Brute force attacks are a common method used by attackers to gain unauthorized access to web applications by systematically trying different combinations of usernames and passwords until the correct one is found.
Preventing these attacks is crucial to maintaining the security and integrity of your web application.
SafeLine Web Application Firewall (WAF) provides several features that can help prevent brute force attacks. Here’s how you can leverage SafeLine WAF to protect your web application from brute force attacks.
1. Rate Limiting
Implement Rate Limiting Rules:
- Definition: Rate limiting restricts the number of requests a user can make to your server in a given timeframe.
- Configuration: Configure SafeLine WAF to limit the number of login attempts from a single IP address within a specific period (e.g., 5 attempts per minute).
- Example: Block or throttle requests that exceed the defined threshold, returning a 429 Too Many Requests response.
Steps to Configure:
- Access the SafeLine WAF management console.
- Navigate to the rate limiting settings.
- Define rules for login endpoints to limit the number of requests from each IP.
- Set thresholds and response actions (e.g., blocking or delaying requests).
2. IP Blocking and Blacklisting
Block Malicious IPs:
- Definition: Identify and block IP addresses that exhibit malicious behavior, such as repeated failed login attempts.
- Configuration: Set up SafeLine WAF to automatically block IP addresses based on different Match Target.
Steps to Configure:
- Access the SafeLine WAF management console.
- Navigate to
Protections-Customized rules. - Add rules for detecting and blocking suspicious IP addresses.
- Set the criteria for blocking.
3. CAPTCHA Implementation
Use CAPTCHA Challenges:
- Definition: CAPTCHA challenges help differentiate between human users and automated bots.
- Configuration: Integrate CAPTCHA challenges on your login pages after a certain number of failed login attempts.
- Example: After 3 failed login attempts, prompt the user with a CAPTCHA challenge to verify they are human.
Steps to Configure:
- Still navigate to Rate Limiting.
- Use SafeLine WAF to enforce CAPTCHA on login attempts after a predefined number of failures.
- Ensure CAPTCHA is user-friendly and does not degrade the user experience.
4. Monitoring and Alerting
Set Up Monitoring and Alerts:
- Definition: Continuously monitor login attempts and set up alerts for suspicious activity.
- Configuration: Use SafeLine WAF’s monitoring and alerting features to track login attempts and detect patterns indicative of brute force attacks.
- Example: Receive alerts when multiple login attempts are detected from the same IP address or when login attempts spike suddenly.
Steps to Configure:
- Access the SafeLine WAF management console.
- Navigate to the System settings.
- Define criteria for triggering Web Attack.
- Set up notification methods (currently only support Discord) for real-time alerts.
5. Use Strong Authentication Practices
Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):
- Definition: Add an extra layer of security by requiring additional verification methods.
- Configuration: SafeLine WAF support TOTP for MFA to require users to verify their identity.
Conclusion
Preventing brute force attacks is essential to maintaining the security of your web application.
By leveraging the features of SafeLine WAF, you can effectively mitigate the risk of such attacks. Implement rate limiting, IP blocking, CAPTCHA challenges, and monitoring and alerting to create a robust defense against brute force attacks.
Additionally, enforcing multi-factor authentication will further enhance your web application's security.
By following these best practices, you can protect your application and ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive data and functionalities.
SafeLine website: https://waf.chaitin.com/
Github: https://github.com/chaitin/SafeLine
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