What are some examples of timeout attacks?

What are some examples of timeout attacks?

Timeout attacks occur when an attacker exploits the time taken by a system to respond to requests. For example, if a system takes longer to respond to invalid credentials, an attacker can infer valid usernames.

Can you give me a specific scenario of a timeout attack?

Sure! Imagine a login page where the system takes 2 seconds to respond for valid usernames and 5 seconds for invalid ones. An attacker can use this delay to guess valid usernames.

How can systems protect against timeout attacks?

Systems can implement constant-time algorithms, where the response time is the same regardless of the input, or use account lockout mechanisms after several failed attempts.

Are there any real-world incidents of timeout attacks?

Yes, there have been incidents where attackers exploited timeout vulnerabilities in web applications to gain unauthorized access to user accounts.