Web services attacks can be mitigated by filtering improper XML syntax because these attacks often exploit vulnerabilities in web services that accept XML input. XML filtering ensures that only properly formatted XML data is processed by the web service. This can prevent various forms of XML-related attacks, such as XML injection or XML External Entity (XXE) attacks, where attackers attempt to interfere with the processing of XML data.

References: The EC-Council’s Certified SOC Analyst (CSA) program covers the fundamentals of SOC operations, including the identification and validation of intrusion attempts, and the use of SIEM solutions for enhanced threat detection. The program emphasizes the importance of understanding the various types of attacks and the appropriate defensive measures, including the filtering of improper XML syntax to protect against web services attacks12.