How Hackers Steal Passwords

Keypoints :

• Hackers utilize malware to search for stored and cached passwords on the file system, which are encrypted but vulnerable to decryption methods.
• The Data Protection API (DP API) in Windows stores encrypted credentials, tied to user or machine scope, which can be decrypted with specialized tools.
• Tools like MimiCats, SharpDP, and DP Loot can extract, describe, and decrypt passwords from Windows, browsers, and stored credential caches.
• Browser password data, such as from Chrome and Brave, is encrypted with DP API and can be accessed by threat actors using these tools.
• Master keys stored on the file system are necessary for decrypting DP API blobs; threat actors can access these keys via local directories.
• Attack techniques are documented in frameworks like MITER ATT&CK, with tools such as Lasagna and Nuroft used for credential recovery in post-exploitation phases.
• Security measures can be bypassed by malware and malicious actors to carve out encrypted passwords, highlighting the importance of awareness and defense strategies.