Microsoft warns of VPN hack

One of the advantages of the Defcon conference, where crackers show how to make software more secure by exposing how programs are vulnerable, is that vendors can learn valuable lessons. Microsoft apparently learned one, according to this report from Greg Keizer of ComputerWorld U.S.

This week Microsoft warned Windows users of possible “man-in-the-middle” attacks able to steal passwords for some wireless networks and VPNs, or virtual private networks as a result of a disclosure at the recent conference.

However, Keizer points out, the company hasn’t issued a security update.

The threat involves MS-CHAP v2 (Microsoft Challenge Handshake Authentication Protocol version 2). It’s used to authenticate users in PPTP-based (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol)
VPNs.

The greatest threat is spoofing a legitimate wireless hotspot, where a hacker can grab traffic out of the air. As a defence, Microsoft recommended that IT administrators add PEAP (Protected Extensible Authentication Protocol) to secure passwords for VPN sessions.
 

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Jim Love, Chief Content Officer, IT World Canada

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Howard Solomon
Howard Solomon
Currently a freelance writer, I'm the former editor of ITWorldCanada.com and Computing Canada. An IT journalist since 1997, I've written for several of ITWC's sister publications including ITBusiness.ca and Computer Dealer News. Before that I was a staff reporter at the Calgary Herald and the Brampton (Ont.) Daily Times. I can be reached at hsolomon [@] soloreporter.com

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