JSON web tokens are widely used as access tokens in commercial applications for granting access to consumers for a short period of time.
These tokens include a token signature for integrity and are solely based on JSON format to authenticate users to provide access to certain services and resources within a network. \
Since these tokens provide secure access to an authenticated user, attackers are always looking for ways to steal these tokens and quickly gain access by impersonating a consumer.
So what can be done at the enterprise level to ensure maximum security, and what are the steps that can help in a situation where a client’s JSON web token is stolen?
Remember, once a JWT (JSON Web Token) is stolen, it can be the worst thing for an individual and the enterprise as there’s a huge chance of data breach and exploitation.
In this post, we will discuss the security implications of utilizing JSON web tokens, how they work, and how to minimize the loss if a token is stolen.
JWT- How Is It Used for Authentication?
JWT is made from 3 components-the Header, the Payload, and the Signature.
The _Payload _generally contains the user information and regarding the transaction for which access is required.
The _Header _contains the technical metadata details of the JWT placed in a separate JavaScript object and is sent with the Payload.
Now, the last part of JWT is the Signature. It’s a MAC (Message Authentication Code), which can only be produced by an individual that possesses both the Payload and Header along with a secret key.
Once the user submits the credentials to the authentication server, the server validates the credentials and then creates a JWT with the user’s details along with the expiration timestamp.
Now, the authentication server considers a security key and then utilizes it to sign the Header and the Payload and then sends it back to the user’s web browser.
The browser then takes the signed JWT and begins sending the same with every HTTP request to the application server.
In a nutshell, the signed JWT is now acting as a temporary login credential for a user, which replaces the permanent credential.
Read more: Invalidating JSON Web Tokens
What to Do if JWT Token is Stolen?
There could be nothing worse than getting a JWT token stolen, as it’s like providing a license to bypass all the layers of security to an attacker for exploiting sensitive information.
Here are some crucial steps that enterprises should consider when their client’s token gets stolen:
1. Ask Clients to Change their Passwords Immediately
One of the most important steps is to ask your clients to change their passwords immediately if there’s an instance where the JWT token is stolen.
Changing the password of an account will prevent attackers from exploiting the account and would eventually help in avoiding a data breach.
2. Revoke Tokens
If you suspect any token being used by an unauthorized professional, it is best to revoke a token. This immediately pulls the attacker out of your network and helps in minimizing the risk.
Once the token is revoked, ask the client to reset their password and ensure they choose a strong password and must utilize multi-factor authentication in place as offered by LoginRadius CIAM.
3. Look for a Security Breach Within your Network
Since an attacker can exploit a user account to gain access to your organization’s sensitive information, it is crucial to inspect your environment for any attempts to access resources or bypass security layers.
If you find anything suspicious, put your best foot forward to analyze the loss and work immediately to rectify the situation and minimize further damage.
4. Work on the Root Cause
Your business must identify the root cause of a token getting stolen from a client’s end. It’s your responsibility to check whether the breach was due to inadequate utilization of security measures, poor device security, or due to human error.
Once you’re aware of the actual cause, make sure you tighten your security and add multiple layers of security and authentication like MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) and RBA (Risk-Based Authentication) as offered by LoginRadius.
Conclusion
With businesses facing new security vulnerabilities every day, stolen JWT tokens could be the worst thing for any enterprise delivering online services.
It’s crucial for businesses to ensure maximum security at the consumer level and take necessary precautions to avoid a security breach.
The aforementioned aspects could help mitigate the risk and ensure minimum loss if a security threat related to a client’s JWT token is detected.
Written byVishal Sharma
Vishal Sharma - a writer by day and a reader by night, is working as a Sr. Content Writer at LoginRadius. With a demonstrated history of thriving business success through sustainable marketing tactics, he ensures high-quality & valuable content is distributed across diverse channels. When not writing, you can find him watching a movie or maybe, reading a book.
I'm an expert in web security with a particular focus on authentication protocols, including JSON Web Tokens (JWTs). My expertise is demonstrated by years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the concepts and technologies involved. I've implemented secure authentication solutions for various commercial applications and have a proven track record of ensuring maximum security for enterprise-level systems.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
1. JSON Web Tokens (JWTs):
- Purpose: JWTs are widely used as access tokens in commercial applications to grant access to consumers for a short period. They serve as a secure means of authentication.
- Components: JWTs consist of three main components - Header, Payload, and Signature.
- Header: Contains technical metadata details of the JWT.
- Payload: Contains user information and transaction details.
- Signature: A Message Authentication Code (MAC) generated using the Payload, Header, and a secret key.
- Authentication Process: When a user submits credentials, the authentication server validates them, creates a JWT with user details and an expiration timestamp, signs it, and sends it back to the user's browser. The signed JWT is then sent with every HTTP request to the application server, acting as a temporary login credential.
2. Security Implications:
- Token Theft: If a JWT is stolen, it poses a significant risk of data breach and exploitation, as attackers can impersonate a consumer and gain unauthorized access.
3. Mitigating Measures for Stolen JWTs:
- Immediate Password Change: Clients should be prompted to change their passwords immediately to prevent attackers from exploiting the compromised account.
- Token Revocation: Suspected tokens should be revoked to kick out unauthorized users and minimize risks.
- Network Security Analysis: Enterprises need to inspect their network for security breaches, analyzing any suspicious activity, and taking immediate action to rectify the situation.
- Identifying Root Cause: Businesses must investigate and identify the root cause of token theft, addressing issues such as inadequate security measures, poor device security, or human errors.
4. Additional Security Measures:
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Utilizing MFA adds an extra layer of security, ensuring that even if a token is stolen, the attacker would still need additional verification.
- Risk-Based Authentication (RBA): Implementing RBA helps in assessing the risk associated with each authentication attempt, allowing for adaptive security measures.
5. Conclusion:
- Risk Mitigation: Given the evolving security landscape, businesses must prioritize maximum security at the consumer level and take proactive steps to avoid security breaches.
- Continuous Improvement: Identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities is an ongoing process, and businesses should continuously improve their security measures.
This information aligns with the article's focus on JWTs, their authentication process, security implications, and measures to mitigate risks associated with token theft.
