Spoofing Rafael Sabino 10/28/2004
Introduction What is spoofing? Context and Security relevant decisions Phishing Web spoofing Remedies
What is Spoofing? Dictionary.com definitions: –To deceive –A hoax
Security Relevant Decisions Decisions that can lead to undesirable results Examples Accepting data as being true and accurate
Context The browser, text, and pictures Names of objects Timing of events
Context Spoofing (Examples) hishing_archive.htmlhttp:// hishing_archive.html
Context Spoofing Spoofed s have upwards of 20% success rates Costs billions of dollars to the industry Brand names attacked: 7. Bestbuy 8. Microsoft MSN 9. FBI 1.Citigroup 2.Wachovia 3.Bank of America 4.Yahoo! 5.Ebay 6.Paypal
Consequences Unauthorized Surveillance Tampering Identity theft
What is Web Spoofing? Creating a shadow copy of the world wide web Shadow copy is funneled through attackers machine Data tampering
Web Spoofing Attack The physical world can also be spoofed Security relevant decisions and context
How does the Attack Work? Step : 1 Rewriting the URL: Example: –home.netscape.comhome.netscape.com –
How does the Attack Work? 1. Request Spoof URL Request real URL 3. Real Page contents 4. Change page 5. Spoofed page
How does the Attack Work? Once attacker server obtains the real URL, it modifies all links Rewritten page is provided to victim’s browser This funnels all information Is it possible to spoof the whole web?
Forms Submitted data goes to the attackers server Allows for tampering Attacker can also modify returned data
“Secure” Connections Everything will work the same Secure connection indicator will be turned on Secure connection is with attacker’s server “Secure” connections are a false sense of security
Starting the Attack Put links in popular places s Search Engines
Completing the Illusion There are cues that can destroy the illusion: –Status line –Location line –Viewing document source These can be virtually eliminated
Status Line Displays URL links points to Displays name of server being contacted JavaScript is the solution
Location Line Displays URL of current page User can type in any URL JavaScript is the solution
Viewing Document Source Menu bar allows user to see pages’ source JavaScript can be used to create a fake menu bar
Tracing the Attacker Is possible if attacker uses his/her own machine Stolen computers are used to launch attacks Hacked computers are used as well
What can we do? Short term solution: –JavaScript –Location line is visible –Pay attention to location line Be selective with your features
What can we do? Do not reply to or click on a link that will lead you to a webpage asking you for info. Look for the presence of a padlock and Both most be present for a connection to be secure Keep up with updates
What can we do? Check your bank / credit card statements To report suspicious activity, send to Federal Trade Commision: If you are a victim, file a complaint at
Resources ip/pub/spoofing.htmlhttp:// ip/pub/spoofing.html Gary McGraw and Edward W. Felten. Java Security: Hostile Applets, Holes and Antidotes. John Wiley and Sons, New York, 1996.