Risks With OpenID
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OpenID is a decentralized standard that allows users to log into multiple websites using a single digital identity. While OpenID provides convenience, it also introduces security risks such as phishing attacks, man-in-the-middle attacks, replay attacks, cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks, and cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks if not implemented securely over HTTPS. Users should be aware of these risks and use caution when using OpenID, especially for sensitive sites like banks.
Risks With OpenID
- 1. Risks with OpenID Remember, with great comfort . comes great security risk . – Spiderman style ;)
- 2. What is OpenID (wikipedia) OpenID is a shared identity service, which allows Internet users to log on to many different web sites using a single digital identity. Eliminating the need for a different user name and password for each site. OpenID is a decentralized, free and open standard that lets users control the amount of personal information they provide.
- 3. Easy for user Complex to implement Not so difficult to do phishing You loose one ID and you loose complete web.
- 4. Remember single username and password for many sites Need not create a new account on a new site, use the same everywhere (mostly) Allow timed access Allow site X to use this authentication from date ‘a’ till date ‘b’ Benefits
- 5. Popular OpenID providers Flickr : http://www.flickr.com/photos/ username Verisign : http:// username .pip.verisignlabs.com/ Technorati : http://technorati.com/people/technorati/ username Blogger : http:// blogname .blogspot.com Wordpress : http:// username .wordpress.com & now Google : https://www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id= username its actually not an OpenID read here
- 6. Risks with OpenID Phishing Attacks Probably the biggest concern with OpenID. Users may be tricked into providing their credentials to phished OpenID provider website. This site might look like your original OpenID provider and you might loose your password for all the services affiliated to OpenID
- 7. Risks with OpenID… (contd) Man-in-the-middle Attacks If the connection is negotiated over weak encryption then it is subjected to interception attacks. Ensure that you are using HTTPS and you know how to use HTTPS safely
- 8. Risks with OpenID… (contd) Replay Attacks The URL from the relaying party can be sniffed, unless over HTTPS, and as such being replayed. Solution again is HTTPS
- 9. Risks with OpenID… (contd) CSRF (Cross-site request forgery) Attacks Once the victim is logged in malicious user might be able to execute CSRF attacks against other sites. Oops… ;( <iframe id="login" src=" http://bank.com/login?openid_url = user.openid.net " width="0" height="0"></iframe>
- 10. Risks with OpenID… (contd) XSS Attacks Once the user is logged in attackers might be able to execute a series of XSS (Cross-site scripting) attacks against the identity provider, in which case they will be able to hijack the entire on-line use presence. If attacker can do it through OpenID then why not?
- 11. Not against OpenID No I’m not at all against OpenID. It’s a great idea and will make online life lot more easier. User must be aware of safe usage. Implementers should take care of most of the security risk.
- 12. Recommendation NEVER EVER use OpenID or Single-Sign-On for banks or credit cards Always use HTTPS and know how to use it safely Better be paranoid than sorry like the condom ad “better safe than worry”
- 13. Further reading OpenID security issues http://www.thespanner.co.uk/2007/06/29/openid-security-issues/ OpenID: Phishing Heaven http://www.links.org/?p=187 OpenID: Phishing Heaven II http://www.links.org/?p=188 Problems with OpenID http://idcorner.org/2007/08/22/the-problems-with-openid/ Phishing risk http://stii.za.net/semanticweb/openid-phishing-risks-be-careful/ Solving phishing problem http://simonwillison.net/2007/Jan/19/phishing/
- 14. Confused??? Drop me a mail rohit@ club hack .com I MIGHT be able to help you