Web Application Attacks Highlight Remote Code Execution as the Most Critical Threat
Hackers increasingly target web applications as a primary route into networks and data. Recent findings show that 42% of these incidents involve remote code execution, the riskiest form of breach because it often gives attackers near unlimited control over the compromised system. The insight comes from socialbites.ca, based on an in-depth study conducted by Bi.Zone.
Bi.Zone describes RCE exploitation as the most dangerous threat not only because it occurs frequently but also due to the potential severity of outcomes. When successful, an attacker could seize full command of the target environment, which means the ability to erase, alter, or steal sensitive information and disrupt system operations.
The Bi.Zone analysis examined web attacks aimed at public-facing applications during the first half of 2024. The report found that nearly three-quarters of the attempts targeted content management, customer relationship management, and collaboration platforms such as Bitrix, WordPress, and Confluence.
Experts point to a mix of factors driving these assault patterns. First, these platforms are pervasive across companies of all sizes and sectors. Second, they are continuously updated and augmented with third-party modules, which often introduces new vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. Third, these applications are frequently reachable not just from internal networks but from the open internet, with public websites and internal CRM and wiki systems relied on for routine tasks and collaboration.
The top three web-based threats identified are RCE, attempts to access configuration files, and theft of user data, representing 42%, 16%, and 15% of observed attacks respectively.
Historically, Russia has led in the number of databases leaked to the Darknet, according to the same Bi.Zone findings.