What does a Web Application Firewall (WAF) primarily protect against?

A Web Application Firewall (WAF) primarily protects against HTTP attacks. These types of attacks specifically target web applications by exploiting vulnerabilities within the HTTP protocol. Common forms of HTTP attacks include SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other application layer threats that aim to compromise the security of web applications.

The WAF functions by monitoring, filtering, and modifying HTTP traffic to and from a web application, allowing it to analyze incoming requests and block those that appear malicious or potentially harmful. By focusing on the web application layer, a WAF is effective at mitigating risks associated not only with unauthorized access and data exfiltration but also with ensuring the integrity and availability of the web application itself.

While it's true that a WAF might offer some measure of protection against various other attacks, its primary purpose and design are centered on securing web applications from the specific vulnerabilities and attack vectors that target the HTTP layer.