Every time you log in to a website or an application, a session is initiated. A session is an active communication channel between two systems, allowing continuous interaction without the need to re-authenticate with every new action. While essential for user convenience, these sessions expose vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit through session hijacking.

What is session hijacking?

Session hijacking, also referred to as cookie hijacking, TCP session hijacking, or cookie side-jacking, occurs when an attacker intercepts or takes over an active session between a user and a website or web application. Once the session is hijacked, the attacker can assume the identity of the legitimate user, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data such as bank accounts, personal information, or confidential business data.

For example, if you're shopping online or managing your bank accounts, the attacker could steal your session ID and manipulate your current session to commit fraud, transfer funds, or steal sensitive information.

How does session hijacking work?

Session hijacking operates through several techniques, primarily aiming to steal the session ID that authenticates a user's identity on a website. Here's a breakdown of the typical steps involved:

1. Session creation: When a user logs in to a website or application, a session is created, allowing the user to remain authenticated until they log out or the session times out.

2. Session ID theft: The attacker targets the session ID stored in the user’s browser in the form of a session cookie. This cookie contains all the information needed to maintain an authenticated session. Cybercriminals use various methods to steal this session ID, such as:

   • Cross-site scripting (XSS): Injecting malicious scripts into a web page to steal session IDs.

   • Session side-jacking: Monitoring network traffic through packet sniffing to capture session cookies.

   • Session fixation: Forcing the user to log in with a predetermined session ID, allowing the attacker to hijack the session after login.

   • Man-in-the-browser attack: The attacker uses malware installed on the user's computer to control the session and manipulate data without the user’s knowledge.

3. Hijack session: Once the session ID is obtained, the attacker uses it to impersonate the legitimate user. The attacker can perform actions as if they were the user, such as stealing funds, accessing sensitive data, or making fraudulent purchases.

Types of session hijacking

Session hijacking can be categorized into various types based on the method used:

• Cross-site scripting (XSS): Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in web applications by injecting malicious code, often through forms or comment sections. When executed, the code reveals the session ID to the attacker.

• Session side-jacking: Involves intercepting network traffic on public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. The attacker can capture session cookies in transit and use them to hijack the session.

• Session fixation: The attacker creates a session ID and tricks the user into logging in with this session ID, gaining control over the session after authentication.

• Man-in-the-browser attack: Malware on the user’s browser can manipulate or steal session data, including session cookies.

• Predictable session token IDs: Some web servers generate session IDs based on predictable patterns, which attackers can analyze to predict valid session IDs and hijack sessions.

How does session hijacking differ from session spoofing?

While session hijacking occurs when an attacker takes over an existing session that the user has already authenticated, session spoofing happens when the attacker creates a new session by impersonating a legitimate user. The user may not even be logged in when session spoofing occurs, but both methods aim to exploit vulnerabilities in session management and security.

How NVIS AI eliminates the risk of session hijacking

With the rise of sophisticated cyber threats like session hijacking, businesses need advanced solutions to protect their users. Traditional methods, such as antivirus software and secure HTTPS connections, are no longer enough to safeguard critical data and user privacy. This is where NVIS AI’s Secure Digital Perimeter (SDP) comes into play.

NVIS AI's approach to securing digital interactions goes beyond conventional VPNs and firewalls by integrating advanced Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) principles, peer-to-peer communication, and end-to-end encryption. Here’s how NVIS AI neutralizes the risk of session hijacking:

1. Zero Trust architecture NVIS AI operates on a Zero Trust model, which eliminates the assumption that any internal or external user is trustworthy. This means that every request for access to a system or data, even after the session is established, must be authenticated and authorized, reducing the chance of an attacker exploiting a stolen session ID.

   • Continuous verification: Even after a session is established, NVIS AI continuously monitors the legitimacy of user actions, ensuring that no suspicious activities can take place unnoticed.

   • No trust assumed: By enforcing strict policies that verify every request and re-authenticate actions within an ongoing session, NVIS AI prevents attackers from taking over a session.

2. End-to-end encryption NVIS AI ensures that all data in transit is encrypted, which means that even if an attacker intercepts communication between the user and the server, they cannot decrypt the data or steal the session ID. This makes session hijacking attempts virtually impossible.

   • Data integrity: Encrypted communication ensures that even if malicious actors gain access to session data, they cannot manipulate or decrypt it to gain control over the session.

   • Protected session cookies: NVIS AI protects session cookies through encryption and secure handling, preventing them from being exposed or stolen through packet sniffing or other side-jacking techniques.

3. No public attack surface Unlike traditional systems that expose public-facing portals, NVIS AI eliminates public attack surfaces by ensuring that there are no publicly accessible points of entry for attackers to exploit. This drastically reduces the risk of session hijacking as there’s no visible target for cybercriminals.

4. Peer-to-peer communication NVIS AI uses direct peer-to-peer communication between users, avoiding the need for centralized servers that could be exploited. By decentralizing session management, NVIS AI eliminates opportunities for attackers to intercept or hijack sessions from a single entry point.

   • No single point of failure: The absence of centralized servers reduces the likelihood of attackers targeting a specific gateway or server to exploit session vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

Session hijacking is a serious cybersecurity threat that can compromise personal data, financial information, and entire organizational infrastructures. Traditional security methods may be insufficient in preventing sophisticated session hijacking attacks. However, NVIS AI's Zero Trust Architecture, peer-to-peer connections, end-to-end encryption, and AI-driven security create an environment where such attacks are effectively neutralized before they can cause harm.

By adopting NVIS AI, businesses can ensure that their users are protected from the growing risk of session hijacking while maintaining high performance and seamless user experiences. NVIS AI’s cutting-edge technology provides the ultimate shield against session vulnerabilities, making session hijacking a thing of the past.

Are you ready to elevate your network security? Schedule a demo or contact our team of experts today.