CAPEC Details
Name Harvesting Information via API Event Monitoring
Likelyhood of attack Typical severity
High Low
Summary An adversary hosts an event within an application framework and then monitors the data exchanged during the course of the event for the purpose of harvesting any important data leaked during the transactions. One example could be harvesting lists of usernames or userIDs for the purpose of sending spam messages to those users. One example of this type of attack involves the adversary creating an event within the sub-application. Assume the adversary hosts a "virtual sale" of rare items. As other users enter the event, the attacker records via AiTM (CAPEC-94) proxy the user_ids and usernames of everyone who attends. The adversary would then be able to spam those users within the application using an automated script.
Prerequisites The target software is utilizing application framework APIs
Solutions Leverage encryption techniques during information transactions so as to protect them from attack patterns of this kind.
Related Weaknesses
CWE ID Description
CWE-311 Missing Encryption of Sensitive Data
CWE-319 Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information
CWE-419 Unprotected Primary Channel
CWE-602 Client-Side Enforcement of Server-Side Security
Related CAPECS
CAPEC ID Description
CAPEC-407 An adversary engages in pretexting behavior to solicit information from target persons, or manipulate the target into performing some action that serves the adversary's interests. During a pretexting attack, the adversary creates an invented scenario, assuming an identity or role to persuade a targeted victim to release information or perform some action. It is more than just creating a lie; in some cases it can be creating a whole new identity and then using that identity to manipulate the receipt of information.