Cybercriminals have evolved their attack methods and are now not only looking to steal passwords but also active user sessions. This new trend in cyberattacks poses a significant challenge for businesses, which must adapt to protect their digital assets against increasingly sophisticated threats.
In the past, password theft was the primary target for attackers to gain access to accounts and systems. However, session hijacking has emerged as a more effective strategy, allowing cybercriminals to bypass authentication controls, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), and access accounts without needing to know the credentials. According to recent data, Microsoft reported 147,000 token replay attacks in 2023, a 111% increase from the previous year.
What is session hijacking?
Session hijacking is a technique that allows attackers to take control of an active user session by exploiting authentication tokens and cookies that keep the user authenticated on a system or application. Although this method is not new, it has gained popularity in recent years due to the rise of cloud-based applications. In this context, attackers aim to access services from identity providers, such as Okta or Entra, that offer single sign-on (SSO) and facilitate access to multiple connected applications.
Session hijacking techniques
Currently, there are two main methods by which cybercriminals achieve session hijacking:
- Advanced phishing: Modern phishing kits, such as Modlishka and Evilginx, allow attackers to intercept authentication tokens and session cookies by acting as intermediaries between the victim and the legitimate site. This approach enables them to capture credentials and authentication data in real time, facilitating unrestricted access.
- Infostealers: This type of malware is designed to steal data stored in the browser, including session cookies and saved passwords. Infostealers take an opportunistic approach, targeting multiple applications and maximizing the scope of compromise by accessing different platforms and services at once.
The importance of protecting active sessions
For cybercriminals, session hijacking represents a way to simplify the attack process by avoiding additional security barriers. Since session tokens are often valid for extended periods or even indefinitely, attackers can access an account for a significant amount of time. This type of attack is especially concerning in critical applications that contain sensitive data, such as enterprise data management platforms or collaboration tools.
Mitigation strategies against session hijacking
To address this threat, businesses must adopt a comprehensive approach to cybersecurityCybersecurity solutions are essential in the current era… that includes the following measures:
- Implementation of adaptive MFA: Multi-factor authentication remains an essential measure but must be complemented with technologies that detect suspicious behaviors and block hijacking attempts in real time.
- Session anomaly detection: Constant monitoring of application access and the detection of unusual activities, such as the use of tokens in unknown locations, allows for blocking unauthorized access and protecting account integrity.
- Advanced phishing protection: Cybersecurity solutions must be able to identify and block sophisticated phishing kits, such as AitM and BitM attacks, that intercept authentication credentials.
- Endpoint monitoring and protection: The use of advanced endpoint detection and response tools (EDR) enables the identification and mitigation of malware infections like infostealers, preventing the theft of session cookies and important credentials.
Additionally, the use of least privilege authentication systems and password management platforms is recommended to reduce risks associated with unauthorized access.
Identity at the center of cybersecurity
Session hijacking has become one of the most dangerous techniques in the current cybersecurity landscape, highlighting the importance of protecting users’ digital identities. With a combination of advanced technology and robust security protocols, it is possible to mitigate the impact of these attacks and provide greater security for businesses and users.