Stories with Tag Spoofing

• Ssl.com: DCV bypass and issue fake certificates for any MX hostname

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  Posted: 2025-04-19 18:44:17

  Verbose tl;dr

  A vulnerability was reported against SSL.com, a Certificate Authority (CA), allowing fraudulent issuance of SSL certificates for arbitrary MX hostnames. Their domain control validation (DCV) process was flawed: by setting specific TXT records, an attacker could bypass verification checks and obtain certificates for domains they didn't own, potentially enabling man-in-the-middle attacks. SSL.com confirmed and addressed the issue, revoking the fraudulently issued certificates. Mozilla subsequently added SSL.com to their CA incident database.

  This Mozilla bug report details a critical vulnerability discovered within the SSL.com certificate issuance process, potentially enabling malicious actors to fraudulently obtain SSL/TLS certificates for arbitrary mail exchange (MX) hostnames. The core issue stems from SSL.com's flawed domain control validation (DCV) procedures, specifically related to their handling of DNS-based DCV for email domains. Legitimate certificate issuance requires applicants to prove they control the domain for which they are requesting a certificate. One common method involves adding specific DNS records to the domain's DNS zone file. SSL.com purportedly offered a DCV method allowing applicants to create a specific DNS record within the _smtp._tcp service record of their MX domain.

  However, the report reveals that SSL.com's system apparently failed to properly validate the actual MX record resolution. This oversight allowed an attacker, without any control over a target domain, to create the necessary DCV DNS record on a domain they controlled, point an MX record at that domain, and successfully complete the DCV process. This effectively bypassed the intended domain ownership verification, allowing the attacker to obtain a valid certificate for the target's MX hostname, even though they held no legitimate authority over it. Such a fraudulent certificate could then be used to intercept and decrypt email traffic destined for the target domain, posing a significant security risk.

  The reporter demonstrated this vulnerability by successfully obtaining a certificate for mx.mozilla.com without having any legitimate control over the mozilla.com domain. They highlighted that this issue could affect any domain utilizing SSL.com's specific MX-based DCV method. The severity of the vulnerability was underscored by the potential for widespread email interception and the undermining of trust in digital certificates issued by SSL.com. The reporter strongly urged prompt action to address this flaw and revoke any potentially fraudulently issued certificates.

  • SSL
  • TLS
  • Certificate Authority
  • CA
  • SSL.com
  • Domain Control Validation
  • DCV
  • MX Record
  • Hostname
  • Fake Certificate
  • Security Vulnerability
  • Bugzilla
  • Mozilla
  • Phishing
  • Spoofing

  Summary of Comments ( 58 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43738485

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News commenters discuss the severity and implications of the SSL.com vulnerability, with some downplaying its impact due to the requirement of compromising an email account first. Several highlight the unusual nature of DCV through email, questioning its security compared to other methods like DNS or HTTP. The discussion also touches on the complexities of certificate issuance and the potential for abuse, with one commenter suggesting the core issue lies in the CA's trust and the difficulty of verifying domain ownership reliably. Others point out that this vulnerability isn't new and express frustration with the slow response from CAs. The conversation also drifts towards the broader issue of CA trust and the need for better systems, with some suggesting decentralized solutions. Finally, a few comments mention the irony of a security company like SSL.com having such a vulnerability.

  The Hacker News post titled "Ssl.com: DCV bypass and issue fake certificates for any MX hostname" (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43738485) has several comments discussing the implications of the vulnerability described in the linked Bugzilla report.

  Several commenters express surprise and concern over the severity of the vulnerability, allowing the issuance of fake certificates for arbitrary MX hostnames. One commenter highlights the potential for significant damage, noting that email servers could be impersonated, leading to interception of sensitive information. The ease with which the vulnerability could be exploited is also mentioned, emphasizing the risk it posed.

  The discussion delves into the technical details of the vulnerability, with commenters explaining how the Domain Control Validation (DCV) process was bypassed. Specifically, the comments mention how ssl.com's system misinterpreted specific responses, allowing an attacker to claim control over a domain they didn't own. The conversation also touches upon the complexities of properly implementing and securing the various DCV methods.

  Some commenters question the responsibility of Certificate Authorities (CAs) in preventing such vulnerabilities, suggesting more rigorous checks and validation procedures. The impact on trust in the certificate ecosystem is also a point of discussion, with concerns raised about the potential erosion of user confidence in online security.

  One commenter questions the response time and transparency of ssl.com in addressing the issue. Others speculate on the potential motivations and technical capabilities of actors who might exploit such a vulnerability.

  The comments also explore the broader implications for email security and the challenges of maintaining a secure online environment in the face of constantly evolving threats. The vulnerability is framed within the context of larger systemic issues surrounding digital certificate issuance and validation.

• Planes are having their GPS hacked. Could new clocks keep them safe?

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  Posted: 2025-03-07 13:31:46

  Verbose tl;dr

  GPS jamming and spoofing are increasing threats to aircraft navigation, with potentially dangerous consequences. A new type of atomic clock, much smaller and cheaper than existing ones, could provide a highly accurate backup navigation system, independent of vulnerable satellite signals. These chip-scale atomic clocks (CSACs), while not yet widespread, could be integrated into aircraft systems to maintain precise positioning and timing even when GPS signals are lost or compromised, significantly improving safety and resilience.

