React XML External Entities Guide: Examples and Prevention

XML External Entities (XXE) vulnerabilities pose significant security risks, particularly in web development environments like the React tech stack. These vulnerabilities exploit XML parsing weaknesses, allowing attackers to access sensitive server files through crafted XML payloads. To mitigate this threat, developers should avoid libraries that support entity replacement, keep libraries updated, and consider using simpler data formats like JSON. The article emphasizes the importance of disabling external entities in XML processing and leveraging tools like Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) to identify and address potential vulnerabilities. Juan Reyes, the author, combines his technical expertise with personal experiences to provide insights into self-development and leadership.