What is the definition of session hijacking?

• A. A technique for enhancing user session security
• B. A type of attack where an attacker takes over a user session
• C. A method used for legitimate user authentication
• D. A process for managing user sessions in a database

Answer: (B)

Session hijacking is defined as a type of attack where an attacker takes over a user session. This occurs when an attacker exploits a valid computer session to gain unauthorized access to a system or network. The primary objective of session hijacking is to impersonate a legitimate user by stealing their session token, cookies, or other session identifiers.

In this context, the attacker can use various techniques, such as packet sniffing, session fixation, or cross-site scripting, to achieve this goal. Once the attacker successfully hijacks a session, they can execute actions on behalf of the legitimate user, potentially leading to data theft, unauthorized transactions, or system compromise.

Understanding session hijacking is crucial in the field of network security, as it highlights the importance of implementing robust session management techniques, such as using secure cookies, incorporating HTTPS, and employing anti-CSRF tokens to protect against such attacks.