  The BBC article, "Planes are having their GPS hacked. Could new clocks keep them safe?", explores the growing concern surrounding the vulnerability of aircraft navigation systems to GPS spoofing, a form of cyberattack where false GPS signals mislead receivers about their actual location. This deceptive practice poses a significant threat to aviation safety, potentially causing planes to deviate from their intended flight paths, leading to near misses or even collisions. The article details how GPS spoofing works, explaining that malicious actors can transmit counterfeit signals that overwhelm the genuine signals received from satellites, effectively tricking the aircraft's navigation equipment.

  The article highlights the increasing frequency of such incidents, suggesting that GPS interference, whether intentional or unintentional, is becoming more common. While pinpointing the exact number of spoofing attacks is challenging due to reporting inconsistencies and the difficulty in distinguishing between intentional interference and naturally occurring disruptions, the article cites several documented cases, reinforcing the reality and seriousness of the threat. These instances include reports of aircraft experiencing unexpected GPS anomalies, raising concerns amongst pilots and aviation authorities.

  As a potential solution to this escalating problem, the article examines the development and implementation of alternative navigation technologies, particularly focusing on atomic clocks. These highly precise timekeeping devices could provide a backup navigation system, independent of GPS. By utilizing highly stable atomic oscillations, these clocks maintain incredibly accurate time, allowing aircraft to calculate their position based on elapsed time and known velocity, a method similar to traditional celestial navigation. The integration of atomic clocks into aircraft navigation systems would offer a resilient and dependable alternative to GPS, ensuring safer and more reliable flight operations in the face of GPS disruptions or malicious attacks. The article discusses the ongoing research and development in this area, emphasizing the potential of atomic clocks to significantly bolster aviation security and mitigate the risks associated with GPS vulnerability. It also touches upon the potential challenges involved in adopting this technology, including cost and integration with existing aircraft systems. Ultimately, the article portrays atomic clocks as a promising avenue towards safeguarding air travel in an increasingly complex and potentially hostile technological landscape.

  • GPS
  • Navigation
  • Aviation Security
  • Cybersecurity
  • hacking
  • aircraft
  • Clock Synchronization
  • Timing
  • Vulnerability
  • Resilience
  • Interference
  • Spoofing
  • GNSS
  • Technology

  Summary of Comments ( 135 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43289994

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters discuss the plausibility and implications of GPS spoofing for aircraft. Several express skepticism that widespread, malicious spoofing is occurring, suggesting alternative explanations for reported incidents like multipath interference or pilot error. Some point out that reliance on GPS varies among aircraft and that existing systems can mitigate spoofing risks. The potential vulnerabilities of GPS are acknowledged, and the proposed atomic clock solution is discussed, with some questioning its cost-effectiveness and complexity compared to other mitigation strategies. Others suggest that focusing on improving the resilience of GPS itself might be a better approach. The possibility of state-sponsored spoofing is also raised, particularly in conflict zones.

  The Hacker News post titled "Planes are having their GPS hacked. Could new clocks keep them safe?" with the ID 43289994 has several comments discussing the BBC article about potential GPS vulnerabilities and proposed solutions.

  Several commenters challenge the premise of widespread GPS hacking of planes. One commenter suggests the BBC article's title is misleading, pointing out that the article itself primarily discusses potential vulnerabilities, particularly regarding spoofing or jamming, rather than confirmed incidents of hacking. They emphasize the difference between theoretical attacks and actual occurrences. Another commenter expresses skepticism, arguing that if GPS hacking of planes were a significant issue, there would be more documented evidence and consequences. This commenter also suggests that other systems, like inertial navigation, can mitigate the risks associated with GPS disruptions.

  The discussion also delves into the technicalities of GPS vulnerabilities and proposed mitigations. One commenter questions the practicality and effectiveness of using atomic clocks on planes as a solution, citing the cost, size, and power requirements. Another commenter highlights the existing multi-layered approach to navigation in aviation, which includes inertial navigation systems, ground-based radar, and other sensors. They argue that relying solely on GPS is not the norm.

  The conversation further explores alternative solutions to GPS vulnerabilities, such as using multiple satellite navigation systems (e.g., Galileo, GLONASS) to cross-reference data and enhance accuracy and reliability. Another commenter proposes using ground-based systems like Loran as a backup.

  Some comments focus on the broader implications of GPS vulnerabilities. One commenter suggests that a more significant threat than outright hacking is accidental interference, such as jamming from electronic warfare or malfunctioning equipment. Another commenter raises the concern that even if commercial aircraft are relatively safe due to redundant systems, smaller aircraft like general aviation planes might be more vulnerable to GPS disruptions.

  Several commenters express concerns about the general reliability and trustworthiness of information, mentioning how easy it is to create false narratives or exaggerate threats. This thread of discussion touches upon the importance of critical thinking and media literacy.

