What is token hijacking in the context of OAuth, and how do attackers use stolen authentication tokens to bypass passwords and MFA? Learn how token hijacking works and why it’s a critical risk for organizations—essential for CompTIA Security+ (Plus) SY0-701 exam success.
Table of Contents
Question
An attacker compromises an OAuth provider and steals authentication tokens. They use these tokens to log in without needing usernames or passwords. What is this attack called?
A. Credential stuffing
B. Token hijacking
C. OAuth impersonation
D. Privilege escalation
E. Pass-the-hash
Answer
B. Token hijacking
Explanation
OAuth tokens grant access without credentials, making them a prime target for attackers.
When an attacker compromises an OAuth provider and steals authentication tokens, then uses those tokens to log in without needing usernames or passwords, this is known as token hijacking.
Token hijacking occurs when an attacker obtains a valid authentication token (such as an OAuth access or refresh token) and uses it to impersonate the legitimate user, gaining access to protected resources or accounts without needing the user’s credentials.
In OAuth and similar authentication systems, tokens are issued after the user successfully authenticates. These tokens serve as proof of authentication and are used for subsequent access requests. If an attacker steals a token—through phishing, exploiting vulnerabilities, or compromising the OAuth provider—they can use it to access applications and data as if they were the user.
This attack bypasses password-based and even multi-factor authentication, since the token itself is the only requirement for access until it expires or is revoked.
Real-world incidents, such as the GitHub OAuth token breach, have demonstrated how attackers can use stolen tokens to access private repositories and sensitive data.
Token hijacking is distinct from credential stuffing (which uses stolen usernames and passwords) and pass-the-hash (which uses password hashes), as it relies specifically on the theft and reuse of authentication tokens.
Token hijacking allows attackers to use stolen authentication tokens to access accounts and resources without needing the original user’s username or password, making it a serious threat in OAuth-based systems.
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