Learn how URL normalization flaws can lead to cache poisoning and cross-site scripting (XSS).
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Disclaimer:
The techniques described in this document are intended solely for ethical use and educational purposes. Unauthorized use of these methods outside approved environments is strictly prohibited, as it is illegal, unethical, and may lead to severe consequences.It is crucial to act responsibly, comply with all applicable laws, and adhere to established ethical guidelines. Any activity that exploits security vulnerabilities or compromises the safety, privacy, or integrity of others is strictly forbidden.
Table of Contents
Summary of the Vulnerability
In this lab, the core weakness lies in how the web cache and browser handle URLs differently. The application contains an XSS vulnerability, but browsers automatically apply URL-encoding, which prevents the payload from executing directly. However, the cache performs normalization of the URL before storing and serving it.