In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, one of the most pernicious threats that organizations face is account takeover. Among the many techniques hackers employ to achieve this, “password reset poisoning” has emerged as a particularly stealthy and effective method. At IHA089 Labs, we specialize in uncovering such vulnerabilities to educate and protect the wider community. In this blog, we will delve into how password reset poisoning enables attackers to take control of user accounts, demonstrating it step by step through our latest lab simulation.
What is Password Reset Poisoning?
The password reset process for web applications becomes an entry point for attackers through password reset poisoning. When attackers feed harmful data into specific HTTP request fields during a password reset process they can direct the password reset tokens to locations they run. Unprotected web applications provide attackers with entry points when they submit unchecked data through input parameters.
When hackers use this method they can steal control of user accounts before victims notice. Company data loss and reputation damage happen alongside financial reduction when these events occur.
The Simulation: Account Takeover via Password Reset Poisoning
To illustrate potential attack methods IHA089 Labs developed a safe research platform. Following is our step-by-step guide to the lab simulation we built.
Step 1: Initiating the Password Reset Process
The first step involves interacting with the target application to trigger the password reset functionality. In our simulated environment, the attacker identifies the password reset endpoint and sends a crafted request to reset the password for the administrator account. The following HTTP request is used:
The ‘username’ parameter defines which email address the password reset should reach and it contains the admin account’s email address here. The attacker starts the administrator account password reset procedure when they submit this request. After processing the request the target system prepares to deliver the password reset token to the admin’s email address.
Step 2: Setting Up an HTTP Server
To conduct the attack the hacker creates their own HTTP server to catch the password reset token. This server is configured to listen for incoming requests at a specified address, such as 192.168.34.23:3434. The attacker sets up their server to monitor traffic that reaches this specific address making it possible to intercept and analyze the data.
For example, a simple Python HTTP server can be set up as follows:
python3 -m http.server
This server is now ready to capture the password reset token when it is redirected to the attacker’s control.
Step 3: Manipulating the Request
The attacker modifies the original password reset request to include malicious headers. Specifically, the Host and X-Forwarded-Host headers are changed to point to the rogue server’s address:
Host: 192.168.34.23:3434
X-Forwarded-Host: 192.168.34.23:3434These headers are critical because they instruct the web application to construct the password reset URL using the attacker’s server address instead of the legitimate domain. By exploiting this weakness, the attacker ensures that the reset token will be sent to their server instead of the intended recipient.
Step 4: Sending the Manipulated Request
The attacker forwards their modified request to reach the target application. The application process validates the request and automatically creates a password reset token that uses the values from the Host and X-Forwarded-Host headers to generate a reset URL. The target email address receives a reset URL generated by the password reset system.
A successful response from the application might look like this:
However, due to the manipulated headers, the reset token is redirected to the attacker’s server instead of the legitimate admin’s email.
Step 5: Capturing the Reset Token
When the target click on the reset password link on the mail then rogue HTTP server captures the reset link containing the token. An example of the intercepted token might look like this:
The attacker can now extract the token from the intercepted URL. This token is the key to resetting the administrator’s password, effectively bypassing the need for email verification or user authentication.
Step 6: Resetting the Password
With the token in hand, the attacker constructs a new request to reset the administrator’s password. This request uses the intercepted token to authorize the password change.
Once this request is processed by the application, the administrator’s password is successfully changed to the value specified by the attacker. The attacker now has complete control over the admin account.
Key Vulnerabilities Exploited
This attack hinges on several key vulnerabilities in the target application:
- Improper Validation of Host Headers: The application does not check Host and X-Forwarded-Host requests so attackers can input any values they want.
- Lack of Token Protection: The system sends password reset tokens to the attacker-controlled destination indicated in the inserted headers. This happens without proper security validation.
- Insecure Implementation of Password Reset: The password reset process needs better security measures including verifying where reset tokens come from and who sends them.
Preventing Password Reset Poisoning
Organizations can adopt several best practices to safeguard against password reset poisoning:
- Validate Headers: Verify both Host and X-Forwarded-Host requests exclusively to trusted domains on your list.
- Use Absolute URLs: Never let users enter header values that generate passwords reset URL addresses. To produce secure URLs use dedicated configuration settings on your web server.
- Implement Token Verification: Make sure password reset tokens go directly to the email address the account owner used when signing up. Make sure to send protected email through encryption tools when resetting passwords.
- Log and Monitor: Set up systems to track every password reset effort plus check for unusual access situations where one IP address makes frequent requests.
- Educate Developers: Provide training to developers on secure coding practices to prevent such vulnerabilities during application development.
Why IHA089 Labs Matters
At IHA089 Labs, we are committed to uncovering security weaknesses and raising awareness about emerging threats. Our hands-on lab simulations are designed to empower organizations and individuals with the knowledge they need to stay ahead of attackers. By understanding the intricacies of attacks like password reset poisoning, businesses can take proactive steps to enhance their cybersecurity posture.
Password reset poisoning shows us why secure web app design matters. Simple security weak points can destroy accounts and harm systems when attackers exploit them. This lab shows IHA089 Labs how attackers exploit weak web platforms and explains effective protection methods. Organizations that watch security trends succeed in shielding their systems and customers from continuous cyber threats.
For more insights and in-depth analyses, stay tuned to IHA089 Labs. Together, we can build a safer digital world.
Always practice ethical hacking responsibly and ensure that your penetration tests are authorized and within legal boundaries.
Account Takeover Through Password Reset Poisoning: A Deep Dive with IHA089 Labs