Introduction
CSRF attacks continue to be one of the most misunderstood yet dangerous web security issues. In a Cross-Site Request Forgery attack, the system does not break authentication or steal credentials. Instead, it abuses trust that already exists between a user, their browser, and a web application.
Because users are often logged in for long periods, attackers can exploit trusted sessions to perform actions without the user’s knowledge. As a result, CSRF attacks can change settings, move money, or modify data while everything appears normal.
In 2026, CSRF attacks remain relevant because web applications still rely heavily on cookies, sessions, and browser-based authentication. Therefore, understanding how CSRF attacks work is essential for developers, security teams, and organisations building modern web systems.
What Are CSRF Attacks?
These attacks (Cross-Site Request Forgery) occur when an attacker tricks a victim’s browser into sending an unintended request to a trusted website where the user is already authenticated.
To explain this clearly, let’s break down the core idea:
- The user is already logged in to a website
- The browser automatically includes session cookies with requests
- The attacker causes the browser to send a request without the user’s intent
Importantly, these attacks do not steal session cookies. Instead, they abuse an existing trusted session to perform actions as the user.
This is why CSRF attacks are often described as attacks on trust, not on authentication itself.
How CSRF Attacks Work
To understand why these attacks are effective, it helps to follow the flow.
Step 1: User logs in
The user signs into a web application, such as:
- A banking portal
- An admin dashboard
- A SaaS platform
The browser stores a session cookie.
Step 2: Session remains active
The user stays logged in while browsing other websites.
Step 3: Attacker delivers a forged request
The attacker embeds a request inside:
- A malicious website
- An email
- An image tag
- A hidden form
Step 4: Browser sends the request automatically
Because the browser trusts the target website, it includes the session cookie automatically.
Step 5: Application processes the action
The server sees:
- A valid request
- A valid session
- No obvious signs of attack
As a result, the action succeeds.
Why CSRF Attacks Hijack Trusted Sessions
Although the word hijacked is often associated with stolen sessions, these attacks work differently.
These attacks hijack the trust relationship, not the session token itself.
This happens because:
- Browsers automatically attach cookies
- Servers assume authenticated requests are intentional
- No user interaction is required after login
Consequently, attackers can perform actions while remaining invisible.
CSRF Attacks vs Session Hijacking vs XSS
Many people confuse these attacks with other web attacks. However, the differences matter.
CSRF attacks
- Abuse existing authenticated sessions
- Do not steal cookies
- Rely on browser behaviour
Session hijacking
- Steals or intercepts session tokens
- Often involves network or XSS attacks
XSS (Cross-Site Scripting)
- Injects malicious scripts
- Can be used to enable session hijacking or CSRF
Understanding these distinctions helps teams apply the correct defenses.
Why CSRF Attacks Still Matter in 2026
Some assume CSRF is an “old” vulnerability. However, several modern trends keep it relevant.
Cookies remain widely used
Many applications still rely on cookie-based authentication.
Single-page applications (SPAs)
SPAs often expose APIs that trust browser requests.
APIs used from browsers
When APIs accept cookies, CSRF risks return.
SameSite misconfigurations
Incorrect cookie settings can re-enable CSRF.
Complex user flows
Long-lived sessions increase exposure.
As a result, CSRF attacks continue to appear in real-world incidents.
Real-World CSRF Scenario
Imagine a user logged into an internal admin panel. While browsing the internet, they visit a compromised website.
That page silently submits a request to the admin panel:
- Change email address
- Reset security settings
- Add a new user
Because the browser sends the request with a valid session, the system accepts it.
The user never clicks a button. Yet the damage is done.
This scenario reflects how CSRF attacks exploit normal behaviour rather than technical weaknesses.
Why CSRF Attacks Are Hard to Detect
These attacks blend into legitimate traffic.
Requests look normal
They come from valid users.
No unusual login activity
Authentication already exists.
Logs show valid sessions
Nothing appears suspicious.
Actions appear intentional
Servers cannot see user intent.
Therefore, prevention matters more than detection.
Impact on Businesses / Individuals
For Businesses
- Unauthorized account changes
- Financial loss through forced actions
- Data manipulation
- Privilege abuse
- Compliance violations
- Loss of customer trust
For Individuals
- Account takeover side effects
- Financial damage
- Privacy breaches
- Locked accounts
- Stress and confusion
How to Prevent CSRF Attacks
Preventing these attacks requires explicit protections.
Use CSRF tokens
Each sensitive request should include a unique, unpredictable token.
Validate request origins
Check headers such as Origin and Referer.
Configure SameSite cookies correctly
Restrict when cookies are sent cross-site.
Avoid state-changing GET requests
Sensitive actions should use POST or PUT.
Separate browser and API authentication
Do not reuse cookie-based auth unnecessarily.
Educate development teams
CSRF risks often come from assumptions, not negligence.
CSRF remains a recognised web security risk in modern application security guidance from OWASP. Read more
Why CSRF Is a Design Problem, Not a User Problem
These attacks succeed because systems assume that authenticated requests equal user intent. However, browsers cannot distinguish between legitimate clicks and forged requests.
Therefore, CSRF protection must be built into application design. Users cannot prevent CSRF attacks on their own.
Conclusion
CSRF attacks demonstrate how trust can become a vulnerability. By abusing trusted user sessions, attackers can perform actions without stealing credentials or triggering alarms.
In 2026, these attacks remain relevant because browsers, cookies, and sessions are still core parts of web architecture. By implementing proper protections and designing with intent verification in mind, organisations can significantly reduce this risk.
At eSHIELD IT Services, we help businesses identify and mitigate vulnerabilities like CSRF by aligning secure design with real-world threat behaviour.
FAQ
What are CSRF attacks?
They trick a browser into sending unauthorized requests using a trusted session.
Do CSRF attacks steal session cookies?
No, they abuse existing sessions instead.
Can CSRF happen over HTTPS?
Yes, HTTPS does not stop CSRF.
Are APIs vulnerable to CSRF?
Yes, if they rely on cookies.
Is CSRF the same as session hijacking?
No, the attack mechanism is different.
Do SameSite cookies prevent CSRF?
They help, but must be configured correctly.
Are SPAs immune to CSRF?
No, not when cookies are involved.
Can users detect CSRF attacks?
Usually not.
Is CSRF still relevant in 2026?
Yes, especially in web applications.
Who is responsible for preventing CSRF?
Developers and security teams.
