache:

SSLCipherSuite HIGH:!aNULL:!MD5:!3DES

In Nginx:

ssl_ciphers 'ECDHE-ECDSA-AES128-GCM-SHA256:ECDHE-RSA-AES128-GCM-SHA256';

5. Use a Valid SSL/TLS Certificate Ensure that your website uses a valid SSL/TLS certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). You can get a free SSL certificate from Let's Encrypt.

How to Check TLS Configuration with Our Free Tool

Before and after implementing the changes, it’s essential to check the security status of your website. You can use our free Website Security Checker Tool to evaluate your website’s TLS configuration.

Go to https://free.pentesttesting.com.

Enter your website URL to start the scan.

Review the vulnerability assessment report for TLS issues.

Screenshot of the Free Tool

Here’s a screenshot of the free Website Security Checker tool in action:

Screenshot of the free tools webpage where you can access security assessment tools.

Screenshot of a Vulnerability Assessment Report

After running the scan to check website vulnerability, you’ll receive a detailed report highlighting any security vulnerabilities, including issues related to TLS. Here’s an example of the vulnerability assessment report:

An Example of a vulnerability assessment report generated with our free tool, providing insights into possible vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

Ensuring sufficient Transport Layer Security in your Laravel app is crucial to protecting sensitive data and preventing attacks. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you can fix any TLS issues and enhance the security of your web application.

Don’t forget to check your website using our free Website Security Checker tool to identify any existing TLS vulnerabilities and other security flaws.

Need help? Contact us at Pentest Testing Corp for professional vulnerability assessments and penetration testing services to secure your website further.

[cypheroxide]

Coding and Scripting for Beginner Hackers

Learning to code and write scripts is a crucial skill for getting into ethical hacking and cybersecurity. Scripting allows you to automate repetitive tasks, develop your own custom tools, analyze data, and program everything from small hacking tools to machine learning models. Understanding and knowing how to code in different languages can be extremely useful when doing deep dives into malware…

[bawono-173]

Signal boosting

Thank you

[beautifulscreaminglady]

I finally tracked down an article about the Chinese female hacker and her hacking shoes who's been living in my mind rent free for years. I originally read about her here on Tumblr but I couldn't find the post again.

[hackgit]

[Media] ​​HSTS Parser

​​HSTS Parser A tool to parse Firefox and Chrome HSTS databases into #forensic artifacts! https://github.com/thebeanogamer/hstsparser #cybersecurity #infosec