One idea Uncovers Authentication Bypass & Session management flaw

Story:

One evening, after wrapping up some tasks, I decided to spend some time exploring a well-secured platform for potential vulnerabilities. As a cybersecurity enthusiast, I often use two different user accounts to simulate real-world scenarios and thoroughly test systems.

Little did I know that a simple mix-up would lead me to uncover a critical flaw in the platform’s session management.

Process:

I logged into the platform using Account 1 and began my usual navigation through the site. After some inactivity, the system prompted me to re-authenticate — a standard security measure to protect user sessions. Out of curiosity an idea popped up in my head ‘Why don't I enter incorrect password but valid one for other account’ ,I did I entered the password for Account 2 instead of Account 1. Expecting an error message about incorrect credentials, I was surprised when the session resumed seamlessly.

Curious about this unexpected behavior, I decided to investigate further:

1. Reproducing the Issue:
— Logged out and back in with Account 1.
— Let the session idle until the re-authentication prompt appeared.
— Entered the password for Account 2 again.
— The session resumed without any errors.

2. Testing with Different Accounts:
— Created a new Account 3.
— Repeated the steps using Account 3’s password during Account 1’s re-authentication.
— Once again, the session continued as if the correct password was entered.

Analysis:

This behavior indicated a significant flaw in the session management system. The platform was not verifying the re-entered password against the specific user session but was accepting any valid password from any user on the platform. Essentially, if someone had access to any valid credentials, they could potentially unlock another user’s session after inactivity.

Impact:

The implications were serious:

- Unauthorized Access: In shared environments like offices, libraries, or family computers, this flaw could allow users to access others’ sessions without proper authorization.
- Data Exposure: Sensitive information, reports, and communications could be exposed to unintended parties.
- Platform Trust: Such a vulnerability could undermine users’ trust in the platform’s ability to secure their data.

Encouragement:

The value of curiosity and thoroughness in cybersecurity is invaluable. Sometimes, a simple mistake can lead to significant discoveries. Keep exploring, stay vigilant, and contribute to making the cyber world more secure!

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#SessionManagement #BugBounty #Cybersecurity #VulnerabilityDisclosure