What does proper functioning of a CSRF Token ensure?

The proper functioning of a CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery) token is essential in ensuring that unauthorized commands are not executed on behalf of a user without their consent. CSRF tokens are unique, secret values that are generated by the server and associated with the user's current session. When a user submits a form or performs actions that change data on the server, the CSRF token must be included in the request. This ensures that the request is intentional and originates from a legitimate source, specifically from the user's active session.

By verifying the presence and validity of this token with each state-changing request, the server can distinguish between legitimate user actions and malicious attempts to exploit a user's authenticated session. If the CSRF token is missing or is not what the server expects, the request will be rejected. This prevents attackers from using other websites to submit forms or trigger actions within a user's authenticated session, thereby effectively mitigating the risk of session hijacking.

While other choices touch on aspects of web functionality, they do not pertain to the specific role that CSRF tokens play in securing user sessions against unauthorized actions. Thus, the primary function of a CSRF token is to protect against session hijacking by ensuring that all requests to perform actions are legitimate and initiated by