Improper authentication is a security weakness that occurswhen a system does not properly verify the identity of usersor entities attempting to access it. Improper authenticationcan occur in various forms, such as no password, weak or easilyguessed passwords, absence of multi-factor authentication,lack of session timeouts, etc.
Inadequate authentication mechanisms can allow unauthorizedusers to gain access to a system, potentially leading to databreaches, data loss, or unauthorized access to sensitive resources.
Examples of improper authentication vulnerabilities include:
- No authentication: When there is no authentication for a critical function, then attackers get unrestricted access easily.
- Weak passwords: When users choose weak passwords, it makes it easier for attackers to guess or crack them.
- Lack of multi-factor authentication: Multi-factor authentication, such as using a password and a one-time code sent to a user's mobile device, can provide an extra layer of security. If multi-factor authentication is not used, an attacker who has obtained a user's password can gain access to the system.
- Lack of session timeouts: When users do not log out of the system, the session may remain active, allowing an attacker to hijack the session and gain access to the system.
Check out this video for a high-level explanation:
What is the impact of improper authentication?
Improper authentication can lead to various security threats, such as:
- Data breaches: Improper authentication can allow unauthorized users to gain access to sensitive data, leading to data breaches, data loss, or unauthorized access to confidential information.
- Unauthorized access to resources: Attackers can exploit improper authentication to gain unauthorized access to resources, such as servers, databases, and applications.
- Impersonation of legitimate users: Attackers can use stolen or weak credentials to impersonate legitimate users and perform actions on their behalf.
- Account takeover: Attackers can use improper authentication to take over user accounts and gain access to sensitive data or resources.
- Compliance violations: Improper authentication can lead to violations of regulatory compliance requirements, such as data protection regulations.
- Reputation damage: A successful attack exploiting improper authentication can lead to loss of customer trust and reputational damage for the organization.
To prevent improper authentication vulnerabilities, it is essentialto implement secure authentication mechanisms that verify the identityof users and entities attempting to access the system.
Here are some measures that can help prevent improper authentication:
- Strong passwords: Implement password policies that require users to choose strong, unique, and complex passwords. This can include length requirements, character complexity requirements, and password expiration policies.
- Multi-factor authentication: Use multi-factor authentication to provide an extra layer of security. This can include using a password and a one-time code sent to a user's mobile device or using biometric authentication.
- Session timeouts: Implement session timeouts to ensure that users are automatically logged out of the system after a certain period of inactivity. This can help prevent unauthorized access to the system through hijacked sessions.
- Access controls: Implement access controls that restrict access to sensitive resources and data based on user roles and permissions. This can help prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information or systems.
- User education: Educate users about the importance of strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and other best practices for secure authentication. This can include regular reminders, training, and awareness campaigns.
- Regular security audits: Regularly audit your system for security vulnerabilities, including improper authentication vulnerabilities. Use automated tools and manual testing to identify potential issues and fix them before they can be exploited.
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Taxonomies
Explanation & Prevention
Related CVEs
FAQs
Examples of improper authentication vulnerabilities include: No authentication: When there is no authentication for a critical function, then attackers get unrestricted access easily. Weak passwords: When users choose weak passwords, it makes it easier for attackers to guess or crack them.
What is the solution for broken authentication? ›
OWASP's number one tip for fixing broken authentication is to “implement multi-factor authentication to prevent automated, credential stuffing, brute force, and stolen credential reuse attacks.”
What is improper authorization? ›
Insufficient Authorization results when an application does not perform adequate authorization checks to ensure that the user is performing a function or accessing data in a manner consistent with the security policy. Authorization procedures should enforce what a user, service or application is permitted to do.
How can improper authentication vulnerability be prevented? ›
Store user credentials securely using strong hashing algorithms such as bcrypt or Argon2. Avoid storing passwords in plain text or using weak encryption methods like base64. Implement salted hashing to make password cracking more challenging, even if multiple users have the same password.
What are the 5 basic authentication problems? ›
Problems with Basic Authentication
- The username and password are sent in every request. ...
- Most configurations of Basic Authentication do not implement protection against password brute forcing. ...
- Logout functionality is not supported. ...
- Passwords cannot be easily reset.
In this article, we'll cover these three types of authentication in more detail, exploring how they work and giving examples for each one.
- Something You Know. ...
- Something You Have. ...
- Something You Are. ...
- Summary.
If you trust the WiFi account and you want to get connected, try these six steps:
- Forget the network. ...
- Check your password. ...
- Refresh your device. ...
- Change your network from DHCP to Static. ...
- Restart your router. ...
- Head back to factory settings.
Real-world examples
Such broken authentication attacks were used in a series of high-profile incidents, such as one aimed at the Marriott hotel chain. The stolen login credentials of two employees were used to access the information of more than 5.2 million guests.
How common is broken authentication? ›
Due to poor design and implementation of identity and access controls, the prevalence of broken authentication is widespread. Common risk factors include: Predictable login credentials.
What is improper validation? ›
Improper input validation or unchecked user input is a type of vulnerability in computer software that may be used for security exploits. This vulnerability is caused when "[t]he product does not validate or incorrectly validates input that can affect the control flow or data flow of a program."
For example, the following can all lead to authorization errors:
- Incorrect access token acquisition flows.
- Poorly configured permission scopes.
- Lack of consent.
- Lack of permissions.
Improper Access means access to, modifications of, or contact with any portions or parts of the Hosted Software, other than by the Company or its designees.
What is the difference between authentication and authorization? ›
Authentication is verifying the true identity of a user or entity, while authorization determines what a user can access and ensures that a user or entity receives the right access or permissions in a system. Authentication is a prerequisite to authorization.
How do I make my authentication more secure? ›
More Secure Authentication Methods
- Two-Factor Authentication. Two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, is an additional layer of security that can be used to protect your account. ...
- Passwordless Login. ...
- Multi-factor Authentication. ...
- Token-Based Authentication.
Common methods include: Circumventing the login page by instead calling an internal page directly (forced browsing). Tampering with requests so that the application assumes the attacker has been authenticated. Attackers may do this by modifying an URL's parameter or manipulating a form, for example.
What is invalid authentication? ›
Handling 401 – Invalid Authentication errors. This error message indicates that your authentication credentials are invalid. This could happen for several reasons, such as: You are using a revoked API key. You are using a different API key than one under the requesting organization.
What is faulty authentication? ›
Authentication is “broken” when attackers are able to compromise passwords, keys or session tokens, user account information, and other details to assume user identities. Due to poor design and implementation of identity and access controls, the prevalence of broken authentication is widespread.
What is poor authentication? ›
Poor or missing authentication schemes allow an adversary to anonymously execute functionality within the mobile app or backend server used by the mobile app. Weaker authentication for mobile apps is fairly prevalent due to a mobile device's input form factor.
What does wrong authentication mean? ›
If you receive this error message, that means that the username and/or password that you have entered is incorrect. The error message states “Authentication failed! Try again.” You may have locked your account after too many attempts and your account will need to be reset.
