Re: 302 Redirection (Not just for successful login attempts)

[Rogan Dawes <discard () dawes za net>]

Ryan Barnett wrote:
> Correct.  The returned HTTP status codes is but one of many methods of
> enumerating valid account credentials.  The most common mistake is
> differences in the error message details provided to the user upon
> successful/failed login attempts.  Web apps should not inform the user
> whether or not the problem was with the username or password, but
> rather that they failed to authenticate.  The 2nd most obvious sign is
> passing parameters in URL or cookie variables (such as
> STATUS=Authenticated).
>
> This being said, there are still problems with using 302 redirects and
> that it is still possible to enumerate successful/unsuccessful
> authentication attempts based on the Location header data returned
> with the 302 status code.  If the authentication fails, it will send a
> 302 and the location most likely will be back to the login page.  A
> successful attempt, however will send a 302 but the new Location will
> be something other than the login page.  This is enough data for a
> scanner/script to automate and trigger on.

You mean, other than the fact that there is no longer a login form on 
the resulting page?

Mmmm.

Rogan


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