DECEMBER 13, 2023

LONG PASSWORD DOS ATTACK

SAKTHI AYYAPPAN
 LONG PASSWORD DOS ATTACK

• A long password denial-of-service (DoS) attack is a cyberattack that

exploits vulnerabilities in how a system handles excessively long

passwords to disrupt its normal operation.

• By sending a very long password (1.000.000 characters) it's

possible to cause a denial a service attack on the server.

• This may lead to the website becoming unavailable or

unresponsive.

• Usually this problem is caused by a vulnerable password hashing

implementation.

• When a long password is sent, the password hashing process will

result in CPU and memory exhaustion.

 • This vulnerability was detected by sending passwords with various

lengths and comparing the measured response times.

The impact of a long password DoS attack can be wide-ranging and

disruptive, depending on the context and target of the attack.

Here's a breakdown of the potential consequences:

Denial-of-service:

• The primary goal of the attack is to overwhelm the system with

resource-intensive password processing, causing it to crash and

become unavailable to legitimate users.

• This can disrupt critical operations, hindering access to important

data, online services, or systems.

Loss of productivity and revenue:

• Downtime during the attack can result in lost productivity for

employees, missed deadlines, and potentially lost revenue for

businesses.
User frustration and inconvenience:

• Users relying on the affected system will be locked out, causing

frustration and inconvenience.

• This can damage the organization's reputation and erode trust

among its users.

Data breaches:

• In some cases, the attack might trigger vulnerabilities that expose

user data or even allow attackers to bypass authentication entirely.

• This can lead to sensitive information being compromised, such as

personal data, financial details, or intellectual property.

Reputational damage:

• News of a successful DoS attack, especially one involving data

breaches, can significantly damage an organization's reputation

and public image.

• It can erode trust among customers, partners, and

investors, leading to lost business opportunities and financial

losses.
Increased security costs:

• The attack will likely prompt the organization to invest in additional

security measures, such as improved software, hardware, and

training, to prevent future attacks.

• This can lead to increased operating costs and divert resources

from other areas.

Long password DoS attacks may sound far-fetched, but their potential

for havoc is real.

Here's a detailed arsenal of mitigations to keep those excessively lengthy

login attempts at bay:

1. Fortifying the Gates:

• Length Limits: Implement sensible maximum password

lengths. Think Goldilocks – not too short for security, not too long

to crash the system. Consider average user needs and industry best

practices.

• Input Validation: Don't just accept whatever monstrous string of

characters gets thrown your way. Validate user input, filtering out

any password attempts exceeding the established length limit.

2. Efficient Processing:

• Hashing with Care: Ditch inefficient hashing algorithms that get

bogged down by long passwords. Opt for modern options like

bcrypt or scrypt with logarithmic complexity, making even

monstrous passwords a breeze to handle.

• Resource Allocation: Ensure your system has enough muscle to

handle typical workloads, with extra reserves for unexpected

 surges. Regularly monitor resource utilization and adjust allocation

as needed.

3. Monitoring and Response:

• Early Detection: Keep an eagle eye on login attempts. Implement

anomaly detection systems that flag sudden spikes in password

processing, potentially indicating an attack.

• Rapid Response: Have a pre-defined action plan for DoS

attacks. This could involve throttling login attempts, temporarily

blocking suspicious IPs, or even alerting security teams for manual

intervention.

4. Continuous Defense:

• Software Updates: Patch software vulnerabilities promptly. Exploits

targeting password handling algorithms are a real threat, so staying

up-to-date is crucial.

• Security Awareness: Educate users about proper password

hygiene, including avoiding excessive length and

complexity. Encourage the use of strong passphrases instead.

 • Threat Intelligence: Stay informed about the latest DoS attack

techniques and emerging vulnerabilities. Regularly assess your

security posture and adapt your defenses accordingly.

NOTE

• Security is a journey, not a destination. Regularly evaluate your

mitigation strategies, test their effectiveness, and adapt them as

needed.

• By staying vigilant and employing these robust measures, you can

turn those long passwords from potential siege weapons into mere

password quirks!
REFERENCES

https://www.acunetix.com/vulnerabilities/web/long-password-denial-of-

service/#:~:text=By%20sending%20a%20very%20long,a%20vulnerab

le%20password%20hashing%20implementation.