Analyzing Account Manipulation Techniques

A Comprehensive Exploration of Security Vulnerabilities

In the dynamic field of cybersecurity, a critical aspect of fortifying digital ecosystems involves dissecting potential threats. In this detailed examination, we will undertake a step-by-step analysis of a simulated attack scenario centered around account manipulation. It is imperative to underline that this exercise is purely for educational purposes, and any attempt to execute such actions without explicit authorization is strictly unethical and against the law.

Step 1: Navigating to the Target

1. Initiate the exploration by navigating to the designated website: https://example.com/
2. Proceed to access the vendor login section.

Step 2: Creating Attacker and Victim Accounts

1. Systematically generate both an attacker and a victim account.
2. Authenticate using the credentials of the attacker account.

Step 3: Intercepting Requests with Burp Suite

1. Access the ‘My Account’ section.
2. Deploy the Burp Suite tool with Foxy Proxy activated to meticulously intercept and inspect requests.
3. Discern and document the ‘userId’ parameter for subsequent reference.

Step 4: Email Manipulation

1. Execute a modification of the email within the attacker account’s profile, ensuring the presence of a pre-established victim account.
2. Methodically intercept the resultant request using Burp Suite.

Step 5: Understanding the ‘userId’ Parameter

1. Engage in a meticulous analysis of the request within Burp Suite’s HTTP history.
2. Note the intriguing observation that the ‘userId’ parameter remains unaltered despite the email update.

Step 6: Exploiting the ‘userId’ Parameter

1. Skillfully manipulate the ‘userId’ parameter, substituting it with the identifier of a newly created test account.
2. Concomitantly, create a dedicated test account for experimental purposes.

Step 7: Victim ID Manipulation

1. Intercept and scrutinize requests related to the test account, carefully modifying the victim’s ‘userId’ to mirror the test account’s identifier.
2. Ensure the Burp Suite is actively capturing these interactions.

Step 8: Email and ID Switch

1. Perform a strategic transition by altering the victim’s email to mimic the attacker’s.
2. Adjust the ‘userId’ parameter to reflect either the attacker’s or test account’s identifier.
3. Confirm the simultaneous activation of Foxy Proxy and an open instance of Burp Suite.

Step 9: Final Test

1. Dispatch the modified request to observe the culmination of the manipulative process.
2. Endeavor to authenticate as the initial attacker’s email, leveraging the associated password.
3. Ascertain the viability of a successful login attempt.

Conclusion

This simulated exercise serves as a poignant illustration of a potential vulnerability, shedding light on the manipulation of the ‘userId’ parameter and its ramifications. It underscores the imperative for organizations to instate robust security protocols, resilient coding practices, and a perpetual commitment to evolving threat landscapes.