The SessionShark phishing kit bypasses Office 365 MFA by stealing session tokens. Experts warn about real-time attacks using fake login pages and Telegram alerts.
SlashNext security experts have found a new tool, “SessionShark,” used by cyber criminals to steal Microsoft Office 365 login information. It can bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA), which adds extra security by requiring a phone code along with a password.
SlashNext’s research found SessionShark ads on cybercrime networks, suggesting it’s intended to steal session tokens. These tokens allow users to stay logged in without re-entering passwords. With a stolen token, criminals can access your Office 365 account, even with MFA enabled, as the token verifies your login.
Researchers noted that attackers can use this session cookie to get around MFA controls and access the account without the one-time passcode.” This makes the extra security of MFA useless in this type of attack.
The creators of SessionShark are trying to sell it to other criminals by saying it’s “for educational purposes,” but security experts say this is just a way to hide what it’s really for. It is designed to aid criminals’ success.
The SessionShark phishing kit mimics a genuine Office 365 login page to deceive users. It acts as an “adversary-in-the-middle” (AiTM), capturing login details when victims enter them on the fake website. It features a logging panel for operators and links to a Telegram bot for real-time alerts. This allows attackers to receive notifications with the victim’s email, password, and session token they intercept during login.
SessionShark effectively works with Cloudflare, which conceals a website’s true location, complicating efforts for security teams to trace and shut down criminal activities. It also aims to evade detection by threat intelligence systems that track malicious websites. Additionally, SessionShark enables criminals to swiftly send stolen data to the attacker’s phone via Telegram for immediate access.
SlashNext’s blog post highlights a trend in cybercrime where criminals are selling tools like SessionShark as a service, offering support and updates. This approach makes it easier for more individuals to launch attacks.
Security teams are working to detect and block tools like SessionShark to protect users. It’s important to be cautious online, especially when entering login information. Always ensure you’re on the real website before entering your username and password, even with extra security like MFA.
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