Determining the page's coordinates in ColdFusion

Question

Determining the page's coordinates in ColdFusion

Whenever I use iframes or frames on older websites, I implement an additional security measure using a JavaScript function:

<SCRIPT LANGUAGE="JavaScript1.1">
  if (top == self) self.location.href = "../index.cfm";
 </SCRIPT>

I also include another hidden check to ensure the page is being accessed correctly....

<cfif (HTTP_REFERER DOES NOT CONTAIN "referer_page.cfm")
  <cfabort> 
 </cfif>

This method effectively prevents unauthorized visitors from accessing or making posts to the page.

The issue is that the JavaScript code is visible in the page source, and it would be better if this information was concealed...

I realize that JavaScript operates on the client side, but I am curious if there is a way to create a similar function on the server side with CF or any other method to prevent prying eyes from seeing it?

I am currently running cf9 on my own site as well as most of my client sites.

Thank you in advance for your assistance

javascript coldfusion

Answer 1

Answer №1

Unfortunately, server-side languages do not have the ability to determine if a client requesting a page plans to display it within a frame. This information can only be confirmed by querying the browser after the page has been delivered.

Can you elaborate on why there is apprehension about the visibility of JavaScript?

Answer 2

Unfortunately, server-side languages do not have the ability to determine if a client requesting a page plans to display it within a frame. This information can only be confirmed by querying the browser after the page has been delivered.

Can you elaborate on why there is apprehension about the visibility of JavaScript?

Answer 3

Answer №2

It is virtually impossible to completely prevent clients from accessing your source HTML and JavaScript. Any efforts to secure the client side are ultimately futile. While you may deter casual users who are not web developers or programmers, anyone with basic knowledge of HTML and the ability to search online will be able to bypass any barriers put in place.

Relying on HTTP_REFERER for security is also questionable (I know, I can be a bit pessimistic :). This CGI variable depends on the cooperation between the browser and web server, making it unreliable overall as it is client-side dependent. Malicious individuals can easily bypass this barrier by manipulating requests with the appropriate referrer.

If you require server-side security, implementing some form of authentication and session management is necessary. The use of oAuth and leveraging services like Google, Facebook, Twitter for federated authentication are becoming more common. However, traditional usernames and passwords paired with login sessions remain a reliable option as well :)

Answer 4

It is virtually impossible to completely prevent clients from accessing your source HTML and JavaScript. Any efforts to secure the client side are ultimately futile. While you may deter casual users who are not web developers or programmers, anyone with basic knowledge of HTML and the ability to search online will be able to bypass any barriers put in place.

Relying on HTTP_REFERER for security is also questionable (I know, I can be a bit pessimistic :). This CGI variable depends on the cooperation between the browser and web server, making it unreliable overall as it is client-side dependent. Malicious individuals can easily bypass this barrier by manipulating requests with the appropriate referrer.

If you require server-side security, implementing some form of authentication and session management is necessary. The use of oAuth and leveraging services like Google, Facebook, Twitter for federated authentication are becoming more common. However, traditional usernames and passwords paired with login sessions remain a reliable option as well :)

Answer 5

Answer №3

In simpler terms, @Luke is pointing out that some users who are using your website correctly may encounter issues with viewing iframe content if they have certain security settings enabled, such as an anonymity program that blocks their data flow, including cgi variables.

The most effective solution is to implement proper authentication and filtering on each page. For example, if a list displays content for a user and loads additional details into an iframe, the page within the iframe must verify that the user has the required access rights. At this stage, it becomes irrelevant whether the user can access the URL directly or not.

For instance, when obtaining a list of user images like this:

<cfquery name="getImageList">
  select imageid,imagefilename_mini
    from images
   where userid = <cfqueryparam value="#session.userid#">
</cfquery>

And subsequently loading full-sized images in an iframe, you should still include the necessary AND condition:

<cfquery name="getThisImage">
  select imagefilename from images
   where imageID = ...
     and userID = ...
</cfquery>

This way, even if someone tries to modify the image ID in the URL, they will only be able to view content associated with the specific userID.

Additonally, modern browsers allow easy manipulation of live page sources. While this feature is beneficial for development purposes, it also creates opportunities for unauthorized alterations to be made. In Chrome and Firefox, elements can be inspected and attributes modified, resulting in immediate changes to the displayed content. It's important to understand that this capability extends to iframe sources as well, remaining within the expected DOM structure.

While client-side UI design dictates how the page appears and functions optimally, server-side validation mechanisms must be implemented for safeguarding against manipulation of client-controlled data and elements.

Answer 6

In simpler terms, @Luke is pointing out that some users who are using your website correctly may encounter issues with viewing iframe content if they have certain security settings enabled, such as an anonymity program that blocks their data flow, including cgi variables.

The most effective solution is to implement proper authentication and filtering on each page. For example, if a list displays content for a user and loads additional details into an iframe, the page within the iframe must verify that the user has the required access rights. At this stage, it becomes irrelevant whether the user can access the URL directly or not.

For instance, when obtaining a list of user images like this:

<cfquery name="getImageList">
  select imageid,imagefilename_mini
    from images
   where userid = <cfqueryparam value="#session.userid#">
</cfquery>

And subsequently loading full-sized images in an iframe, you should still include the necessary AND condition:

<cfquery name="getThisImage">
  select imagefilename from images
   where imageID = ...
     and userID = ...
</cfquery>

This way, even if someone tries to modify the image ID in the URL, they will only be able to view content associated with the specific userID.

Additonally, modern browsers allow easy manipulation of live page sources. While this feature is beneficial for development purposes, it also creates opportunities for unauthorized alterations to be made. In Chrome and Firefox, elements can be inspected and attributes modified, resulting in immediate changes to the displayed content. It's important to understand that this capability extends to iframe sources as well, remaining within the expected DOM structure.

While client-side UI design dictates how the page appears and functions optimally, server-side validation mechanisms must be implemented for safeguarding against manipulation of client-controlled data and elements.

Determining the page's coordinates in ColdFusion

Answer №1

Answer №2

Answer №3

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