Attack authorization schemes involve exploiting weaknesses in a web application's authorization mechanisms to gain unauthorized access or perform actions beyond a user's privileges. In the context of Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) training and web application hacking, understanding these schemes is…Attack authorization schemes involve exploiting weaknesses in a web application's authorization mechanisms to gain unauthorized access or perform actions beyond a user's privileges. In the context of Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) training and web application hacking, understanding these schemes is crucial for identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities. Common attack authorization schemes include Broken Access Control, Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR), and privilege escalation techniques.
Broken Access Control occurs when an application does not properly enforce restrictions on user actions, allowing attackers to access restricted resources or perform unauthorized operations. For example, if a user can modify URL parameters to access another user's data, the access control is considered broken.
Insecure Direct Object References involve manipulating references to internal objects, such as files, database records, or URLs, to gain unauthorized access. An attacker might change a parameter value to access another user's information without proper authorization checks.
Privilege Escalation attacks exploit flaws that allow users to gain higher access levels than intended. This can occur through vulnerabilities in role-based access controls, where an attacker might assume an administrator role by exploiting configuration errors or software bugs.
Other authorization attack vectors include Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), where unauthorized commands are transmitted from a user that the web application trusts, and session hijacking, where an attacker takes over a user's session to perform actions on their behalf.
Effective defense against these attack authorization schemes involves implementing robust access control policies, regularly auditing and testing authorization mechanisms, enforcing the principle of least privilege, and employing secure coding practices. Utilizing tools for automated security testing and conducting manual penetration testing can help identify and remediate authorization flaws. Additionally, adopting security frameworks and standards, such as the OWASP Access Control Cheat Sheet, provides guidelines for strengthening authorization controls and protecting web applications from unauthorized access and actions.
Attack Authorization Schemes
Understanding Attack Authorization Schemes
Authorization schemes are critical security mechanisms that determine what actions users can perform after they have been authenticated. Attacking these schemes is a significant threat vector that ethical hackers and security professionals must understand.
Why Understanding Authorization Attacks is Important
Authorization attacks can allow attackers to: - Access restricted functionality and resources - Escalate privileges beyond their assigned level - Bypass security controls intended to limit user actions - Perform actions as other users, including administrators - Extract sensitive data from systems
In security certifications like CEH, understanding these attack vectors is essential for both defending against them and demonstrating technical security knowledge.
Common Authorization Attack Techniques
1. Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR) This occurs when applications expose internal implementation objects to users. For example, changing a parameter in a URL from account?id=123 to account?id=124 to access another user's account.
2. Horizontal Privilege Escalation Accessing resources of another user with the same privilege level.
3. Vertical Privilege Escalation Gaining access to functions reserved for higher-privilege users.
4. Parameter Tampering Modifying parameters sent to the server to manipulate authorization checks.
5. Forced Browsing Attempting to access restricted URLs by guessing their existence.
6. Path Traversal Using "../" sequences to access files outside the web root directory.
7. JWT Attacks Manipulating JSON Web Tokens to bypass authorization.
Authorization Vulnerabilities to Know
- Missing Function Level Access Control: When applications fail to verify authorization on the server side for each function.
- Client-Side Authorization: When authorization is implemented only on the client side and can be bypassed.
- Improper Session Management: When the application doesn't properly maintain and validate session states.
- Insecure Role/Permission Management: When roles and permissions are not properly defined or enforced.
Tools Used for Authorization Attacks
- Burp Suite (Proxy and Authorization add-ons) - OWASP ZAP - Browser developer tools - Custom scripts for token manipulation - JWT debugging tools (e.g., jwt.io)
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Attack Authorization Schemes
1. Understand the Difference Between Authentication and Authorization Authentication verifies identity (who you are), while authorization determines what you can do.
2. Know Authorization Mechanisms Be familiar with Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC), Mandatory Access Control (MAC), and Discretionary Access Control (DAC).
3. Recognize Attack Patterns Questions often describe scenarios - recognize which authorization attack is being described.
4. Focus on Business Logic Many authorization flaws relate to business logic errors. Pay attention to questions about workflow bypass or accessing restricted functions.
5. Understand Defense Mechanisms Know how to implement proper authorization controls, such as: - Server-side validation of access rights - Principle of least privilege - Regular permission reviews - Control of session management
6. Read Multiple Choice Options Carefully For multiple choice questions, look for key terms related to authorization attacks. Eliminate options that relate to other attack types.
7. Context Matters The appropriate authorization model depends on the context. Select answers that match the scenario described.
8. Common Exam Scenarios Be prepared for questions on: - Scenarios where an ordinary user accesses admin functions - URL manipulation to access unauthorized resources - Business logic flaws that allow bypassing purchase processes - API authorization bypass techniques
Understanding authorization attacks requires thinking about applications from both a developer and attacker perspective. Consider what checks might be missing and how an attacker could circumvent authorization mechanisms.