Complete Breakdown of PCI DSS 6.4.3 & 11.6.1 Payment Page Security Requirements

Overview of the Requirements

PCI DSS 4.0 introduces targeted controls to secure payment pages by ensuring that only approved scripts are executed and that the integrity of the payment page is continuously verified.

PCI DSS 6.4.3: Securing Payment Page Scripts

PCI DSS 6.4.3 is focused on the scripts running on payment pages and is divided into three main sub-requirements:

1. Script Authorization A method is implemented to confirm that each script is authorized.

2. Script Integrity A method is implemented to confirm the integrity of each script.

3. Script Inventory An inventory of all scripts is maintained with written business or technical justification as to why each is necessary.

PCI DSS 11.6.1: Payment Page Integrity Verification

PCI DSS 11.6.1 is dedicated to detecting unauthorized changes to payment page content.

• To alert personnel to unauthorized modification (including indicators of compromise, changes, additions, and deletions) to the HTTP headers and the script contents of payment pages as received by the consumer browser.
• The mechanism is configured to evaluate the received HTTP headers and payment pages.
• The mechanism functions are performed as follows:
• At least weekly
• OR
• Periodically (at the frequency defined in the entity’s targeted risk analysis, which is performed according to all elements specified in Requirement 12.3.1).

Benefits and Impact

• Enhanced Security Posture: By maintaining an updated inventory and strictly controlling script execution, organizations can effectively minimize the risk of web skimming and other attacks targeting payment pages.

• Rapid Detection & Response: Continuous integrity checks ensure that any unauthorized modifications to the payment page or its scripts are detected in real time, allowing for quick intervention before any sensitive data is compromised.

• Regulatory Compliance: Meeting the requirements of PCI DSS 6.4.3 and 11.6.1 not only improves security but also helps organizations maintain compliance with industry standards, thereby safeguarding customer trust and reducing potential legal and financial penalties.

Implementing Effective Controls

To successfully implement the requirements of PCI DSS 6.4.3 and 11.6.1, organizations should consider the following best practices:

1. Automated Script Discovery and Cataloging: Implement automated tools that can discover and catalog all scripts running on payment pages, including third-party scripts and dependencies.

2. Change Management Processes: Establish robust change management processes for script approvals, including security reviews and documentation of business justification.

3. Real-time Monitoring Solutions: Deploy solutions that provide real-time monitoring of script activity and page integrity, with immediate alerts for unauthorized changes.

4. Regular Security Testing: Conduct regular security assessments to validate the effectiveness of implemented controls and identify potential vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

The breakdown of PCI DSS requirements 6.4.3 and 11.6.1 highlights a proactive approach to securing online payment pages. By ensuring a robust script inventory, enforcing strict authorization protocols, and performing continuous integrity checks, organizations can better protect themselves against evolving cyber threats and maintain compliance with industry standards.

Ready to secure your payment pages against web skimming threats? Contact PylonSec for a comprehensive security assessment and tailored solutions for PCI DSS 4.0 compliance.