A Security Guide for
ActionScript Developers
I Overview...................................................................1
N
How Do You Secure Applications?............................2
ActionScript in Detail...............................................2
Top 5 Risks for Developing in ActionScript................5
D
The Cost of Not Securing ActionScript
Applications.............................................................6
How Organizations Can Secure ActionScript
Applications.............................................................7
E
Benefits of Securing ActionScript
Applications.............................................................9
Securing Your ActionScript Applications
with Kiuwan.............................................................11
X
e w
Over v i
Application security is becoming increasingly important as the world of programming and development
grows. Now more than ever, developers must ensure that their applications are robust, secure, and
reliable. This is because malicious actors are finding new ways to exploit applications, take advantage of
vulnerabilities, and steal sensitive data. In the third quarter of 2022, there were 15 million data breaches
worldwide – a 167 percent increase from the prior quarter.
As ActionScript becomes an essential language for application development, developers must become
aware of the security considerations that come with ActionScript programming.
ActionScript is an object-oriented programming language used to create interactive web applications
and is found in Adobe products such as Flash and Flex. Developers can also use ActionScript to develop
desktop applications, mobile apps, games, and webpages. Due to its simple syntax, powerful features,
and scalability, this programming language has attracted the attention of both experienced and new
developers.
Unfortunately, just like any other programming language, ActionScript applications are vulnerable to
various risks, and organizations need to recognize the implications and proactively protect ActionScript
applications.
This guide will provide an overview of ActionScript application security and discuss the specific risks
that ActionScript developers should be aware of. We’ll also discuss the proactive steps organizations can
take to protect ActionScript applications from attacks.
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How Do You Secure Applications?
In general, application security combines two approaches: proactive and
reactive.
Proactive
The proactive approach involves implementing measures at the
development level to ensure applications are secure. This means in
following safe coding practices, using security frameworks and libraries,
and incorporating automated testing into the development process.
Reactive
The reactive approach focuses on monitoring and responding to
potential threats once they have been identified. This involves scanning
applications for vulnerabilities and detecting any malicious activities.
Developers should also create a system for quickly responding to any
attacks.
ActionScript in Detail
ActionScript is a programming language developed by Adobe Systems, Inc., primarily used for web
application development. ActionScript has its roots in JavaScript and ActionScript 3, the latest version
of ActionScript, is an object-oriented language with powerful features for creating dynamic web
applications.
This programming language is unique in its ability to allow developers to create visually appealing
applications with powerful features. ActionScript applications are typically developed using Adobe Flash,
a platform that enables developers to create, modify, and deploy ActionScript applications easily.
ActionScript is a relatively young language stacked against other programming languages such as Java
and C++. However, ActionScript’s popularity among developers has steadily increased as they discover its
various features and benefits.
One of ActionScript’s main advantages is its development environment, which is designed to make it
easy for developers to create, modify, and deploy ActionScript applications quickly. ActionScript’s
scalability also allows developers to create applications that can grow and evolve with their
organizations.
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In addition to ActionScript’s development environment, ActionScript applications are also appealing
because they can be deployed across the internet. This allows ActionScript applications to be accessible
to many users, regardless of location.
Top 5 Risks for Developing in
ActionScript
While ActionScript is an easy-to-learn and powerful language, ActionScript applications are susceptible
to a variety of risks. Here, we will cover the top five risks ActionScript developers should consider when
developing applications.
1. Security Vulnerabilities
ActionScript applications are vulnerable to several security risks that can compromise the integrity and
functionality of the application. These security risks include cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, SQL in-
jection attacks, and misuse of exposed APIs.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
ActionScript is vulnerable to XSS attacks, which are a type of attack that injects malicious
code into ActionScript applications. XSS can occur if ActionScript code is not correctly
sanitized to prevent malicious code from being injected into ActionScript applications.
Hackers use XSS attacks to steal sensitive data, hijack user sessions, and execute
malicious code on ActionScript applications.
Cross-Site Flashing (XSF)
Another threat for ActionScript developers to consider is cross-site flashing (XSF). XSF
attacks are similar to XSS attacks, except they entail forcibly making a damaged small web
format (SWF) load an external malicious Flash file. If successful, this attack could lead to
XSS or the illicit modification of the graphical user interface (GUI) so that a user enters
credentials on a counterfeit Flash form.
