Which type of attack seeks to capture data transmitted between a user and a web application?

A man-in-the-middle attack is designed to intercept and capture data being transmitted between a user and a web application. In this scenario, the attacker positions themselves between the user and the web application, often without either party being aware of the intrusion. This allows the attacker to eavesdrop, alter communication, or even impersonate either party to steal sensitive information such as login credentials, personal data, or financial details.

In contrast, the other types of attacks do not focus on capturing transmitted data in the same way. SQL injection attacks exploit vulnerabilities in a web application to execute malicious SQL code and access the database, but they do not involve intercepting network traffic between a user and the application. Phishing attacks typically deceive users into providing sensitive information through fake emails or websites rather than directly intercepting data in transit. Brute force attacks attempt to gain access to accounts by systematically trying different passwords, but they also do not involve capturing data during its transmission. This understanding of how different attacks operate helps to reinforce the significance of recognizing man-in-the-middle attacks within the broader context of cybersecurity threats.