CWE-293

Using Referer Field for Authentication

High

Description

The referer field in HTTP requests can be easily modified and, as such, is not a valid means of message integrity checking.

Potential Impact

How to Fix

Architecture and Design

In order to usefully check if a given action is authorized, some means of strong authentication and method protection must be used. Use other means of authorization that cannot be simply spoofed. Possibilities include a username/password or certificate.

Detection Methods

Related Weaknesses

References

View on MITRE CWE Database →

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