liveBook · Manning

Credential stuffing

As explained in Grokking Web Application Security

A credential-stuffing attack tests large collections of previously stolen username-and-password pairs against a targeted service.

Credential stuffing tests a large collection of previously stolen username-and-password pairs against one targeted service. It works because people often reuse credentials across websites. section 1.2

A reused-password attack

After obtaining a database of stolen passwords, an attacker retries the collection against a single website. This differs from password spraying, which tests stolen credentials across many websites. section 1.2

The surrounding attack chain can include:

  • Stealing credentials in bulk by accessing and downloading a database. section 1.2
  • Using compromised social-media accounts for scams or selling harvested credentials to other attackers. section 1.2

How Grokking Web Application Security covers it

How deep it goes
Defines the attack and distinguishes password spraying, but does not describe implementation, detection, or mitigation.
Examples
Uses stolen credential databases, compromised Facebook accounts, scammers, and an uncle promoting fraudulent sunglasses.
What you can do after
Evaluate/understand how stolen credential collections can compromise accounts on a targeted service.
How it connects
Connects credential stuffing with credential theft, password reuse, password spraying, and data breaches.

Also explained in

Compare how 3 books explain credential stuffing →

Related concepts

This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of Grokking Web Application Security. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.