Skip to content

Latest commit

 

History

History
46 lines (32 loc) · 6.79 KB

attack-tree.md

File metadata and controls

46 lines (32 loc) · 6.79 KB

Attack Tree Analysis for kkuchta/css-only-chat

Objective: Compromise Application Using CSS-only Chat

Attack Tree Visualization

  • Attack Goal: Compromise Application Using CSS-only Chat [CRITICAL NODE]
    • Indirect Attacks Leveraging CSS-only Chat Context [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH-RISK PATH]
      • Phishing and Social Engineering via Visual Deception [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH-RISK PATH]
        • Create a Fake Login/Input Form within the Chat Area (Visual Illusion) [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH-RISK PATH]
          • Trick Users into Entering Credentials or Sensitive Data (No Actual Data Capture by CSS-chat itself, but visual trickery) [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH-RISK PATH - HIGHEST RISK]

Attack Tree Path: 1. Attack Goal: Compromise Application Using CSS-only Chat [CRITICAL NODE]

  • Description: This is the overarching objective of the attacker. It encompasses all potential methods to undermine the security, integrity, or availability of the application utilizing CSS-only chat, specifically focusing on vulnerabilities arising from the CSS-only chat mechanism itself.
  • Attack Vectors Leading Here: All subsequent nodes in the high-risk sub-tree are attack vectors contributing to achieving this goal. Primarily, these vectors exploit the visual manipulation capabilities inherent in CSS-only chat when combined with injection vulnerabilities in the embedding application.

Attack Tree Path: 2. Indirect Attacks Leveraging CSS-only Chat Context [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH-RISK PATH]

  • Description: This critical node represents a category of attacks that don't directly target the core functionality of CSS-only chat to break it, but instead leverage the context of a chat interface to perform malicious actions. The visual appearance of a chat is exploited for deception.
  • Attack Vectors Leading Here: The primary attack vector enabling this is the ability to inject HTML and CSS into the application embedding the CSS-only chat (typically via Cross-Site Scripting - XSS). This injection allows the attacker to control the visual presentation around and within the chat area.
  • Why High-Risk: These attacks are high-risk because they can bypass technical security measures focused on the CSS-only chat's code itself. They exploit user perception and trust in the visual interface, leading to potentially significant consequences like data theft or social engineering.

Attack Tree Path: 3. Phishing and Social Engineering via Visual Deception [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH-RISK PATH]

  • Description: This node narrows down the "Indirect Attacks" to focus specifically on phishing and social engineering. The attacker aims to deceive users into performing actions (like revealing credentials or clicking malicious links) by manipulating the visual chat interface to appear legitimate and trustworthy.
  • Attack Vectors Leading Here: HTML and CSS injection (XSS) remain the primary enablers. Attackers use these to craft visually convincing fake elements within or around the chat interface that mimic legitimate application components or communication.
  • Why High-Risk: Phishing and social engineering are high-risk because they target the human element, often bypassing even strong technical defenses. Successful phishing can lead to direct compromise of user accounts and sensitive data.

Attack Tree Path: 4. Create a Fake Login/Input Form within the Chat Area (Visual Illusion) [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH-RISK PATH]

  • Description: This is a specific tactic within phishing and social engineering. The attacker uses HTML and CSS injection to create a visual replica of a login form or input field directly within the chat interface. This form is purely visual; the CSS-only chat itself has no mechanism to process or transmit data entered into it.
  • Attack Vectors Leading Here: HTML and CSS injection (XSS) are essential. The attacker needs to inject code that visually resembles a login form, including labels, input fields, and buttons.
  • Why High-Risk: This is a high-risk tactic because it directly mimics a common and trusted user interaction (login). Users accustomed to entering credentials on login forms might be easily tricked into entering their information into the fake form, especially if the visual deception is well-crafted.

Attack Tree Path: 5. Trick Users into Entering Credentials or Sensitive Data (No Actual Data Capture by CSS-chat itself, but visual trickery) [CRITICAL NODE] [HIGH-RISK PATH - HIGHEST RISK]

  • Description: This is the culmination of the highest risk path. The attacker successfully deceives a user into entering their credentials or other sensitive information into the fake login form they created visually within the chat interface. Crucially, the CSS-only chat does not capture or transmit this data. The attacker relies on external mechanisms to collect the information.
  • Attack Vectors Leading Here:
    • Visual Deception: The primary attack vector is the convincing visual illusion of a login form created using injected HTML and CSS.
    • Social Engineering: The attacker might use social engineering tactics within the chat context to further encourage users to "log in" or provide information.
    • External Data Capture (Requires additional vulnerabilities or methods beyond CSS-chat itself): To actually get the credentials, the attacker needs a way to capture the data the user enters. This could involve:
      • XSS with JavaScript: If the XSS vulnerability allows JavaScript execution, the attacker could use JavaScript to capture keystrokes in the fake form and send them to a malicious server.
      • Social Engineering to Obtain Credentials Elsewhere: The attacker might trick the user into entering their credentials into the fake form visually within the chat, and then separately instruct them (via chat message or other means) to enter the same credentials on a real malicious website controlled by the attacker.
  • Why Highest Risk: This is the highest risk because successful credential theft can lead to full account compromise, unauthorized access to sensitive data, and further malicious activities within the application or related systems. It represents a direct and significant security breach.