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What does the insecure handling of session IDs allow attackers to do?

  1. Encrypt session data

  2. Retrieve stored session-ID information

  3. Enhance user privacy

  4. Prevent password reuse

The correct answer is: Retrieve stored session-ID information

The insecure handling of session IDs primarily allows attackers to retrieve stored session-ID information. Session IDs are critical for maintaining the state of a user's session on a web application, including authentication and authorization. If these IDs are not handled securely—such as being accessible in URLs, stored insecurely in cookies, or not being invalidated after logout—attackers can exploit this vulnerability to steal session IDs. This enables them to impersonate users by hijacking their active sessions. The other options do not align with the consequences of insecure session ID handling. For instance, encrypting session data doesn’t directly relate to the handling of session IDs; instead, it’s a protective measure against unauthorized access. Enhancing user privacy and preventing password reuse are also largely unrelated to session ID vulnerabilities. Instead, they involve different security practices and considerations in the realm of web application security. Hence, understanding how insecure session IDs work is crucial for developing a robust security posture.