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1 Running Head: SSL/TLS ATTACK VECTORS M5.8 SSL/TLS Attack Vectors CYS523 Software and Application Security Excelsior University November 24, 2023 SSL/TLS Attack Vectors

SECURE PRACTICES FOR PASSWORD MANAGEMENT & STORAGE 2 A 3shake SSL/TLS attack is a type of security vulnerability that targets the handshake process of the SSL/TLS protocol (Satapathy & Livingston, 2016). This attack exploits a flaw in the key exchange algorithm used by TLS 1.2 and earlier versions, allowing an attacker to recover the symmetric encryption key used to secure the communication channel. The attack is called "3shake" because it requires three key exchanges to be successful (Satapathy & Livingston, 2016). The following are the steps or components of a 3shake SSL/TLS attack: 1. Person 1: The attack begins with the client sending a Person 1 message to the server, indicating its support for specific cryptographic algorithms and protocols. The attacker may intercept this message to identify the key exchange algorithm. 2. Person 2 responds to Person 1 message, then server sends Person 2 communication includes the selected protocol version, cipher suite, and a randomly generated number. The attacker may intercept this message to determine the parameters of the key exchange and the server's public key. 3. Key Exchange: The critical exchange process begins with the client receives the server's public key from the server. The server, in turn, decrypts the pre-master secret using its private key to generate the symmetric encryption key.4. 3shake Attack: The attacker leverages a mathematical flaw in the key exchange algorithm to recover the pre-master secret and, subsequently, the symmetric encryption key. This allows the attacker to decrypt and eavesdrop on the end user server communication. 5. Man-in-the-Middle: Is when the attacker may also position themselves as the attacker can intercept and modify the data between the end user and the server. The attacker can alter the data exchanged or inject harmful content without being detected.

SECURE PRACTICES FOR PASSWORD MANAGEMENT & STORAGE 3 6. Data exfiltration occurs when an attacker effectively decrypts encrypted communication, enabling them to extract sensitive information like login credentials, financial data, or other confidential details. In order to minimize the possibility of a 3shake SSL/TLS attack, it is crucial to verify that the systems are upgraded to the most recent versions of the TLS protocol that have addressed the vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should regularly monitor and analyze network traffic for signs of unauthorized decryption attempts or anomalous behavior (Satapathy & Livingston, 2016). Lastly, strong encryption and authentication mechanisms can help protect against potential attacks. 3shake is a cryptographic attack that targets the handshake process in the WPA3 protocol, which is used to secure Wi-Fi networks (Satapathy & Livingston, 2016). The attack takes advantage of vulnerabilities in the Dragonfly handshake, the core of the WPA3 protocol, allowing an attacker to potentially recover the password or gain unauthorized access to the network. In this essay, we will discuss the vulnerabilities that 3shake exploits and the potential impact of this attack on Wi-Fi security. One of the principal vulnerabilities that 3shake exploits is the use of weak elliptic curve parameters in the Dragonfly handshake (Curguz, 2016). The elliptic curve parameters perform cryptographic operations in the handshake process. If these parameters are weak or poorly chosen, it can weaken the overall security of the protocol. 3shake takes advantage of these invalid parameters to mount a practical attack on the WPA3 protocol, potentially compromising the security of Wi-Fi networks. Another vulnerability that 3shake exploits is the lack of crucial confirmation in the Dragonfly handshake (Curguz, 2016). Key confirmation is an essential part of the handshake

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SECURE PRACTICES FOR PASSWORD MANAGEMENT & STORAGE 4 process that ensures both parties have computed the same secret key, ensuring the handshake is prosperous and secure. Without necessary confirmation, an attacker can manipulate the handshake process to retrieve sensitive information or gain unauthorized access to the network (Curguz, 2016). Additionally, 3shake exploits the use of predictable randomness in the WPA3 protocol. Randomness is a crucial component of cryptographic protocols as it ensures that values such as keys and nonces are unpredictable and cannot be easily guessed by an attacker. However, if the randomness used in the protocol is predictable or poorly seeded, it can weaken the security of the handshake process and make it vulnerable to attacks such as 3shake (Satapathy & Livingston, 2016). Exploiting these vulnerabilities in the WPA3 protocol can have significant implications for Wi-Fi security. A successful execution of a 3shake attack by an assailant could lead to the retrieval of the Wi-Fi password, thereby enabling them to intercept network traffic, carry out man-in-the-middle attacks, or engage in various malicious activities. Consequently, this may lead to the disclosure of confidential data, unauthorized entry into network assets, and a violation of privacy for individuals connected to the compromised network. To mitigate the vulnerabilities exploited by 3shake, Wi-Fi users and administrators must ensure that their networks are protected against this attack (Satapathy & Livingston, 2016). This can be done by updating Wi-Fi devices and access points with the latest security patches, using strong and unique passwords for Wi-Fi networks, and implementing additional security measures such as network segmentation and intrusion detection systems. A vulnerable server is a serious security threat leads to data breaches, unauthorized access, and potential financial and reputational damage to the affected organization (Curguz,

SECURE PRACTICES FOR PASSWORD MANAGEMENT & STORAGE 5 2016). Therefore, it is critical to take the necessary measures to patch any vulnerabilities on a server, including the 3shake vulnerability. The 3shake vulnerability is a security flaw that was discovered in the handshake protocol used in the Transport Layer Security and Secure Sockets Layer encryption protocols (Curguz, 2016). Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to intercept and tamper with the communications between a server and a client, potentially exposing sensitive information. To patch the 3shake vulnerability and secure the server, the following measures should be taken: 1. Update the server software: The first and most crucial step in patching the 3shake vulnerability is to update the server software to the latest version. Vendors commonly use patches and updates to fix security flaws, and it is crucial to install these updates promptly to protect the server from known vulnerabilities. 2. Implement strong encryption: Besides updating the server software, it is essential to ensure robust encryption protocols to protect communications between the server and clients. This may involve configuring the server to use the latest versions of TLS/SSL and turning off outdated encryption algorithms known to be vulnerable. 3. Regular security audits are essential in identifying and resolving any potential vulnerabilities on the server, including 3shake. By conducting these audits on a regular basis, organizations can proactively address security concerns and ensure the protection of their systems and data. 4. Network segmentation and access control: Implementing network segmentation and access controls can help minimize critical impacts breach by limiting the scope of an attacker's access. By restricting access to sensitive resources, such as databases and file servers, the impact of a successful attack can be significantly reduced.

SECURE PRACTICES FOR PASSWORD MANAGEMENT & STORAGE 6 5. Stay informed about security threats: The latest security threats, including vulnerabilities such as 3shake, is crucial for proactive security management. By staying up-to- date with security advisories and industry news, organizations can be better prepared to address emerging threats and apply necessary patches and updates. Reference Curguz, J. (2016). (PDF) vulnerabilities of the SSL/TLS protocol - Researchgate. Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303563966_Vulnerabilities_of_the_SSLTLS_Pro tocol Satapathy, A., & Livingston, J. (2016). A comprehensive survey on SSL/ TLS and their vulnerabilities - researchgate. ResearchGate.

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SECURE PRACTICES FOR PASSWORD MANAGEMENT & STORAGE 7 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/310761924_A_Comprehensive_Survey_on_SSL _TLS_and_their_Vulnerabilities

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