How does the X-Frame-Options HTTP header protect against clickjacking? Learn how this security measure prevents malicious sites from embedding your login page in invisible frames—essential for CompTIA Security+ (Plus) SY0-701 exam success.
Table of Contents
Question
A security team implements the X-Frame-Options HTTP header to prevent a malicious website from embedding their login page inside an invisible frame. What attack does this mitigate?
A. Cross-site scripting (XSS)
B. Clickjacking
C. CSRF
D. Buffer overflow
E. Session fixation
Answer
B. Clickjacking
Explanation
Clickjacking tricks users into clicking invisible elements (e.g., a “Like” button or login submission), often by embedding content in an iframe.
Implementing the X-Frame-Options HTTP header mitigates clickjacking attacks.
Clickjacking is an attack where a malicious website embeds another site (such as a login page) inside a hidden or transparent frame (iframe), tricking users into clicking on elements they cannot see or do not intend to interact with. This can result in unauthorized actions, such as submitting login credentials or performing transactions without the user’s knowledge.
The X-Frame-Options header instructs browsers whether a page can be displayed within a <frame>, <iframe>, <embed>, or <object> element. By setting this header to DENY or SAMEORIGIN, site owners prevent their pages from being embedded in frames on unauthorized domains, effectively blocking clickjacking attempts.
Industry best practices and security organizations, including OWASP, recommend using X-Frame-Options to defend against clickjacking and UI redress attacks.
This header is widely supported by modern browsers and is a fundamental defense for any web application that handles sensitive user actions or data.
The X-Frame-Options header prevents malicious sites from embedding your login page in an invisible frame, protecting users from clickjacking attacks that hijack clicks and keystrokes for unauthorized actions.
CompTIA Security+ (Plus) SY0-701 certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the CompTIA Security+ (Plus) SY0-701 exam and earn CompTIA Security+ (Plus) SY0-701 certification.