Synchronizer Token Pattern

The Synchronizer Token Pattern is a security technique used to prevent Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attacks in web applications. It involves generating a unique, unpredictable token for each user session and embedding it in forms or requests, which the server validates before processing sensitive actions. This ensures that requests originate from the legitimate user's session and not from malicious third-party sites.

Also known as: CSRF Token Pattern, Anti-CSRF Token, Synchronizer Token, CSRF Protection Token, Request Verification Token

Why learn Synchronizer Token Pattern?

Developers should implement this pattern when building web applications that handle sensitive operations like financial transactions, data modifications, or user authentication to protect against CSRF exploits. It is particularly crucial for state-changing requests (e.g., POST, PUT, DELETE) in frameworks like Spring Security for Java or Django for Python, as it adds a lightweight layer of defense without significant performance overhead.

Learning Resources

• docs: OWASP CSRF Prevention Cheat Sheet
• docs: Spring Security CSRF Protection Guide
• docs: Django CSRF Protection Documentation
• video: CSRF Attack and Prevention Explained (Video)
• docs: MDN Web Docs on CSRF