Broken authentication and session management

Term

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Definition

Weaknesses in login or session handling (weak passwords, guessable or reused session IDs, no timeout) that let attackers act as another user.

Example: Use long random session IDs and timeouts.

Found in: syllabus.

Where you'll use it in the test

Syllabus area: Y12 Secure Software Architecture.

Question types it can appear in

Multiple choice: Pick the option that matches the definition or example.
Short answer: Define, outline or explain it and tie it to the scenario.
Fill in the blanks: Choose this term to complete a statement or table.

Where it has appeared in the paper

Secure Software Architecture (Part A). Part letters follow each paper’s own layout.

How to use it

A model sentence

General advice, built from the definition and example above

“Weaknesses in login or session handling (weak passwords, guessable or reused session IDs, no timeout) that let attackers act as another user.” Then apply it: Use long random session IDs and timeouts.

In a short answer, give the definition in your own words first, then tie it to the situation in the question. Do not copy the example above unless it fits the scenario.

Command words used with it

From the linked past questions

Identify: Recognise and name. (2025 HSC Q8 (1 mark): User action controls)

Go deeper

Flashcard: Broken authentication and session management in Secure Software Architecture (Year 12) · study that set
Memorise: User action controls: broken authentication, XSS, CSRF, forwarding, race conditions
Notes: User action controls: broken authentication, XSS, CSRF, forwarding, race conditions (Secure Software Architecture (Year 12))
Full term page: every question, note and marking comment for Broken authentication and session management

Check yourself

Explain “Broken authentication and session management” in one sentence, give an example, and name a question type that could test it.

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