The popular travel booking website, Booking.com, has been found to have a critical API security flaw that could allow hackers to take over user accounts and access sensitive information. The flaw, which was discovered by cybersecurity researchers, highlights the need for online companies to prioritize API security and take measures to prevent unauthorized access.
Booking.com is a popular travel booking website used by millions of people worldwide. However, the site has recently been found to have a critical API security flaw that could allow hackers to take over user accounts and access sensitive information. The flaw was discovered by cybersecurity researchers from AppSecure, who identified that the Booking.com API could be used to gain access to any user account.
The flaw allows hackers to bypass the authentication process and access user accounts by modifying the booking reference number and email ID in the API request. With this access, they can view personal information such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and even credit card details.
AppSecure reported the vulnerability to Booking.com in April 2021, and the company has since patched the flaw. However, the vulnerability may have existed for years, and it is unclear whether any user accounts were compromised as a result of the flaw.
This incident highlights the importance of API security, particularly for companies that handle sensitive information such as travel bookings. APIs are the interface between applications and databases, and they are often used to share information between different applications. However, they can also be a weak point in a company’s security if not properly secured.
APIs need to be designed with security in mind, with access controls, encryption, and other measures put in place to prevent unauthorized access. Companies should also regularly conduct security audits and testing to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Conclusion:
The API security flaw found in Booking.com highlights the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity and taking proactive measures to prevent unauthorized access. Online companies that handle sensitive information should prioritize API security and ensure that proper measures are in place to protect user data. Cybersecurity researchers
