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Three New Attacks Against JSON Web Tokens
Discover three new attacks against JSON Web Tokens: sign-encrypt confusion, polyglot JWT, and spoofing, and learn how to prevent vulnerabilities with secure algorithms and binding.
- JSON Web Tokens (JWTs) are widely used for authentication and authorization, but they have several issues.
- Three new attacks against JWTs have been discovered: the sign-encrypt confusion attack, the polyglot JWT attack, and the spoofing attack.
- The sign-encrypt confusion attack occurs when a library signes a token with a public key and then encrypts it with the same key, making it vulnerable to tampering.
- The polyglot JWT attack takes advantage of ambiguity in JWT specifications, allowing an attacker to create a valid token that can spoof an identity.
- The spoofing attack allows an attacker to create a token that an application considers valid, but is actually forged.
- JWT libraries often have default settings that can compromise security.
- Authentication decisions are typically made based on claims in the token, but these claims can be spoofed.
- Libraries often have issues with parsing JWTs, which can lead to vulnerabilities.
- JSON Web Encryption (JWE) can be used to encrypt JWTs, but it’s often used incorrectly.
- The status quo of using default settings and unauthenticated encryption is vulnerable to attacks.
- Implementing a secure algorithm and using a binding is recommended.
- To prevent spoofing attacks, it’s recommended to use a secure algorithm and validate tokens on the server-side.
- Alternatives such as JSON Object Signing and Encryption (JOSE) and JWE can be used to improve security.
- Proper configuration and validation are crucial for secure JWT usage.
- Implementing a secure algorithm and using a binding can prevent vulnerabilities.
- Libraries should be designed with security in mind.
- Avoiding default settings and unauthenticated encryption is recommended.
- To improve security, use a secure algorithm and validate tokens on the server-side.
- Configuring and validating are crucial for secure JWT usage.