Common Web Application Security Threats
Understanding the attack vectors targeting your applications in 2025. Real threats, real data, real-time protection with Opsbloc.
Critical Attack Vectors Detected by Opsbloc
Real-time monitoring and alerting for the most dangerous web application threats
SQL Injection (SQLi) CRITICAL
The Threat
Attackers inject malicious SQL code into application inputs to manipulate database queries, potentially exposing, modifying, or deleting sensitive data.
Opsbloc Protection
- ✓ Detects common SQL injection patterns: UNION, SELECT, DROP, '; OR '1'='1
- ✓ Monitors POST bodies, URL parameters, and headers
- ✓ Real-time alerts with full request context
- ✓ Tracks attacker IP addresses and patterns
Real-World Impact: In 2024, SQL injection attacks accounted for 67% of all database breaches (Verizon DBIR). Attackers successfully exploited SQLi vulnerabilities in major healthcare and financial services organizations, exposing millions of customer records.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) CRITICAL
The Threat
Malicious scripts injected into trusted websites execute in users' browsers, stealing session tokens, credentials, or sensitive data. Can lead to account takeover and data theft.
Opsbloc Protection
- ✓ Identifies <script>, javascript:, onerror=, and other XSS patterns
- ✓ Detects both reflected and stored XSS attempts
- ✓ Monitors all user inputs and file uploads
- ✓ Instant alerts with attack payload details
Real-World Impact: XSS vulnerabilities were exploited in 38% of web application attacks in 2024 (Akamai). Major e-commerce platforms and social media sites have fallen victim to XSS attacks, resulting in massive credential theft and account compromises.
Path Traversal / Directory Traversal HIGH
The Threat
Attackers use "../" sequences to access files and directories outside the intended scope, potentially exposing configuration files, credentials, or source code.
Opsbloc Protection
- ✓ Detects ../, ..\, and encoded traversal attempts
- ✓ Monitors file paths in URLs and parameters
- ✓ Identifies /etc/passwd, /etc/shadow access attempts
- ✓ Real-time blocking recommendations
Real-World Impact: Path traversal vulnerabilities were responsible for 23% of unauthorized data access incidents in 2024 (Imperva). These attacks often precede more sophisticated breaches by exposing configuration details.
Command Injection / OS Command Injection CRITICAL
The Threat
Attackers inject shell commands into application inputs, potentially gaining full server control, executing arbitrary code, or exfiltrating sensitive data.
Opsbloc Protection
- ✓ Detects shell metacharacters: ;, |, &, $(), ``
- ✓ Identifies common commands: cat, wget, curl, nc
- ✓ Monitors process execution patterns
- ✓ Immediate critical alerts with full context
Real-World Impact: Command injection was the attack vector in 31% of successful ransomware deployments in 2024 (Sophos). Attackers used it to gain initial access, escalate privileges, and deploy malware across networks.
LDAP Injection MEDIUM
The Threat
Attackers manipulate LDAP queries to bypass authentication, escalate privileges, or extract sensitive directory information from Active Directory or other LDAP services.
Opsbloc Protection
- ✓ Detects LDAP filter injection patterns
- ✓ Monitors authentication bypass attempts
- ✓ Identifies suspicious LDAP query modifications
- ✓ Tracks repeated authentication failures
Real-World Impact: LDAP injection attacks increased 156% in 2024 as organizations expanded hybrid work environments (Microsoft Security). Successful attacks led to privilege escalation and unauthorized access to corporate resources.
NoSQL Injection HIGH
The Threat
Attackers exploit MongoDB, Redis, CouchDB, and other NoSQL databases by injecting malicious queries, bypassing authentication, or extracting sensitive data through operator manipulation.
Opsbloc Protection
- ✓ Detects $where, $ne, $gt operator abuse
- ✓ Monitors MongoDB query injection patterns
- ✓ Identifies authentication bypass attempts
- ✓ Real-time NoSQL-specific alerts
Real-World Impact: NoSQL databases have become prime targets as adoption grows. In 2024, 42% of modern web apps using MongoDB were vulnerable to NoSQL injection (OWASP). High-profile breaches included fintech and SaaS platforms exposing millions of user records.
