Authentication and Session Management Testing

Authentication and Session Management Testing

Authentication mechanisms represent high-value targets frequently containing exploitable vulnerabilities. Username enumeration through response differences, timing variations, or error messages provides attacker advantages. Test account lockout policies, password complexity requirements, and recovery mechanisms for weaknesses. OSCP scenarios often include authentication bypasses through SQL injection, logic flaws, or parameter manipulation.

Password attacks against identified users follow enumeration success. Hydra, Medusa, and Burp Intruder automate credential stuffing and brute force attacks. Focus on common credentials, revealed passwords from other compromised services, and context-specific wordlists. Many OSCP machines include weak credentials discoverable through patient systematic testing rather than massive wordlist attacks.

Session management vulnerabilities enable account takeover or privilege escalation. Analyze session token generation for predictability, randomness, and entropy. Test session fixation by setting tokens before authentication. Verify session termination on logout and timeout enforcement. Cookie attributes like HttpOnly, Secure, and SameSite indicate security posture. Weak session management frequently enables lateral movement between accounts.

Multi-factor authentication bypasses require creative testing approaches. Test for race conditions during verification, direct access to post-authentication resources, and fallback mechanisms. API endpoints might lack MFA enforcement present in web interfaces. Remember that MFA implementations often contain logic flaws enabling complete bypass rather than requiring technical breaks of authentication factors.