React Excessive Data Exposure: Examples and Prevention

Excessive data exposure is a security vulnerability in web applications where the front end requests more data than necessary, potentially revealing sensitive information that attackers could exploit. This issue arises when server responses include data that is not used by the front-end application, allowing malicious actors to access it through browser developer tools. The article highlights how this vulnerability can manifest in scenarios like an e-commerce platform, where sensitive data such as credit card details might be exposed unnecessarily. To prevent this, developers should refactor REST API endpoints to ensure only necessary data is sent to the client or opt for GraphQL APIs, which allow the front end to specify and request only the required data. By using GraphQL, developers can mitigate excessive data exposure by controlling the data retrieved, as demonstrated through examples involving a React application and a mock GraphQL API. The article underscores the importance of backend and frontend collaboration to safeguard user data, suggesting best practices for handling API requests effectively.