What is MITM Attack

A man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack is a type of cyber attack where a malicious actor inserts themselves between two parties who are communicating. The attacker can then monitor, alter, or even stop the communications going through. The attacker is usually able to do this by exploiting vulnerabilities in the network, or by impersonating one of the parties in the communication.

In a MITM attack, the attacker is able to intercept and modify the data being sent between the two parties. This can be done by either gaining access to the data directly or by intercepting the communication and then re-encrypting it with a different key. The attacker can also insert malicious code into the data stream that can be used to manipulate or monitor communication.

The most common type of MITM attack is called a “Man-in-the-Browser” attack. This type of attack is particularly dangerous because it can be used to gain access to sensitive information such as bank account numbers, passwords, and more. In this type of attack, the attacker targets the web browser of the victim and injects malicious code into the web page being visited. This malicious code can then be used to steal information or manipulate communication.

MITM attacks can also be used to launch further attacks. For example, an attacker could use an MITM attack to gain access to a network, and then use that access to launch a distributed denial of service (DDoS) attack.

MITM attacks can be difficult to detect and prevent. The best way to protect yourself from these types of attacks is to use strong encryption, use secure communication protocols, and ensure that all communications are properly authenticated. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the signs of a MITM attack, such as unusual or unexpected requests for personal information, and to take steps to protect yourself if you suspect an attack.

How to perform MITM attack?

One of the most common ways to perform a MITM attack is through ARP spoofing. ARP spoofing is a type of attack where an attacker sends out false or malicious ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) messages. These messages can be used to trick computers into thinking that the attacker’s computer is the trusted one and directing all traffic to it.

For example, consider a network with two computers, a and b, and an attacker, c. The attacker sends out ARP messages claiming to be computer a. Computer b then sends all its traffic to the attacker’s computer rather than computer a, allowing the attacker to intercept and modify the traffic.

Another way to perform a MITM attack is through DNS spoofing. DNS spoofing is a type of attack where an attacker sends out malicious DNS (Domain Name System) responses. These responses can be used to redirect the user’s traffic to a malicious website or server, allowing the attacker to intercept and modify the user’s traffic.

For example, consider a network with two computers, a and b, and an attacker, c. The attacker sends out malicious DNS responses claiming to be the authoritative server for a certain website. Computer b then sends all its traffic to the attacker’s computer rather than the legitimate website, allowing the attacker to intercept and modify the traffic.

Other ways to perform a MITM attack include using a malicious Wi-Fi access point, using malicious software, or using social engineering. Regardless of the technique used, the goal of a MITM attack is to intercept and modify network traffic.