reports that almost 94 billion browser tracking cookies were published on the dark web. Cookies are sometimes essential for websites. These primarily help sites target ads and tailor the user experience as per your preferences. However, blindly accepting all cookies may expose you to great dangers as well, such as cookie hijacking attempts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nHere\u2019s a breakdown of the methods of cookie theft:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n1. Packet Sniffing<\/h3>\n
Hackers intercept and eavesdrop on unencrypted network traffic using tools like tcpdump, Wireshark, and Kismet. You\u2019re prone to a packet sniffing attack if you\u2019re using a public WiFi network or a site without HTTPS (without a padlock).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n2. Client-Side Attacks (XSS)<\/h3>\n
A hacker inserts a malicious JavaScript into the vulnerable site. Whenever the user opens the site, the malicious JavaScript runs in the browser (client-side). The script accesses the site\u2019s cookies that the user accepted and transmits them to a server controlled by the hacker.<\/span><\/p>\n3. Web Application Vulnerabilities<\/h3>\n
This can be via Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) or Man-in-the-Browser (MITB) attacks. An attacker tricks the user into making an unwanted request and forces the browser to send cookies to the attacker. Unlike XSS, CSRF uses existing cookies. This doesn\u2019t steal them directly but exploits them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n4. Side-Channel Attacks<\/h3>\n
These include Timing, Cache, and Power Analysis attacks. Timing attacks work by attackers measuring the user\u2019s response time to infer cookie values. Cache attacks feature hackers who exploit browser\/CPU cache behaviour. And in power analysis, hackers monitor power consumption to deduce crypto operations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n5. Protocol and Implementation Flaws<\/h3>\n
There are three methods of exploiting the protocol and implementation flaws:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n- SSL\/TLS Vulnerabilities: A Hacker uses the leaked memory content, including the session cookies, and forces SSL downgrade attacks.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Cookie Mismanagement: Subdomain issues, such as example.com cookies might be accessible to attacker.example.com. Cookies are then sent to incorrect ports.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- HTTP Request Smuggling: An Attacker manipulates the HTTP request sequences, and one user\u2019s request gets another user\u2019s response with cookies.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
6. Social Engineering Methods<\/h3>\n
This includes a variety of approaches, such as fake login pages, session hijacking portals, and malicious QR codes.\u00a0 Moreover, shoulder surfing activities are also a part of social engineering methods. Hackers might watch someone use their computer, record their screen activity, or discreetly record in public spaces.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n7. Advanced Persistent Techniques<\/h3>\n
There are two primary methods: Pass-the-Cookie attacks and Browser Exploit Frameworks. In a Pass-the-Cookie attack, a hacker steals Kerberos tickets or SSO cookies and uses them to move within networks. On the other hand, in Browser Exploit Frameworks, hackers hook browsers, execute commands, and steal cookies.<\/span><\/p>\nAn attacker might also poison CDN or proxy caches to result in multiple users receiving malicious content. Following this, cookie-stealing scripts are injected into cached pages to support cookie hijacking.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nHow to Protect Passwords From Cookie Hijacking<\/h2>\n
Password protection measures from cookie theft can be categorized into: <\/span>User-side practices<\/b> and <\/span>Developer-side practices<\/b>. As a user, use strong passwords and connect to a VPN to safely browse the web. Here are ways to protect your passwords from cookie hijacking:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nUser-Side Practices<\/h3>\n
Before heading to the technicalities, here are the practices we recommend implementing to protect your passwords from cookie hijacking:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Use Strong Passwords<\/b>: Ensure your passwords are at least 12 characters with a blend of numbers, letters, and alphanumerics. Or, use FastestPass password generator<\/a> to create strong passwords in seconds.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Connect to a VPN<\/b>: Use a reliable VPN, like FastestVPN. Once connected, your internet traffic is routed via an encrypted tunnel. It makes cookie theft attempts almost impossible.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)<\/b>: MFA significantly reduces the risks of cyber attacks. Enable two-factor authentication to guard against cookie theft.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Update System Software:<\/b> Keep your operating system, browser, and security programs updated. These updates frequently contain patches that fix critical security flaws.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Clear Browser Cache<\/b>: Clear your browser cookies and cache. This often shortens the potential lifespan of a stolen session cookie.<\/span><\/li>\n
- Log Out of High-Risk Accounts<\/b>: Don\u2019t rely on simply closing the browser tabs. Log out of your sensitive accounts to end the session immediately.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Use a VPN for Public WiFi<\/b>: Using public WiFi without a VPN brings you a step closer to man-in-the-middle attacks. Data transmissions and cookies are easier to intercept. Ensure connecting to a trusted VPN, such as FastestVPN, when using public WiFi.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Run Malware Tests<\/b>: Use a reliable antivirus software to scan for malware. This helps mitigate the malware risks and removes them if any exist on your device.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links<\/b>: Avoid downloading apps from untrusted sources, or clicking on suspicious (too good to be true) links, followed by a message, or engaging in content piracy.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
FAQs – Cookie Hijacking<\/h2>\n
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