Understanding CSP Fundamentals

CSP works by establishing a policy that browsers enforce when loading and executing content. When a browser encounters a CSP header, it blocks any resources that violate the specified policy, preventing malicious code execution even if an attacker successfully injects content into your pages. This browser-enforced security model transforms potential vulnerabilities into blocked attempts, logged and reported for analysis.

The power of CSP lies in its directive-based approach. Each directive controls a specific type of resource or behavior, allowing precise security configurations tailored to your application's needs. From controlling script sources to managing frame ancestors, CSP provides comprehensive protection mechanisms that adapt to various security requirements.