How to Hack a Web Server?

Since the evolution of technology, many have grasped the attention of the internet. Now, the internet has dominated everyone as everything has become online. Moreover, many organizations shifted their path and have created web-based applications which are accessible via the internet.

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With increasing threats becoming more prevalent and rising exponentially in every organization, the requirement for ethical hackers is high in demand. Compared to the previous year, the demand for ethical hackers has increased by 6% as the risk of a cyberattack is expanding significantly. According to the survey, there are more than 3000+ job vacancies posted in the job portal, and this count may vary depending on locations. Many top organizations seek skilled professionals; if you choose the cybersecurity field, you have plenty of job opportunities. Moreover, Ethical hacker salary in India ranges from 3.0 to 3.5 lakhs per year.

In this blog, we shall discuss how to hack a web server and types of hacking.

What are Web Servers?

Web servers can be software, computer or hardware utilized for hosting. Moreover, the web server runs on multiple operating systems connected to the back-end database. The number of web servers has grown recently as web applications have become the predominant online service form. Web hosting, or storing data for web-based applications, is where web servers are most frequently utilized.

How does a Web Server work?

Websites' domain names are used to access web server software, which ensures that the site's content is sent to the user who requests it. There are various parts to the software side, including at least one HTTP server. The HTTP server can understand both HTTP and URLs. A web server is a hardware piece containing web server software and other website-related assets like HTML texts, pictures, and JavaScript files.

A web browser, such as Google Chrome or Firefox, will use HTTP to request a file stored on a web server. The HTTP server will receive the request after the web server gets it, find the requested content, and deliver it back to the browser using HTTP.

Web Server Security Issue

Web servers could be subject to the operating system and network-level attacks. Web software and website-related data, such as photos, scripts, etc., are stored on web servers as hardware. Typically, an attacker will look for and exploit holes in the web server's configuration.

Some potential vulnerabilities include:

• The directory's incorrect permissions

• Absence of security flaws

• Incorrectly installed SSL certificates

• Allows for useless services

• Setup by default

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Top 3 standard Web Server software

• Apache HTTP Server - In the industry, this is the server that is most frequently utilized. It is created by Apache Software and is available for several operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.

• Microsoft Internet Information Services (IIS) -Microsoft creates this software for Microsoft platforms. It is not open-source or free.

• Nginx - Igor Sysoev developed and publicly released this free, open-source software in 2004. This web server can also function as a load balancer, reverse proxy, mail proxy, and Hypertext Transfer Protocol cache.

Types of Web Server Attacks

Numerous methods are used in web server attacks. The following lists a few of them:

Dos/DDoS

Denial of Service attacks cause a web server to break and become unavailable to users by overwhelming it with so many service request packets that surpass the server's capacity to handle them.

DNS Server Hijacking

Domain Name System redirection, also known as Domain Name System server hijacking, occurs when an attacker changes Domain Name System configurations. Pharming, in which attackers show intrusive advertisements to make money. In phishing, attackers present false websites to obtain credentials, the two main uses of DNS redirection.

DNS Amplification Attack

When an attacker uses the DNS recursive method to fake the search request to the DNS Server, it is known as a DNS Amplification Attack. The number of requests causes a Denial of Service attack.

Directory Traversal Attacks

Directory traversal sometimes referred to as Path Traversal, is a type of HTTP attack that enables attackers to access password-protected directories and divulge private data about the system by employing dot and slash sequences.

Man in the Middle Attack

An attacker who places oneself between a user and an application to sniff packets is said to be a "man in the middle" or "sniffing." The primary purpose of this attack is to steal credit card information, login information, and other sensitive data.

Phishing Attacks

The goal of a phishing attack is to obtain personal data using social engineering, such as passwords, accounts, credit card details, names etc. A pattern of unethical actions seems to be made by a trustworthy source. Scammers often employ emails and SMS messages to mislead you into phishing attacks.

Website Defacement

Website defacement is a type of hacking in which the hackers modifies the visual design of the website or web page with their content. Web defacement frequently employs Structured query language injection attacks. An attacker can add Structured query language strings to create a malicious request and take advantage of the website.

Web Server Misconfiguration

When redundant services are allowed, and default settings are used, a web server is misconfigured. The attacker may locate and exploit vulnerabilities in remote functions or default credentials. An attacker can quickly corrupt systems by using methods like Structured query language Injection and Command Injection.

HTTP Response Splitting Attacks

Sending a splitting request to the server, which causes the server to split the response into two, is known as an HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) Response Splitting attack. The second answer is in the attacker's control and is quickly forwarded to the malicious site.

Web Cache Poisoning

A web cache is a piece of information technology that temporarily stores web content like images, credentials, and web links. In "web cache poisoning," the attacker sends a fake entry request to the web server that deletes all of the server's actual caches and then directs the visitor to the malicious site.

SSH Brute Force Attacks

With brute force, an attacker submits several passwords to guess login information. When a hacker uses an SSH brute force attack, the SSH tunnel is forced to use an encrypted tunnel. The hosts communicate with one another through the encrypted channel. It allows the attacker to enter the tunnel without authorization.

Web Server Password Cracking Attacks

This attack involves the hacker breaking the website credentials and using them to launch more assaults. Some examples are Hydra, John the Ripper, Hashcat, Aircrack, and other popular password-cracking programmes.

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Hacking Methodology:

• Information Gathering

• Footprinting

• Web Server Footprinting

Vulnerability Scanning:

• Authenticated Scan:

• Unauthenticated Scan:

Session Hijacking

Password Attacks

Password Attacks are classified as:

• Non-Electronic Attack

• Active Online Attack

• Passive Online Attack

• Default Passwords

• Offline Attack

Defensive measures to Protect Web Server

The most important tip is to keep a web server in a secure area to protect it from external and internal attacks and other threats. Deploying security tools like firewalls, Intrusion Detection Systems, and IPS are necessary. The servers are secured from other dangers by being kept in a secure setting.

The Website Change Detection System is a method for spotting any unforeseen activity or alterations to the Web server. Scripting is concentrated on reviewing any changes made to the files needed to identify hacking attempts.

• Moreover, you can block all ports that are useless and hazardous.

• Always permit only encrypted traffic.

• Turn off tracking.

• Keep an eye on your traffic at all times to make sure no illicit activity is taking place.

• To protect web browser communication, choose Port 443 HTTPS over 80 HTTP.

Now, you would have understood How to Hack a Web Server, types of web server attack, hacking methodology, what is server hack, how web server works andtop 3 standard Web Server software. To learn more about hacking, join Ethical Hacking Course in Bangalore at FITA Academy and acquire in-depth understanding of how hackers use a proxy server, sniffing, malware Threats, virus and Worms, DoS and DDoS, session hijacking techniques, servers attacks - Web server, file servers, hacking Web Applications and SQL Injection Attacks.