A scenario where this type of attack can occur includes ActionScript applications that
allow Flash content to be embedded from external sources or ActionScript applications
that load and execute ActionScript from URLs from external sources.
Attackers can exploit XSS vulnerabilities in a Flash application to launch various cross-site
scripting attacks, including DOM-based XSS, reflected (non-persistent) XSS, or stored
(persistent) XSS. They can achieve this by:
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• Misuse of the GetURL() function
• HTML in text fields
• Other methods (loadMovie(), asfunction())
SQL Injection
SQL injection is an attack in which malicious code is injected into ActionScript
applications to manipulate or exploit a given database. ActionScript applications are
particularly susceptible to this type of attack since ActionScript developers often use
ActionScript to access databases. These attacks can reveal sensitive information, modify
ActionScript data, or even delete ActionScript databases.
The attacker tricks the system by inputting data containing SQL commands, which are
then executed in the control plane. This exploit is possible because, to SQL, there is no
difference between the control and data planes.
Broken Access Control
OWASP lists this vulnerability among its top 10 most common web application security
risks. Broken access controls occur when developers fail to manage the access control
mechanisms built into their applications properly. This can lead to unauthorized users
bypassing security measures or even gaining access to confidential data.
ActionScript applications are vulnerable to broken access control risks since their
software security measures are often applied client-side rather than server-side.
Furthermore, ActionScript developers may not always properly configure their access
control mechanisms, leaving them vulnerable to attack.
Cryptographic Failures
ActionScript applications may also be susceptible to cryptographic failures. Cryptography
is used in ActionScript applications to protect the data stored within them and prevent
unauthorized access or modification of that data. However, if the cryptography is not
implemented or appropriately configured, ActionScript applications can be vulnerable to
attack.
Cryptographic failures can range from weak encryption algorithms to improper key
management, allowing attackers to gain access to sensitive data that has been encrypted.
Furthermore, if cryptographic keys are not correctly secured or managed, attackers may
also be able to reverse-engineer them, allowing them to gain access to the data.
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2. Inadequate ActionScript Resources
ActionScript is a relatively newer programming language, and thus, ActionScript developers often find
themselves lacking access to ActionScript resources.
Compared to other programming languages, ActionScript still needs to mature in terms of
documentation and tutorials. ActionScript is also a more niche language, which can make it hard to find
ActionScript developers when ActionScript applications need to be scaled up.
3. ActionScript Debugging Difficulties
Debugging ActionScript applications can be challenging due to
ActionScript’s lack of debugging tools and its complexity. ActionScript
developers often have to manually debug ActionScript code, which can
be a difficult and time-consuming process. ActionScript developers also
have to take additional steps for debugging ActionScript applications that
rely on external data sources, such as databases.
ActionScript does not have as many debugging tools as other programming languages, such as Java and
C++. This can make it difficult for ActionScript developers to identify and fix ActionScript code errors,
leading to issues such as application crashes and software security vulnerabilities.
4. ActionScript Performance and Optimization
ActionScript applications often require additional optimization and performance tuning due to
ActionScript’s limited language features. ActionScript developers often have to optimize ActionScript
code manually, which can be a difficult and time-consuming process. ActionScript developers also have
to take additional measures to ensure that ActionScript applications are optimized for different
platforms and devices, such as mobile devices.
ActionScript has limited support for optimization techniques such as parallel processing and threading
compared to other programming languages. This can make ActionScript applications more prone to
performance issues, leading to application crashes and security vulnerabilities.
5. ActionScript Versioning
ActionScript applications often have to be updated and tested for compatibility with different
ActionScript versions. ActionScript developers often have to ensure that their applications are
compatible with multiple ActionScript versions, which can be difficult and time-consuming. ActionScript
applications can also be vulnerable to versioning issues, such as ActionScript code that only works with
specific ActionScript versions.
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In comparison to other programming languages, ActionScript has a more dynamic versioning system
that can be difficult for ActionScript developers to manage. ActionScript also has limited version control
tools, which can make it difficult for ActionScript developers to identify and fix ActionScript code errors
related to ActionScript versioning issues. This can lead to ActionScript applications being vulnerable to
security issues and application crashes, which can be a significant risk when developing ActionScript
applications.