• A QR code that sends you to a different destination - lenticular and adversarial

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  Posted: 2025-01-23 23:55:34

  Verbose tl;dr

  This post showcases a "lenticular" QR code that displays different content depending on the viewing angle. By precisely arranging two distinct QR code patterns within a single image, the creator effectively tricked standard QR code readers. When viewed head-on, the QR code directs users to the intended, legitimate destination. However, when viewed from a slightly different angle, the second, hidden QR code becomes readable, redirecting the user to an "adversarial" or unintended destination. This demonstrates a potential security vulnerability where malicious QR codes could mislead users into visiting harmful websites while appearing to link to safe ones.

  This Mastodon post by user @isziaui details a fascinating intersection of physical and digital manipulation, demonstrating how a seemingly ordinary Quick Response (QR) code can be engineered to redirect different scanning devices to entirely separate online destinations. The author achieves this deceptive feat by employing a lenticular printing technique. Lenticular printing, often seen on novelty items like postcards or bookmarks, creates an illusion of depth or animation by interlacing multiple images behind a ridged plastic lens. The angle at which the lens is viewed determines which underlying image is perceived.

  In this specific instance, @isziaui meticulously crafted a lenticular print that incorporates two distinct QR codes, each concealed beneath the micro-lenses. Therefore, depending on the precise angle and position from which a smartphone camera captures the image, the scanning software will interpret a different QR code, and consequently, navigate the user to a distinct URL. This technique could be exploited for several purposes, including serving alternative content based on viewing angle, or, more nefariously, redirecting unsuspecting users to malicious websites while appearing to link to a legitimate one. The author labels this approach as an “adversarial” application of QR code technology, acknowledging its potential for misuse.

  @isziaui’s post further elucidates the process by providing photographic evidence of the lenticular QR code in action. Different images clearly demonstrate how varying the camera angle results in the decoding of different embedded QR codes. This visual documentation strengthens the author's claim and provides a compelling demonstration of the practicality of this technique. The author doesn't explicitly detail the specific methods used to create this lenticular QR code, but implies a level of technical proficiency required to align and embed the two codes precisely within the lenticular print. This intricacy highlights the potential sophistication of such manipulations and the increasing need for awareness regarding the potential vulnerabilities inherent in seemingly simple technologies like QR codes.

  • QR Code
  • Lenticular Printing
  • Adversarial Attacks
  • Security
  • Optical Illusions
  • Visual Deception
  • Cybersecurity
  • privacy
  • Spoofing
  • social engineering

  Summary of Comments ( 4 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42809268

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News commenters discuss various aspects of the QR code attack described, focusing on its practicality and implications. Several highlight the difficulty of aligning a camera perfectly to trigger the attack, suggesting it's less a realistic threat and more a clever proof of concept. The potential for similar attacks using other mediums, such as NFC tags, is also explored. Some users debate the definition of "adversarial attack" in this context, arguing it doesn't fit the typical machine learning definition. Others delve into the feasibility of detection, proposing methods like analyzing slight color variations or inconsistencies in the printing to identify manipulated QR codes. Finally, there's a discussion about the trust implications and whether users should scan QR codes displayed on potentially compromised surfaces like public screens.

  The Hacker News post "A QR code that sends you to a different destination - lenticular and adversarial" sparked a discussion with several interesting comments.

  Many commenters focused on the practicality and implications of this "lenticular" QR code technique. One commenter pointed out that the angle required to trigger the alternate destination might be too precise for reliable exploitation in real-world scenarios. They questioned whether a slight tilt of the phone could unintentionally switch the destination, leading to user frustration rather than successful attacks. This raised the issue of usability versus malicious intent.

  Expanding on the practicality theme, another commenter discussed the difficulty of aligning the adversarial QR code precisely enough to deceive someone. They suggested that the effort required to create and deploy such a trick might outweigh the potential benefits for an attacker. Furthermore, they mentioned the existence of QR code scanners that display the embedded URL, allowing users to verify the destination before visiting it, thus mitigating the risk.

  The discussion then delved into the potential applications and limitations of this technique. One commenter suggested that it might be more useful for artistic purposes or "rickrolling" than for malicious attacks. They envisioned scenarios where the intended recipient (e.g., a friend) could easily decode the intended message, while others viewing the QR code from a different angle might be redirected to a humorous or unexpected website.

  Several commenters also explored the technical aspects of lenticular printing and its application to QR codes. They discussed the challenges of aligning the two different QR codes precisely during the printing process, which could affect the reliability of the trick.

  Another interesting point raised was the potential for this technique to be used in physical access control systems. A commenter suggested that a lenticular QR code could be used to grant access to authorized personnel while displaying a decoy destination to unauthorized individuals. However, this idea also sparked debate about its security implications and the ease with which such a system could be bypassed.

  Finally, the conversation touched upon the broader implications of adversarial attacks on seemingly simple technologies like QR codes. Commenters acknowledged the ingenuity of the technique while emphasizing the importance of user awareness and skepticism when encountering QR codes from untrusted sources. They highlighted the ongoing "cat and mouse" game between security researchers and attackers, constantly seeking new vulnerabilities and developing countermeasures.