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HomeHomeUsing DNN Platf...Using DNN Platf...Administration ...Administration ...can can 'unknown username' messages be prevented - as it aides hackers in finding out usernames
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5/27/2009 9:30 AM
 
mark richardson

Joined: 7/30/2007
Posts: 501

We have been infored that the DotNetNuke system which informs users of unknown usernames is a security flaw (of medium risk).

- as it allows multiple guesses of usernames. - Can this be prevented ?

This is taken from an external security Report:

"It was possible to enumerate valid user accounts on the system through messages returned by the code handling user authentication and password resets. This could enable an attacker to identify valid accounts on the system.

When encountering a login prompt or password reset facility an attacker will always attempt to identify valid users before attempting to guess passwords. The discovery of valid usernames means that an attacker can target brute force and password guessing attacks on these valid usernames. This ability can dramatically increase the likelihood of gaining access to an account.

 

It is recommended that the areas noted above should be redesigned to prevent the enumeration of user accounts. Where possible, an application should produce an identical response regardless of whether a valid username was supplied or not."

 

 
 
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5/27/2009 12:47 PM
 
Bill Mason


www.wcm-consulting.com
Joined: 1/15/2005
Posts: 166

What version of DNN are you using?  I just tried a non-existent user on my DNN 494 site and the error just told me there was a failed login.  No mention about username or password in the message.

Bill
 
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5/27/2009 1:47 PM
 
David Toohey


Joined: 1/30/2007
Posts: 690

I wouldn't have thought this a terribly high security risk really, not only because identifying a username is somewhat limited in what it enables but there is also a password error lockout.

Incorrect attempts will continually lockout further attempts limiting this quite quickly.  I expect security weaknesses of far greater concern than simply knowing a username would be password and email security - items outside a DNN website.
 
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5/28/2009 4:47 AM
 
mark richardson

Joined: 7/30/2007
Posts: 501

I am on version 4.9.3

To find usernames - it can be done via the 'forgot password' section, this allows unlimited attempts.

If someone had a big site with 1000 users, attackers could have unlimited attempts to find 1000 usernames. Password attempts may be limited to 5 but this would equate to 5000 attempts in total.

 
 
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5/28/2009 4:56 AM
 
Rodney Joyce


www.pokerdiy.com
Joined: 4/28/2004
Posts: 2796

Can yuo not just change the string to "There was a problem with your request" or something more vague if it is an issue? It neither confirms or denies the existance.

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HomeHomeUsing DNN Platf...Using DNN Platf...Administration ...Administration ...can can 'unknown username' messages be prevented - as it aides hackers in finding out usernames


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