There are many benefits to using Node.js, including its simplicity and free nature. Besides Windows and Linux, it also supports UNIX, Mac OS X, and other platforms. The server uses JavaScript to run Node.js. By using this technology, web pages and applications can be developed as well as information and server data can be handled and controlled.
A cross-platform runtime environment based on Node.js is free and open-source. A server-side or networking application should use it. Unlike other technologies, Node.js uses a non-blocking event-driven I/O model. Website performance and scalability are two benefits of this model. Due to its use of non-blocking I/O, Node.js applications provide better availability, scalability, and performance.
There is, however, also security threats associated with Node.js. Though Node.js’ main code is secure, its third-party packages may present security threats. You will need to take specific security measures to protect your eCommerce website from security threats.
In this blog, we examine the possible security risks associated with Node.js as well as its solutions The development of an eCommerce website.
7 Node.js Security Threats and their Solutions
Default cookies, injections, broken access controls, and other security attacks may occur after Node.js development is completed. Cyber attacks can be prevented by taking precautions. In this article, we look at 7 potential Node.js security threats as well as their key security practices that will help you keep your website safe from online dangers.
1. Broken Access Control
It is usually necessary to come up with a team of managers, developers, administrators, moderators, designers, vendors, etc., when developing Node.js applications. It is possible for attackers to find you and take control of your eCommerce website because of the high number of users accessing the same server. Vertical escalation and horizontal escalation are the two ways they use to cause harm.
Admin-level features can be accessed through vertical escalation by the attacker. Verticalins access to the administrator-level role or root access through horizontal escalation, it is referred to as horizontal escalation.
Node.js is capable of executing code on any port, which makes attacks possible during application development. It is more likely to be attacked by third parties if it is used along with the Express framework.
2. Code Injections
Security Practice
Node.js developers can prevent the attack by whitelisting or blacklisting ports. These applications let users ban specific ports (e.g. 80 and 443) and add specific ports (e.g. 80 and 443). Also, random users should be able to access app resources by default. Users should only be allowed access if they are legitimate.
Web development with Node.js can be tricky. Security vulnerabilities can result from using codes without injection. It is possible to have a code injection attack when you use open-source packages. An attacker can insert malicious code by manipulating the input validation flow.
Security Practice
Codes that are not tested or unsecured should be steered clear of. Avoid code injection by using certain techniques. Avoid implementing dynamic code when developing a Node.js website. Several types of codes can put your eCommerce website at risk, including language constructs (eval) and code strings. Avoid these types of codes. You should instead regularly scan and analyze your website to ensure it is free from open-source malware.
3. Default Cookie Session
Cookies are essentially strings of text containing information about the visitor. Users’ personal data may be stored in cookies, including authentication details, shopping cart information, and preference information. Developing Node.js requires cookies because they are an integral part of eCommerce websites. If you use the default cookie names, you are at risk of having your website or application harmed by attackers who can easily spot them.
Security Practice
Use a cookie session module such as Express.js so that your eCommerce site is safe. Express.js. sets a cookie called “req” that stores information about your requests. The “req” cookie contains session data as well as information about router handler functions. In route handlers, templates, and middleware functions, you can access the value of req. session. A cookie called ‘res’ is also created by Express.js, which caches responses for future requests.
4. Cross Side Forgery Requests
Emails and chat messages are injected with malicious HTML code by hackers. Upon clicking the link, the user is automatically redirected to the original site and is forced to perform unwanted actions. As a result of CSFR, attackers can gain access to sensitive data, user profiles, and funds transferred between accounts. E-commerce websites can be hacked by it.
Security Practice
Links can be protected from CSFR attacks by adding Anti-Forgery tokens. User authentication requests are monitored and validated by these tokens. Users who are unknown to the website will be unable to perform critical actions on it. In addition, they stop users from using eCommerce websites when they discover broken or menacing links.
Anti-forgery tokens are useful for more than just POST data (URLs). You can use them to protect against CSRF attacks when getting data from getting requests (query string parameters).
5. X-Powered-By Header
A non-standard HTTP response header, the X-Powered-By header can be exploited by hackers for gaining access to a website or application’s technology.As an additional benefit, attackers can exploit it to steal technical information about websites. It can reveal coding source files and other technologies used in application development.
Security Practice
Hide important technical information on your website and prevent X-Powered-By headers from being attached. You can also disable the header to prevent data leaks. Your website should be configured to disable X-Powered-By headers.
6. Weak Authentication System
It is possible for unauthorized access to your eCommerce website to cause significant damage. For this reason, you should install a strong authentication system to protect your website from such threats.
Security Practice
Keep in mind that session processing is a crucial security practice in Node.js development since it prevents users from sharing their accounts. Apart from that, you can also improve website authentication with tools like Firebase Auth, OAuth, and Okta. For extra security, you can also use two-factor authorization.
7. Keep a Limit on Payload Size
A website with a heavy payload is susceptible to security threats and can be easily targeted by attackers. A website with a heavy payload can be targeted easily by attackers with a minimal number of requests.
Security Practice
It is highly recommended that you limit the number of incoming requests or configure express body-parser in order to avoid this security threat. This will enable your eCommerce website to accept limited requests after this. A lack of this practice will result in your eCommerce website crashing when it receives large requests, causing low performance and security problems.
Tell the Node.js development Company that you hired to develop your Node.js eCommerce website to implement these 7 best practices.
Conclusion
Besides providing excellent support and 24/7 monitoring of your project, IT Services India provides excellent support and specializes in Node.js development. IT Services India has successfully helped numerous businesses with their eCommerce website security.
Aside from Node.js Express and Angular.js, our development team also uses MongoDB, Java, React Native, Flutter, as well as other open-source frameworks. With our passion for our work, we aim to meet all of your needs so that you can outperform your competitors.
If you need Node.js or eCommerce application development services, we have a team of highly skilled Node.js programmers and designers that can help. Contact us today for more information.
