Advanced Network Timing Attacks Unveiled at Black Hat Conference
Researchers at the Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas have revealed groundbreaking findings on the potential exploitation of network timing attacks to uncover vulnerabilities in websites. These attacks, previously deemed too complex for real-world attackers to implement, have now been demonstrated as feasible by James Kettle, research director at PortSwigger.
The Evolution of Timing Attacks
Historically, network timing attacks have been a known but underutilized method of extracting hidden information from websites. Kettle’s research has shed light on how these attacks can be leveraged to expose critical vulnerabilities. By refining the “eternal timing attack” technique and addressing issues such as network noise, Kettle has demonstrated the real-world applicability of timing attacks in uncovering coding errors and flaws that would otherwise go unnoticed.
Practical Applications and Defensive Measures
Through his work, Kettle has not only identified hidden attack footholds using timing attacks but has also developed techniques to detect server-side injection vulnerabilities and misconfigured reverse proxies. By showcasing how timing attacks can bypass web application firewalls and unveil misconfigurations, Kettle has underscored the significance of these attacks in enhancing web security.
Furthermore, Kettle has released an open-source vulnerability scanning tool, Param Miner, to empower users to identify and address vulnerabilities without requiring in-depth technical knowledge. By integrating these features into a user-friendly tool, Kettle aims to democratize the use of network timing attacks for defensive purposes and raise awareness about their utility.
