MITM (Man in the Middle) Attack | Types and Prevention

A man-in-the-middle attack works by interrupting the communication process between two parties. The perpetrator enters a private conversation in disguise to either eavesdrop or to impersonate. This is the general process by which MITM attacks work in cyberspace.

They allow hackers to get access to confidential information between the communicating entities. The goal can be driven by personal or professional motives like getting account details, identity theft, reveal secrets, etc. The victim can lose money, goodwill, identity, and many more things under this attack.

MITM attacks may not be as common as phishing, malware, or ransomware. But these attacks come with specific intent. Their goal is not limited to stealing money but more than that. This is because MITM attacks have a higher risk, and if someone takes that risk, the reason has to be strong enough.

The implication of the MITM attack includes hackers getting access to encrypted contents, including passwords. The attacks can inject commands and modify the information easily. Or they can even corrupt the data by injecting malware into the system.

MITM Attack Progression

1. Interception

The hackers start the attack by intercepting user traffic through the network. The easiest way is to follow a passive attack where the attacker gives access to a free hotspot in a public space. Making these free networks available allows victims to fall for the bait and hackers to get access to data exchange. We will learn about other complicated techniques to intercept below.

2. Decryption

The step after the interception is to take control of network traffic without alerting the user or application. This can be done by using techniques like HTTPS spoofing, SSL Beast, or SSL striping/hijacking.

HTTPS spoofing uses a phony certificate after securing the connection with a digital thumbprint association. The browser verifies the thumbprint allowing attackers to get access to data entered by the victim.

SSL Beast works against TLS version vulnerability where the attacker infects the computer with malicious JavaScript. This blocks cookies sent by the web applications and compromises cipher blockchain systems as well.

SSL hijacking is when the attack uses forged authentication keys during a TCP handshake. Both the parties assume it to be secure and go ahead with their conversation allowing hackers to control the entire session.

SSL stripping is when the attackers bring down the HTTPS connection by manipulating TLS authentication. He sends an unencrypted version to the user and secures the application session. This method gives him access to the user’s entire session throughout the communication.

Types of Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

1. Email Hijacking

This method is when attackers target a user’s email account and track its transactions. This may include monetary communications as well. The attacker waits for the ideal opportunity and intercepts the transaction right on time, by spoofing members of the conversation.

2. Wi-Fi Eavesdropping

This includes setting up a public hotspot by the attacker with an unsuspecting name. The victims fall for it and connect it to their device allowing, attackers to gain access to their network completely.

3. Session Hijacking/ Browser Cookies

The hackers, in this case, steal the session key of the user or the browser cookies. He will use it when the user enters an online session and where he can track the user’s transactions.

4. DNS Spoofing

The attacker alters the website’s address in the domain name server. This refers to DNS spoofing as the user ends up visiting a fake website where the hacker waits for them. They will enter the information thinking it’s secure but in reality, the attackers get access to it. MDNS is an extension of this spoofing only but the only difference is that it takes place in Local Area Network.

5. IP Spoofing

In IP spoofing, the attacker diverts traffic to a fake website. The intent is negative and is similar to DNS spoofing. Here, the attacker acts as an internet protocol address. They make use of this scam to get information access from many people together.

6. Rogue Access Point

The attackers make their wireless access points and expect users to join the domain. Once the user is in, attackers can manipulate the network traffic and get information access. This is more dangerous as attackers just need to be in physical proximity to target people.

7. ARP Spoofing

Address Resolution Protocol is useful for resolving IP addresses to physical media access control. The attackers here pose as another host who responds with its own MAC address. This is done by placing packets to sniff the private traffic and get access to the information.

8. Sniffing

In this technique, the attackers inspect packets at a low level using different tools. The wireless device use allow them to monitor and access packets addressed to other hosts.

9. Packet Injection

This technique includes injecting malicious packets into communication streams by the attacker. They blend in with the stream and become a part of communication allowing attackers to get full access.

How to Prevent Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

Organizations should implement a comprehensive email security solution. It is an essential tool that makes the security architecture more effective and reduces the risk that comes with MITM attacks. This allows staff to focus on their work rather than worrying about their security.

The Organisation should implement a web security solution. This tool protects web traffic in the system and at the protocol. The security team can cover more ground using this tool and increase their productivity.

It is a good idea to educate employees about cybersecurity. Make them understand the dynamics, patterns, and frequency of such attacks and how they can tackle them. Expose them to several case studies so that they know how these attacks function in the real world.

The team should always keep the credentials secure. The passwords should remain secure and complex so that they are no easy to crack. The companies should also update them every few months to avoid making a pattern.

End-to-end encryption is one of the most effective ways to avoid MITM attacks. Both the communication parties have message keys to initiate the conversation. This key is not accessible to the attacker, securing the conversation. It becomes harder for them to break and compromise data.

Some other prevention tips are –

1. Always connect to secures connections with WPA2 security.

2. Try to add VPN to avid traffic decryption

3. Use end-to-end encryption for communication.

4. Always keep the malware system up to date.

5. Use password protection apps to avoid theft.

6. Connect to HTTPS connections using a browser plugin

7.Use multi-factor authentication to make the connection more secure

8.Create internal walls using zero-trust principles

9.Always monitor all activities inside the network to catch irregularities

How to Detect a Man-in-the-Middle Attack

1. If you are facing unexpected or repeated disconnections. Attackers do this to get hold of the user’s password and monitor the network.

2. If you come across strange addresses in your browser. Anything that looks odd should be avoided to reduce security risks.

3. You see public wifi and connect to it. We saw how dangerous this small mistake can become and avoiding such connections is always better. You log into public and/or unsecured

Future of MitM Attacks

The attackers are likely to get an advantage from such attacks because they get data like passwords and credit card numbers. The developers are trying to combat it but the hackers are matching their level by exploiting the technologies.

IoT devices are most vulnerable to this as they follow different security standards. Attackers leverage this loophole to enter an organization’s network and misuse the information.

Wireless networking allows hackers to steal data and infiltrate organizations as the networks are visible. More and more devices connect to one network and thus attackers can target many people together.

Conclusion

The evolution of technology has led to attackers getting more and more opportunities every day. But companies should not make this the reason for their poor cybersecurity protocols.

They should be aware of all sorts of attacks and keep preventive measures in place before the attacks. This can save their company from losing important data and the consumers. Following the simplest measures can also make a huge difference and organizations should consider them all.