The Download
A newly discovered attack bypasses two-factor authentication (2FA) protections in Google Chrome by exploiting weaknesses in the browser’s WebAuthn API, which handles authentication protocols. This flaw allows attackers to perform a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack or use social engineering tactics to manipulate user input during 2FA sessions. Once exploited, this bypass enables unauthorized access to accounts protected by 2FA, exposing sensitive information and corporate data to theft. The attack highlights a critical gap in 2FA implementation that cybercriminals can leverage, particularly against users who lack awareness of phishing or browser-based threats.
What You Can Do
To defend against this vulnerability, IT administrators should ensure Chrome is updated to the latest version, where security patches addressing WebAuthn vulnerabilities are likely implemented. Educate users on recognizing phishing attempts and the importance of verifying authentication prompts. Additionally, deploy browser-level protections like extensions that block known phishing sites and configure logging mechanisms to detect unusual authentication attempts or device connections in real time.
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