Server-side vulnerabilities | #3 AUTHENTICATION

Think of authentication as the key and authorization as the door. The key confirms who you are; the door checks what you’re allowed to enter.

Authentication vulnerabilities are flaws that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or functionalities. While the concept is simple, the consequences can be critical due to the direct relationship between authentication and security.

Authentication vs. Authorization:Authentication: Verifies who you are. (e.g., Are you Carlos123?)Authorization: Verifies what you’re allowed to do. (e.g., Can Carlos123 delete another user’s account?)Brute-Force Attacks:Automated attempts to guess valid credentials using tools and wordlists.Attackers use predictable patterns (e.g., admin, user1, or password123).Strengthened passwords (complex, long) and brute-force protection can help mitigate this.

2. Username Enumeration:

Attackers identify valid usernames based on website responses.Example: A login form showing “Invalid username” vs. “Incorrect password” for…