Module Code: H9SPW
Long Title Secure Programming for Web
Title Secure Programming for Web
Module Level: LEVEL 9
EQF Level: 7
EHEA Level: Second Cycle
Credits: 10
Module Coordinator: MICHAEL BRADFORD
Module Author: MICHAEL BRADFORD
Departments: School of Computing
Specifications of the qualifications and experience required of staff  
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module the learner will be able to:
# Learning Outcome Description
LO1 Analyse, compare, contrast and critically evaluate common vulnerabilities of web applications with a view to identifying counter-measures to prevent such vulnerabilities from being exploited.
LO2 Critically assess the technological challenges associated with securing web applications from a programming perspective.
LO3 Evaluate, develop and implement programming solutions for securing web applications using relevant programming techniques, programming languages, and associated tools.
LO4 Appraise the tools and techniques used to attack web applications and assess the usage of such tools and techniques to strengthen the security of web applications.
Dependencies
Module Recommendations

This is prior learning (or a practical skill) that is required before enrolment on this module. While the prior learning is expressed as named NCI module(s) it also allows for learning (in another module or modules) which is equivalent to the learning specified in the named module(s).

No recommendations listed
Co-requisite Modules
No Co-requisite modules listed
Entry requirements  
 

Module Content & Assessment

Indicative Content
Browser Security Model
• Same-origin policy • Cookies security model • Plugin security model (e.g., Flash, ActiveX, Java) • Content Security Policy • Security-related HTTP headers • HTTP security extensions (e.g., HSTS)
HTML5 Security
• HTML5 Security introduction • Web Messaging • Cross Origin Resource Sharing (CORS) • Web Sockets • Server-Sent Events • Local Storage • Client-side Databases • Web Workers • Sandboxed Frames
Secure JavaScript
• Insecure JavaScript methods • JavaScript output encoding • Security provisions within common JavaScript frameworks
Application Vulnerabilities & Defences
• XSS (Cross Site Scripting) • CSRF (Cross Site Request Forgery) • XSS, CRSF prevention • SQL and NoSQL injection • SQL and NoSQL injection prevention • Other injection attacks (e.g., OS command injection, CRLF injection) • XML security and parsing vulnerabilities • Clickjacking • Clickjacking prevention
Authentication and Authorization
• Authentication and authorization vulnerabilities • Password reset/change vulnerabilities • CAPTCHA vulnerabilities • Integration of single sign-on (SSO) into web applications (e.g., OAuth and SAML) • Authorization approaches
Session Management
• Secure session lifecycle • Session hijacking • Session fixation • Cookie security
Input Validation
• Client side vs server side input validation • Open redirects • File upload validation • Data type validation
Server-Side Application Security
• Security as a cross-cutting concern • Defence in depth • Security design patterns • Web server vulnerabilities • Interpreted vs. compiled application code • Code analysis, code coverage and code review • Exception handling and application logging • Security provisions within common server-side web application frameworks
Web Application Hacking
• Process / Methodology followed towards successful attack • Common tools used to hack web applications • Automating customised attacks • Hacking for application security test purposes
Assessment Breakdown%
Coursework100.00%

Assessments

Full Time

Coursework
Assessment Type: Continuous Assessment % of total: 60
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,2,3
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Practical work will be conducted throughout the semester to assess the learner’s evaluation skills in terms of secure design strategies and secure application development.
Assessment Type: Project % of total: 40
Assessment Date: n/a Outcome addressed: 1,3,4
Non-Marked: No
Assessment Description:
Learners are required to complete a project where they incorporate a number of web programming vulnerabilities into an application (inclusive of non-obvious and complex vulnerabilities) and proceed to fix those security vulnerabilities. Learners must compile an associated report and evaluate the security strength of the resulting application.
No End of Module Assessment
No Workplace Assessment
Reassessment Requirement
Coursework Only
This module is reassessed solely on the basis of re-submitted coursework. There is no repeat written examination.

NCIRL reserves the right to alter the nature and timings of assessment

 

Module Workload

Module Target Workload Hours 0 Hours
Workload: Full Time
Workload Type Workload Description Hours Frequency Average Weekly Learner Workload
Lecture No Description 2 Every Week 2.00
Tutorial No Description 3 Every Week 3.00
Independent Learning No Description 7.5 Every Week 7.50
Total Weekly Contact Hours 5.00
 

Module Resources

Recommended Book Resources
  • J. P. Mueller. (2015), Security for Web Developers: Using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS, O’Reilly Media.
  • D. Stuttard, M. Pinto. (2011), The Web Application Hackers Handbook: Finding a security Flaws, 2nd. Wiley.
  • M. Zalewski. (2011), The Tangled Web: A Guide to Securing Modern Web Applications, No Starch Press.
  • Jonathan LeBlanc, Tim Messerschmidt. (2016), Identity and Data Security for Web Development: Best Practices, 1st. O' Reilly Media, p.204, [ISBN: 1491937017].
Supplementary Book Resources
  • J. Manico. (2014), Iron-Clad Java: Building Secure Web Applications, 1st. McGraw-Hill Education.
  • D. Chell, T. Erasmus, S. Colley, O. Whitehouse. (2015), The Mobile Application Hacker's Handbook, Wiley.
This module does not have any article/paper resources
Other Resources
Discussion Note: