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Phishing

Need​

Enhanced user awareness and education on phishing attacks

Context​

  • Usage of Java 1.6 for developing applications
  • Usage of javax.servlet.http.HttpServletRequest for handling HTTP requests in a Java Servlet application
  • Usage of java.io.IOException for handling input/output errors in Java
  • Usage of javax.servlet.ServletException for handling servlet exceptions
  • Usage of HttpServletResponse for handling HTTP responses in Java Servlets
  • Usage of javax.servlet.http.HttpSession for managing session data in Java web applications

Description​

Non compliant code​

import javax.servlet.http.*;
import java.io.IOException;
import javax.servlet.ServletException;

public class PhishingServlet extends HttpServlet {

    protected void doPost(HttpServletRequest request, HttpServletResponse response) throws ServletException, IOException {
        String username = request.getParameter("username");
        String password = request.getParameter("password");

        // Login logic
        if (username.equals("admin") && password.equals("password")) {
            HttpSession session = request.getSession();
            session.setAttribute("username", username);
            response.sendRedirect("success.jsp");
        } else {
            response.sendRedirect("error.jsp");
        }
    }
}

The above Java Servlet code is vulnerable to phishing attacks. The servlet handles POST requests, which is typically where login requests are sent. The doPost method retrieves the username and password from the request parameters. If the username and password match the hardcoded values ("admin" and "password"), it creates a new session, stores the username in the session, and redirects the user to a success page. Otherwise, it redirects the user to an error page.

The vulnerability lies in the fact that the code does not implement any form of protection against phishing attacks. For example, it doesn't check if the request is coming from a trusted source, it doesn't use any form of encryption when handling sensitive data like passwords, and it doesn't implement any form of user verification or CAPTCHA to ensure that the request is not coming from a bot.

A malicious user could create a fake login page that looks identical to the real one. When an unsuspecting user enters their credentials, they are sent to the attacker instead of to the legitimate server. The attacker can then use these credentials to log in as the victim and gain unauthorized access to their account.

This is a very common vulnerability and can lead to serious security breaches, including identity theft and unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Steps​

  • Implement secure email configuration for the corporate email client to prevent phishing attacks.
  • Educate users about phishing techniques and how to identify and avoid them.
  • Implement multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
  • Use strong and unique passwords for all user accounts.
  • Implement secure coding practices to prevent code injection attacks.
  • Regularly update and patch the application and its dependencies to fix any known vulnerabilities.
  • Implement session management techniques to prevent session hijacking.
  • Implement secure communication protocols, such as HTTPS, to protect sensitive data during transmission.
  • Implement input validation and sanitization to prevent malicious input from being processed.
  • Implement proper error handling and logging to detect and respond to potential phishing attempts.

Compliant code​

import javax.servlet.http.*;
import java.io.IOException;
import javax.servlet.ServletException;

public class PhishingServlet extends HttpServlet {

    protected void doPost(HttpServletRequest request, HttpServletResponse response) throws ServletException, IOException {
        String username = request.getParameter("username");
        String password = request.getParameter("password");

        // Input validation
        if (username == null || password == null) {
            response.sendRedirect("error.jsp");
            return;
        }

        // Login logic
        if (username.equals("admin") && password.equals("password")) {
            HttpSession session = request.getSession();
            session.setAttribute("username", username);
            response.sendRedirect("success.jsp");
        } else {
            response.sendRedirect("error.jsp");
        }
    }
}

The updated code includes an input validation check to ensure that the username and password parameters are not null. This is a basic form of input validation and sanitization that can help prevent malicious input from being processed.

However, this is just one part of the solution. To fully address the phishing vulnerability, the following steps should also be taken:

  • Implement secure email configuration for the corporate email client to prevent phishing attacks.
  • Educate users about phishing techniques and how to identify and avoid them.
  • Implement multi-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
  • Use strong and unique passwords for all user accounts.
  • Implement secure coding practices to prevent code injection attacks.
  • Regularly update and patch the application and its dependencies to fix any known vulnerabilities.
  • Implement session management techniques to prevent session hijacking.
  • Implement secure communication protocols, such as HTTPS, to protect sensitive data during transmission.
  • Implement proper error handling and logging to detect and respond to potential phishing attempts.

Remember, security is not a one-time task but a continuous process. Regularly review and update your security measures to ensure that your application remains secure against evolving threats.

References​

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