As ActionScript is a programming language, the risks associated with ActionScript development are
similar to those related to other development languages such as Java and C++. However, ActionScript
has unique risks associated with it, such as ActionScript versioning and ActionScript debugging
difficulties. Therefore, ActionScript developers need to take additional steps to ensure that ActionScript
applications are secure and optimized to mitigate these risks.
The Cost of Not Securing ActionScript
Applications
The consequences of insecure ActionScript applications can
be costly in terms of time and money. ActionScript application
vulnerabilities can lead to data breaches, crashes, and other
issues impacting an organization’s reputation and bottom line.
Data Breaches
In 2021, Android experienced one of the most significant data breaches in history after a
misconfiguration of cloud services occurred. The error exposed databases containing over 100 million
users’ personal information, including names, email addresses, dates of birth, chat messages, location,
gender, passwords, photos, payment information, phone numbers, and push notifications.
A report by IBM revealed that the average cost of a data breach in the US is $9.44 million, which is $5.09
million more than the global average. Databases are a common target for malicious actors, and
ActionScript applications can be vulnerable to data breaches if data security measures are not taken. It
is, therefore, essential for ActionScript developers to ensure that ActionScript applications are secure
and regularly updated with the latest security patches.
Application Crashes
Malicious attacks can lead to applications crashing, which can be damaging to businesses in terms of
money and reputation. In 2022, 70 Ukrainian government websites crashed due to malicious cyber-at-
tacks designed by Russian hackers. Diia was one of the main websites compromised in the attack, which
offers government services like storing personal vaccination records and certificates (and also allowed
Ukrainian citizens to report the movement of Russian troops).
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Such crashes cost time and money to repair, adversely affecting an institution’s bottom line. ActionScript
applications can be vulnerable to attacks if the ActionScript code is faulty or outdated. This is why
ActionScript developers should ensure that their applications are regularly tested for errors and
optimized for performance to reduce the risk of application crashes.
Loss of Customer Trust
Data breaches and application crashes can lead to a bad reputation for organizations, which can be
damaging in the long term. Customers may be reluctant to use services from companies that have
experienced data breaches, which can impact the customer base and decrease sales. For example, in
2010, Farmville, a popular Facebook game developed by Zynga, experienced a data breach that led to the
personal information of over 200 million users being exposed. The company faced backlash from
customers and experienced a decrease in profits due to the breach.
How Organizations Can Secure
ActionScript Applications
Organizations can take certain proactive measures to secure ActionScript applications and reduce the
risk of data breaches and application crashes, including:
Adopting Industry Security Best Practices
Organizations should adopt security best practices such as using secure coding techniques, encrypting
data, and regularly patching ActionScript applications with the latest security patches to reduce the risk
of data breaches and application crashes.
Data Encryption
Cryptographic failures are one of the most common data security risks for ActionScript
applications. These attacks occur when an attacker can decrypt sensitive data stored
within an ActionScript application.
Data encryption is a process by which developers can ensure that any secure or sensitive
data stored within an ActionScript application is protected from potential attackers. By
encrypting the data, ActionScript developers can ensure that any sensitive data is kept
secure and safe from malicious attacks. Developers can encrypt data in the following ways:
• Symmetric encryption: This type of encryption uses a single key to encrypt and
decrypt data.
• Asymmetric encryption: This type of encryption requires two different keys for
encrypting and decrypting data.
• Hashing algorithms: This type of encryption uses a mathematical algorithm to
create a hash value for the data, which is then used to store and transfer the data
securely.
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Input Validation
As discussed earlier, injection attacks are one of the most common security risks of which
ActionScript developers need to be aware. These attacks occur when malicious code is
injected into an ActionScript application, allowing hackers to access the application and
sensitive data.
Input validation effectively prevents injection attacks by ensuring that user input is
sanitized before the application processes it. This process works by checking the user
input in an ActionScript application to ensure it is valid and secure, thus protecting it
against malicious attacks.
Patch Management
Patch management aims to efficiently and promptly distribute updates that fix software
errors, commonly known as vulnerabilities or bugs. When bugs arise, organizations should
take the necessary steps to apply the latest security patches to reduce the risk of data
breaches and application crashes. The process involves continuous monitoring of
ActionScript applications for errors, followed by prompt patching with the latest software
security updates.
