This Post Is Recently Updated on Oct 31, 2023 @ 22:33 pm by TBB Desk
Exploitation of OAuth Tokens in Major Applications
A newly identified vulnerability within the OAuth authentication protocol is being exploited by hackers, particularly impacting three major extensions: Grammarly, Vidio, and Bukalapak. These platforms rely on OAuth for user authentication, making them susceptible to an attack that targets the stealing of authentication tokens. OAuth, established in 2006, enables password-free logins via social media accounts from providers like Facebook, Twitter, and Google. With a combined user base exceeding 100 million across the affected services, the potential impact of this flaw is significant. Thankfully, all vendors involved have promptly addressed and resolved the reported issues.
Understanding OAuth Token Vulnerability: A Simple Explanation
Imagine you have a special key card that lets you into multiple buildings without having to remember different codes for each door. This key card is like an OAuth token; it’s a tool that many websites use to let you log in using your Facebook or Google account instead of creating a new username and password.
Now, let’s say there’s a glitch in the system. If the buildings don’t check properly to make sure your key card is real and issued by a trusted place, a tricky person could create a fake key card and trick the system.
This is what’s happening with the OAuth token vulnerability. Hackers found a way to make fake “key cards” (or tokens) to get into your accounts on sites like Grammarly or Vidio. Because these websites trust the login information from Facebook or Google, if they don’t check properly, the hackers can get in.
The big problem is that lots of people use these services, so if the websites aren’t checking the key cards properly, millions of accounts could be at risk.
Thankfully, as soon as the companies found out about this issue, they worked quickly to fix it and make sure everyone’s accounts are safe. However, it’s a good reminder for all the other websites out there to double-check those key cards and make sure they’re real to keep everyone’s information secure.
