Login page password-guessing attack is possible

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An attacker can attempt to brute force and discover password by systematically trying every possible combination of letters, numbers, and symbols until it discovers the one correct combination that works.

What is the Vulnerability?

A password-guessing (brute force) attack happens when someone tries to log into a user account by testing many different password combinations. This includes common passwords, dictionary words, and completely random guesses until they find the right one.

Without proper protections, login pages can be exploited by attackers or automated tools that send thousands of login attempts quickly. This raises the chances of success, especially if users have weak or reused passwords.

This type of attack usually uses automation tools like:

  • Hydra
  • Burp Suite Intruder
  • Medusa
  • Ncrack

Impact of the Vulnerability

If this vulnerability is exploited successfully, it can lead to:

Unauthorized Access:

Attackers may gain control of user accounts, including admin or privileged accounts.

Data Breach:

Sensitive customer data, business logic, or intellectual property can be exposed.

Service Disruption:

Automated login attempts can strain server resources or lead to lockouts for legitimate users.

Reputation Damage:

Users losing trust due to compromised accounts or leaked data.

Regulatory Consequences:

Violations of data protection regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS may occur if personal or financial data is accessed.

How to Fix and Prevent the Vulnerability

To protect your login functionality from password-guessing attacks, implement the following measures:

  • Implement Account Lockout or Rate Limiting: Temporarily lock the account after a set number of failed login attempts. Use IP-based rate limiting to restrict the number of login attempts from a single IP address.
  • Enforce Strong Password Policies: Require users to create complex passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Set minimum password lengths and do not allow commonly used passwords.
  • Use CAPTCHA or ReCAPTCHA: Use CAPTCHA mechanisms after several failed login attempts to stop automated scripts from continuing brute-force attempts.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Use MFA to add a second layer of protection even if the password is compromised.