Information Disclosure via X-Framework Header

Description

The 'X-Framework' header reveals which underlying framework (e.g., Laravel, Django, Spring) the application uses. By disclosing this information, attackers gain insight into the technology stack and can specifically target known vulnerabilities, default configurations, or unpatched components associated with that framework. This knowledge also facilitates social engineering efforts, such as phishing campaigns or technical support impersonation. Ultimately, exposing the framework name or version broadens the attack surface, allowing malicious actors to focus on framework-specific weaknesses and potentially escalate to more damaging exploits.

Remediation

Remove or obscure the 'X-Framework' header at the server or application level to avoid broadcasting framework details. Most modern frameworks provide a configuration setting or plugin to suppress such identifying headers. If you rely on reverse proxies or load balancers, ensure they are configured to strip or rewrite outgoing headers that leak framework information. Keep your framework and associated libraries updated with the latest security patches to mitigate known exploits. Additionally, consider deploying a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or intrusion detection system to detect malicious attempts targeting framework-specific flaws. Regularly audit your response headers to confirm that no unnecessary technology details are leaked.

References

Severity

Owasp

Code: A05:2021

Category: Security Misconfiguration

Classification