Guide to Security in Kotlin
Blog post from StackHawk
Security in software development encompasses various aspects, including safe execution on the JVM for Kotlin applications, language API security, and broader application security concerns such as vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS). The Kotlin team addresses security issues at the JVM and API levels through updates and patches, while developers are responsible for mitigating application security risks through practices like input validation and data encryption. Kotlin's strengths in security include null safety to prevent application crashes and libraries for data encryption, while weaknesses include the potential for reverse engineering and exposure of sensitive data via internet-driven APIs. Frameworks such as Ktor, Spring, and Javalin highlight common vulnerabilities if not implemented properly, like SQL injection and XSS attacks. Security best practices for Kotlin involve validating user inputs, avoiding hard-coded API keys, maintaining up-to-date software, and encrypting data in transit. Common security attacks in Kotlin applications include SQL injection, XSS, command injection, cross-site request forgery (CSRF), and issues related to HTTP transport security, emphasizing the need for developers to stay vigilant and proactive in securing their applications.