What is SSO Bypass
SSO Security Gap
What Is SSO Bypass?
Understanding SSO Bypass
Single Sign-On (SSO) is a user authentication process that allows a user to access multiple applications with one set of login credentials. While SSO simplifies user access and enhances security, it can be vulnerable to bypass techniques that attackers exploit to gain unauthorized access.
The Purpose of SSO Bypass
In environments where applications are SSO-enabled, a bypass local authentication URL is often used as a fallback mechanism. This allows users to log in with local credentials if the SSO system fails or is temporarily unavailable. While this feature ensures continuity of access, it is common for the local credentials to be static and lack MFA – leaving accounts with elevated rights vulnerable to attackers.
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How Attackers Exploit SSO Bypass
Attackers can take advantage of these bypass URLs to circumvent SSO security controls. For instance, if an attacker discovers the local authentication URL, they can attempt to log in using compromised local account credentials. This bypasses the SSO authentication process, allowing the attacker to gain unauthorized access to the application. Once inside, they can move laterally within the network, exploiting the lack of centralized authentication to access sensitive data and systems.
This vulnerability underscores the importance of securing local accounts and monitoring for unusual access patterns. Ensuring that local authentication URLs are not easily discoverable and implementing additional security measures, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) for local logins, can help mitigate these risks.
How Savvy.Security Can Help
- Real-Time Detection: Savvy.Security provides browser-level visibility to detect and block risky logins that bypass SSO.
- Automated Remediation: The platform automates the enforcement of SSO, ensuring consistent use across all applications.
- User Education: Savvy.Security offers real-time security guidance to help users comply with SSO policies.
- Continuous Monitoring: The solution continuously monitors logins to ensure SSO is used exclusively, preventing unauthorized access.
GCA has partnered with Savvy.Security to help with integrating it into your IAM strategy, so you can close security gaps, enhance compliance, and protect your organization from identity-based threats.
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GCA Technology Services provides you with a consultancy team that specializes in helping clients identify and solve gaps in your organization’s Identity Manager system and its compliance reporting capabilities. By collaborating with our esteemed expert consultants, you are saying yes to a partnership that will allow your team to craft policies and controls that are guaranteed to suit your business identity, meet your regulatory requirements, strategize a successful IAM solution, and implement it to maximum effect.
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