How do you handle session hijacking and replay attacks in your security testing strategy?

2 Test the session token generation

The second step is to test the session token generation process. You need to check if the tokens are random, unique, and unpredictable, and if they are generated by a secure algorithm or a trusted source. You can use tools like entropy calculators, brute force attackers, or token predictors to evaluate the randomness and strength of the tokens. You should also verify if the tokens are regenerated or invalidated when the user logs in, logs out, or changes roles or privileges.

3 Test the session token handling

The third step is to test the session token handling process. You need to check if the tokens are protected from interception, modification, or theft, and if they are validated by the server before granting access to resources or functions. You can use tools like web proxies, browser extensions, or network injectors to manipulate and replay the tokens. You should also verify if the tokens are encrypted, signed, or hashed, and if they are transmitted over a secure protocol like HTTPS or SSL/TLS.

4 Test the session timeout and termination

The fourth step is to test the session timeout and termination process. You need to check if the tokens expire after a reasonable period of inactivity or duration, and if they are deleted or revoked when the user logs out or closes the browser. You can use tools like web proxies, browser extensions, or network sniffers to monitor and modify the token expiration time or status. You should also verify if the server enforces the timeout and termination policies, and if it provides feedback or warnings to the user.

5 Test the session fixation prevention

The fifth step is to test the session fixation prevention process. You need to check if the web application prevents an attacker from fixing or predefining the session token for a victim user, and if it detects and rejects any attempts to do so. You can use tools like web proxies, browser extensions, or network injectors to set or modify the token in the request or response headers, cookies, URL parameters, or hidden fields. You should also verify if the web application uses secure attributes, domains, and paths for the cookies, and if it uses anti-CSRF tokens or other mechanisms to prevent cross-site request forgery.

6 Test the session hijacking and replay attack scenarios

The sixth and final step is to test the session hijacking and replay attack scenarios. You need to simulate the actions and goals of an attacker who tries to gain unauthorized access to a user's session, data, or functionality, by stealing, spoofing, or reusing the session token. You can use tools like web proxies, browser extensions, network sniffers, or network injectors to capture, modify, or replay the tokens. You should also monitor the impact and consequences of the attacks on the web application, the user, and the server.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?