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We’ve all been there… you click that “Forgot Password?” link after you realize your brain was never designed to remember 53 different complex passwords. But what if this feature on your favorite site had some serious flaws? Let’s talk about some ways hackers (👹) and pen testers (👨💻) break into poorly designed password reset systems and how YOU can test them to keep your app safe and sound.
Imagine someone resetting your password with no questions asked, no validation, no “who are you?” — just straight to changing your password! Yikes!
When a user clicks the password reset link, make sure they are asked for some kind of confirmation (security questions, email/phone verification).Bonus: Test if hackers can use this to hijack accounts (evil laugh not included 😈).Why it matters: No one wants a hacker walking into their account like it’s a party without an invite! 🎉
If the password reset link is the same for everyone (like handing out the same key to 1,000 people), you’re in for a nightmare. 👻
Check if different users get the same reset link. If yes, 🚨 alert 🚨! Reset links must be unique per request, per user!Why it matters: Reuse of links = a massive security hole.
Imagine having a magic reset link that works forever. Feels great, right? WRONG. It’s a disaster waiting to happen.
After resetting the password once, try using the link again. If it works twice, it’s a problem! 🚫Why it matters: Expiring reset links after use prevents future misuse by hackers who might sneak in late.
Password reset links shouldn’t last forever like diamonds. 💎 They should have an expiration date (like milk 🥛).
Request a reset link and try using it after a long period (e.g., 24 hours). If it’s still active, it’s time to fix that!Why it matters: Expiring links within a reasonable timeframe is a key defense strategy.
Ahoy matey! Parameter tampering is the pirate’s dream where hackers change parts of the URL (like the user ID) to reset someone else’s password. Talk about shady!
Change the reset link’s user ID parameter and see if it resets someone else’s account. If yes, 🔥 panic mode engaged!Why it matters: Secure apps protect against URL manipulation, ensuring no pirates (or hackers) can take over.
What if we could rewind time ⏳ like in the movies? Well, some hackers try this on reset links to extend their validity!
Tinker with date/time values in the link to make expired links work again. If successful, you’ve traveled through time (but also found a security flaw)! 🕰Why it matters: Hackers should never have access to expired links by playing with timestamps.
Imagine spamming the reset link request until the app crashes. Rate limiting ensures there’s a cap on how many requests a user can make.
Try requesting password resets multiple times in a short span. Does the app slow down? Does it crash? Rate limiting should be there to prevent this.Why it matters: Without rate limits, attackers can launch brute-force attacks, overwhelming your system.
Your app should reject old reset links once a new one is requested, right? Some apps don’t, and that’s a big issue.
Request a new link and try using the old one. If it works, 🚨 red flag! 🚨Why it matters: Multiple valid links floating around = an open invitation for troublemakers.
After changing the password, your old session should go bye-bye 🖐. But what if it stays active?
Change the password, then see if you’re still logged in on other devices/sessions. If you are, that’s a no-no!Why it matters: Active sessions post password change can be a golden opportunity for hackers to exploit.
If you’re transmitting sensitive data like reset tokens over plain HTTP, you’re practically inviting hackers to your app! 🛑
Watch the network traffic when sending a reset link. If it’s over HTTP instead of HTTPS, it’s time for an urgent upgrade!Why it matters: HTTP is like leaving your door unlocked; HTTPS is like bolting it shut with security cams.
If the reset token is like counting “1, 2, 3,” hackers can easily predict the next token and exploit it.
Check if reset tokens follow a predictable pattern (e.g., increasing numbers). If so, it’s time to randomize that!Why it matters: Unpredictable tokens = more secure app.
Does your app say something like “User not found” when an incorrect email is entered? You’ve just given a hint to attackers!
Try entering random emails. If the app gives away which emails exist and which don’t, it’s an enumeration flaw.Why it matters: You’re helping hackers gather targets with this flaw.
Without CAPTCHA, bots can keep requesting password resets until they win. That’s why CAPTCHA is your friend! 🤖
Check if there’s a CAPTCHA on the reset request page. If not, bots can go wild.Why it matters: CAPTCHA stops bots from brute-forcing password resets.
If the reset token is in the URL, it can easily be sniffed or logged (danger! 🛑).
Check if the reset token is in the URL (e.g., after ?token=). If yes, this is an issue since URLs can be stored in logs or shared accidentally.Why it matters: Tokens in URLs can be stolen easily.
So you’ve changed your password… to “password123.” Weak passwords are a hacker’s dream come true. 💤
Try resetting the password to something weak like “123456” or “password”. If it works, it’s time to strengthen that policy!Why it matters: Weak passwords = easy hackable accounts.
🎉 That’s a wrap! These are some of the essential test cases to check when testing a “Forgot Password” feature. It might seem like a small feature, but it’s a major gateway for hackers if left unsecured. Secure that reset functionality, and keep those hackers locked out for good! 🔐
Pro tip: Always imagine you’re a hacker — because if you don’t, someone else will! 😏👨💻
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