What are the security implications of the Same-Origin Policy?

What are the security implications of the Same-Origin Policy?

The Same-Origin Policy (SOP) is a critical security measure that restricts how documents or scripts from one origin can interact with resources from another origin. It helps prevent malicious attacks like Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF).

Can you explain how SOP prevents XSS attacks?

Sure! SOP prevents XSS by ensuring that scripts from one origin cannot access data from another origin. This means that if a malicious script is running on a compromised site, it cannot read sensitive data from another site, like your bank.

Are there any exceptions to the Same-Origin Policy?

Yes, there are exceptions like Cross-Origin Resource Sharing (CORS), which allows servers to specify who can access their resources. This is useful for APIs that need to be accessed from different origins.

What are the risks if SOP is not enforced?

If SOP is not enforced, it opens the door to various attacks, including data theft, session hijacking, and unauthorized actions on behalf of users, leading to significant security breaches.