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Michael S. Mimoso, Editorial DirectorNot all "man-in-the-middle" proxy tools can handle SSL sessions when the client and the server use certificates, because they can't store the client certificate for handshaking or logon. However, if they import the required client certificate prior to handshaking or logon, the Paros Proxy can intercept and modify HTTPS data, even when applications require a client certificate. Although the client and the server may be trusted, the attacker can modify any part of the request and response before forwarding it.
Paros is a very powerful program and can be used to evaluate the security of Web applications. It is free of charge and completely written in Java. It has several tools including a record feature, which keeps a history of all HTTP requests and responses. This feature allows the developer or attacker to review all of the actions, pages and variables. It also includes automated vulnerability scanning and detection capabilities for some common Web application attacks, including SQL injection and cross-site scripting. Paros also scans for unsafe Web content, such as unsigned ActiveX controls and browser exploits sent by the target Web server. For more information about Paros visit the Web site at http://www.parosproxy.org.
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This was first published in December 2005