Endpoint Security
In addition, organizations should also employ endpoint security measures such as firewalls
and antivirus software. Firewalls help protect against malicious traffic and intrusions,
while antivirus software helps detect and remove malicious code from ActionScript
applications.
Backups
Organizations should also create regular backups of their ActionScript applications to
restore them in the event of data breaches or application crashes. By creating backups,
organizations can quickly restore their ActionScript applications and ensure minimal
downtime in case of system failure.
Regular Testing
Various tools are available for application testing, such as static application security testing (SAST),
software composition analysis (SCA), and Add-Ons.
SAST
SAST is a critical component of the software development life cycle, helping teams identify
applications’ vulnerabilities before deployment. Teams can code, test, and revise in this
stage to ensure production products meet expectations.
Kiuwan’s SAST solution can help ActionScript developers assess applications and
eliminate potential risks before they are released. Developers can use SAST to scan...
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...ActionScript code for security vulnerabilities and errors, identify and fix ActionScript
code issues, and reduce the risk of application crashes and data breaches.
SCA
Open-source solutions come with many security, dependency, and license compatibility
issues that developers must consider before launching applications.
SCA is a tool that developers can use to scan ActionScript code for known open-source
vulnerabilities and license violations. This tool scans ActionScript code and compares it
to a database of known open-source components. If any issues are found, developers can
work to identify and address any potential risks.
Kiuwan SCA allows developers to test the security of applications. This tool can help
identify any open-source components that could be vulnerable to malicious attacks and
work to address any issues before launching ActionScript applications into production.
Add-Ons
Add-Ons are third-party components developers can add to applications to extend the
application’s functionality. They add features and functionalities to ActionScript
applications to enhance the user experience.
However, ActionScript developers should be aware that these third-party components can
introduce potential security risks to ActionScript applications, as they may contain
malicious code that hackers can use to gain access. ActionScript developers should always
ensure that any Add-Ons they use are obtained from reliable sources and that ActionScript
applications are regularly tested for security vulnerabilities.
Kiuwan’s Add-Ons allow organizations to improve security by identifying code defects
quickly and managing remediation efforts. Kiuwan Code Analysis (QA) integrates directly
into the development infrastructure, providing decision-support indicators for changes.
This tool is a multifaceted addition to the Kiuwan platform that goes beyond code analysis
to secure your codebase entirely from start to finish.
Benefits of Securing ActionScript
Applications
As is often the case with software development, securing ActionScript applications is a complex
process. However, taking proactive steps to secure these applications can provide organizations
numerous benefits:
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1. Improved user experience: Secure ActionScript applications can provide users with a
better and safer user experience, as they are less likely to encounter issues and malicious
attacks.
2. Reduced risk of data breaches: By taking the proper steps to secure ActionScript
applications, organizations can reduce the risk of data breaches, as any malicious code is
less likely to gain access to the application.
3. Better compliance: Organizations can also benefit from improved compliance with
industry regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR, as ActionScript applications that are
securely developed and maintained can help organizations remain compliant.
4. Save time and money: Securing ActionScript applications can help organizations save
time by taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of application crashes or data breaches.
Additionally, taking the proper steps to secure ActionScript applications can help
organizations save money, as they are less likely to spend resources addressing security
issues or data breaches.
5. Increased customer trust: Finally, secure ActionScript applications can also help organi-
zations build customer trust, as customers are more likely to trust and use
applications that they know are secure.
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Secure Your ActionScript Applications
Security is a critical component of any successful software
development project. Taking the proper steps to secure your
ActionScript applications can help ensure that they remain
safe and secure and provide numerous benefits for organizations.
ActionScript developers are responsible for ensuring that the
applications they create are secure. Kiuwan is the best solution for
ActionScript developers to use to test and secure their applications.
Kiuwan is a powerful application security tool that can help ActionScript developers identify any open-
source components that could be vulnerable to malicious attacks and work to address any issues before
launching ActionScript applications into production. Additionally, Kiuwan’s Add-Ons allow organizations
to improve security by identifying code defects quickly and managing remediation efforts.
Explore Kiuwan further with a free trial, and ensure that your ActionScript applications are properly
protected and provide users with a safe and secure user experience.
YOU KNOW CODE, WE KNOW SECURITY!
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