Hack Proofing Your Web Applications: The Only Way to Stop a Hacker is to Think Like One [With CDROM]

by Syngress Publishing and Syngress

OPEC, Amazon, Yahoo and E-bay, if these large, well-established and security-conscious web sites have problems, how can anyone be safe? How can any programmer expect to develop web applications that... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1928994318
• ISBN13: 9781928994312
• Release Date: June 2001
• Publisher: Syngress Publishing
• Length: 595 Pages
• Weight: 2.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 7.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Fragmented and a bit self-important, but still useful

This book aims to be a "one stop shop" covering all aspects of web application security, however your app is written: Java. CGI, Perl, PHP, Active X. To a large extent it succeeds, and in a surprisingly readable way. Each chapter covers on aspect of hacking or security, and ends with a summary, a "fast track" checklist, and a FAQ for the topics covered. The book is sold like software - you can register for a "1-year upgrade", to keep the content fresh.Important topics include both detailed and general hints on how to read and spot security holes in code in different languages; and how to "think like a hacker", and use hacker tools to test your own security. Above all, the book emphasizes the need for creative thinking and to avoid producing code carelessly.I know from experience that security is often ignored if it's seen as too hard to understand, plan or test. Don't be a victim of your own ignorance, read this book.

Another surprisingly good security book from Syngress

I am a senior engineer for network security operations. Since I am not a developer, I was initially reluctant to read and review a book seemingly targeted towards programmers. From a non-developer, security professional standpoint, I believe "Hack Proofing Your Web Applications" (HPYWA) is an excellent book. Because HPYWA provides sufficient background, administrators will find it enlightening. Programmers should find it practical as well. HPYWA is unique. One sees dozens of general networking and security texts, but few on securing applications. Since attackers are gravitating towards exploiting subtle application flaws, HPYWA's advice is timely and sorely needed. Talented authors (who should be credited chapter-by-chapter) explain security strategies for Visual Basic for Applications, CGI, Java, XML, ActiveX, and Cold Fusion. They tell how to avoid becoming a "code grinder" ("a developer who lacks creativity... bound by rules and primitive techniques"). They also discuss general exploit techniques, but not to the depth of a "Hacking Exposed" volume. Crucially, throughout the book, the authors do not assume the reader is an expert in all technologies. They instead begin with solid introductions to languages and tools. These help non-programmers understand the issues, and give developers common foundations for code improvement. I was particularly impressed by chapter 6, which explained how to conduct code audits and reverse engineering. Even without a great deal of programming background, I understood the author's explanations of format string vulnerabilities, cross-site scripting, and related problems. Chapter 7 was also excellent, as it showed how to disassemble Java byte code and alter it with a hex editor. HPYWA is not perfect, however. Despite offering very strong coding advice, discussions of network-based security issues contained flaws. For example, the descriptions of denial of service on pages 13-14 and 285-286 are confused. On page 171, "SMTP" is not "Sendmail Transfer Protocol." Since I didn't read HPYWA to learn network security techniques, I didn't weigh these errors too heavily. Developers will probably view HPYWA as a useful reminder of sound programming practices. They will also find the specific recommendations (avoid certain system calls, watch out for these formatting errors, etc.) practical and immediately applicable to their work. System administrators and security professionals will gain an understanding of the underlying weaknesses in the technologies they deploy and maintain. In short, HPYWA has a place on the bookshelves of both communities.[....]