Malicious File Upload HIGH
The Threat
Attackers upload malicious files (.php, .jsp, .exe) to execute arbitrary code, deploy web shells, or distribute malware through legitimate upload functionality.
Opsbloc Protection
- ✓ Detects dangerous file extensions: .php, .jsp, .exe
- ✓ Monitors for double extension tricks (.jpg.php)
- ✓ Identifies suspicious upload patterns
- ✓ Tracks upload source IPs and behavior
Real-World Impact: Malicious file uploads were the initial access vector in 29% of ransomware attacks in 2024 (CrowdStrike). Web shells deployed through file uploads enabled persistent access and lateral movement across enterprise networks.
XML Injection / XXE (XML External Entity) MEDIUM
The Threat
Attackers exploit XML parsers to read local files, perform SSRF attacks, or cause denial of service through billion laughs attacks. Particularly dangerous in SOAP APIs and legacy systems.
Opsbloc Protection
- ✓ Detects XXE entity declarations (<!ENTITY)
- ✓ Identifies SYSTEM and PUBLIC keywords
- ✓ Monitors XML processing anomalies
- ✓ Alerts on suspicious XML payloads
Real-World Impact: XXE attacks remain prevalent in enterprise systems using SOAP APIs. In 2024, 34% of financial services applications were vulnerable to XXE (Positive Technologies), leading to unauthorized data disclosure and SSRF attacks.
Additional Security Monitoring by Opsbloc
Rate Limiting Violations
Detects IPs making excessive requests, potential DDoS attempts, and automated scanning tools.
Authentication Failures
Tracks failed login attempts and identifies brute force attacks in real-time.
Malicious Bots & Scanners
Identifies known malicious user agents, vulnerability scanners, and automated attack tools.
Anomalous Traffic
Detects unusual traffic patterns, geographic anomalies, and suspicious request sequences.
Security Header Monitoring
Tracks missing or misconfigured security headers that could expose vulnerabilities.
Error Pattern Analysis
Identifies patterns in error responses that may indicate reconnaissance or exploitation attempts.
Why Choose Opsbloc for Security Monitoring?
Real-time protection without the complexity and cost of enterprise security tools
Instant Real-Time Detection
With 94,000+ web application attacks happening every hour globally, waiting days or weeks to detect threats is unacceptable. Opsbloc alerts you the moment an attack is attempted — not days later.
Real-time monitoring means you can block attackers immediately, prevent data exfiltration, and stop attacks before they cause damage.
Zero Configuration Required
Security monitoring starts immediately with your first log. No complex rule configuration, no security expertise needed. Opsbloc's OWASP-focused detection works out-of-the-box.
Unified Performance & Security View
See security events alongside performance metrics on the same timeline. Correlate attacks with application behavior instantly. No switching between multiple tools or dashboards.
30 Days of Attack History Included
Every plan includes 30 days of security event retention. Track attack patterns, identify repeat offenders, and analyze breach attempts over time — all at no extra cost. Perfect for post-incident analysis and compliance reporting.
Included at No Extra Cost
All security monitoring features included in your standard Opsbloc plan ($49-$199/month). No per-host fees, no data ingestion charges, no surprise bills. Compare that to $500-$3,000+/month for enterprise security tools.
Actionable Alerts with Context
Every security alert includes the attack type, severity, full request payload, IP address, and recommended actions. No cryptic logs or endless false positives.
Built for Modern Threats
Continuously updated detection patterns based on the latest OWASP research and real-world attack trends. NoSQL injection, modern XSS variants, and emerging threat vectors covered.
Free tier available • No credit card required • 2-minute setup
Stop Attacks in Real-Time, Not Days Later
With attacks happening every second, instant detection is critical. Opsbloc alerts you the moment threats are detected, giving you time to respond before damage occurs.