httpOnly

HttpOnly is a flag that can be set on HTTP cookies to limit access to the cookie from client-side code. When a cookie is marked HttpOnly, it is not accessible through JavaScript (for example via document.cookie) and is sent to the server only with HTTP requests. This helps prevent a stolen session cookie via cross-site scripting (XSS) exploits.

Usage: the server includes the HttpOnly attribute in the Set-Cookie header, for example: Set-Cookie: sessionId=abc123; Path=/; HttpOnly; Secure. Modern browsers store such cookies and will not expose them to scripts, while they remain sent with relevant requests to the origin.

Limitations: HttpOnly prevents access by JavaScript, but cookies can still be sent to the server in legitimate requests and be exposed via other attack vectors such as insecure networks if not using HTTPS, malware, or compromised browsers/extensions. It also does not protect against server-side breaches or against Cross-Site Request Forgery without additional protections such as SameSite and anti-CSRF tokens.

Adoption and best practices: Use HttpOnly for session cookies, and combine with Secure (only over HTTPS) and SameSite (Lax or Strict). Regularly review cookie scopes (Domain, Path) and implement input validation and CSP to reduce XSS risk. HttpOnly is a defense-in-depth measure, not a complete solution.