Yanking Tokens from Memory
A technique used by attackers to extract authentication tokens from system memory for unauthorized access.
Understanding Yanking Tokens from Memory
Yanking tokens from memory refers to the extraction of authentication tokens, session cookies, or cryptographic keys from a system's memory using malicious techniques. Attackers leverage memory dumping tools, malware, or process injection to steal credentials and hijack user sessions, bypassing traditional authentication mechanisms.
Common Methods of Extracting Tokens
Memory Dumping
Attackers use tools like Mimikatz, ProcDump, or Volatility to extract authentication tokens stored in memory.
LSASS (Local Security Authority Subsystem Service) process dumping is a common target in Windows systems.
Process Injection and Code Execution
Malware or attackers inject malicious code into running processes to retrieve sensitive authentication tokens.
Exploiting browser processes to extract stored session cookies.
Credential Theft via API Hooks
Intercepting API calls within applications to capture login tokens before encryption.
Common in attacks targeting OAuth, JWT, or SAML authentication mechanisms.
Heap and Stack Analysis
Analyzing heap memory or stack traces in applications to locate plaintext tokens.
Mitigation Strategies
Enable Token Expiration and Rotation – Reduce token lifespan to limit the impact of theft.
Use Secure Memory Handling – Implement zeroization techniques to clear sensitive data from memory.
Deploy Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) – Detect and prevent memory-based attacks.
Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Prevents attackers from using stolen tokens alone.
Restrict Debugging and Memory Access – Limit administrative privileges and use LSASS protection in Windows.