Cross-Site Scripting
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a web security vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. These attacks occur when an application includes untrusted data in a web page without proper validation or escaping, enabling the execution of scripts in the victim's browser. XSS can lead to data theft, session hijacking, defacement, or malware distribution.
Developers should learn about XSS to build secure web applications and protect against common attack vectors, especially when handling user input in forms, comments, or URLs. It's crucial for roles involving front-end development, full-stack engineering, or security testing, as XSS is a top risk in the OWASP Top 10 and can compromise user data and application integrity. Understanding XSS helps implement defenses like input validation, output encoding, and Content Security Policy (CSP).