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1
tex/UTB.tex
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@ -13,7 +13,6 @@
\usepackage{lmodern} % correct vertical character centering \usepackage{lmodern} % correct vertical character centering
\usepackage[T1]{fontenc}% definice vnitřního kódování \usepackage[T1]{fontenc}% definice vnitřního kódování
\usepackage[utf8]{inputenc} % slouží pro definici kódování (při problémech zkusit zaměnit utf8x za utf8) \usepackage[utf8]{inputenc} % slouží pro definici kódování (při problémech zkusit zaměnit utf8x za utf8)
\hypersetup{pdfencoding=unicode}
\usepackage{color} % umožňuje použití barev \usepackage{color} % umožňuje použití barev
\usepackage{graphicx} % rozšíření práce s grafikou \usepackage{graphicx} % rozšíření práce s grafikou
\usepackage{amsmath} % balíček pro pokročilejší matematiku \usepackage{amsmath} % balíček pro pokročilejší matematiku

3
tex/abbreviations.tex
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@ -11,12 +11,15 @@ ASN & \emph{Autonomous System Number}\tabularnewline
DoS & \emph{Denial of Service}\tabularnewline DoS & \emph{Denial of Service}\tabularnewline
DDoS & \emph{Distributed Denial of Service}\tabularnewline DDoS & \emph{Distributed Denial of Service}\tabularnewline
HTTP & \emph{Hyper Text Transfer Protocol}\tabularnewline HTTP & \emph{Hyper Text Transfer Protocol}\tabularnewline
ICMP & \emph{Internet Control Message Protocol}\tabularnewline
IoT & \emph{Internet of Things}\tabularnewline
IP & \emph{Internet Protocol}\tabularnewline IP & \emph{Internet Protocol}\tabularnewline
ISP & \emph{Internet Service Provider}\tabularnewline ISP & \emph{Internet Service Provider}\tabularnewline
IXP & \emph{Internet Exchange Point}\tabularnewline IXP & \emph{Internet Exchange Point}\tabularnewline
LVM & \emph{Logical Volume Management}\tabularnewline LVM & \emph{Logical Volume Management}\tabularnewline
RFC & \emph{Request For Comment}\tabularnewline RFC & \emph{Request For Comment}\tabularnewline
TCP & \emph{Transmission Control Protocol}\tabularnewline TCP & \emph{Transmission Control Protocol}\tabularnewline
UDP & \emph{User Datagram Protocol}\tabularnewline
ULV & \emph{Ultra Low Voltage}\tabularnewline ULV & \emph{Ultra Low Voltage}\tabularnewline
VM & \emph{Virtual Machine}\tabularnewline VM & \emph{Virtual Machine}\tabularnewline
\end{tabular} \end{tabular}

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tex/references.bib
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@ -9,6 +9,15 @@
year=2007, year=2007,
} }
@article{Santanna2018BooterLG,
title={Booter list generation: The basis for investigating DDoS-for-hire websites},
author={J. J. Santanna and J. D. Vries and R. Schmidt and D. Tuncer and L. Granville and A. Pras},
journal={Int. J. Netw. Manag.},
year={2017},
volume={28},
doi={10.1002/nem.2008},
}
@misc{ShodanNTPd, @misc{ShodanNTPd,
title={NTPd devices}, title={NTPd devices},
author={Shodan}, author={Shodan},
@ -19,9 +28,8 @@
note={[online] Accessed: 2021-03-06}, note={[online] Accessed: 2021-03-06},
} }
@techreport{rfc4271bgp4, @inproceedings{rfc4271bgp4,
series={Request for Comments}, number="{Technical report 4271}",
number=4271,
howpublished={RFC 4271}, howpublished={RFC 4271},
institution={Internet Engineering Task Force}, institution={Internet Engineering Task Force},
publisher={Internet Engineering Task Force}, publisher={Internet Engineering Task Force},
@ -30,6 +38,7 @@
author={Yakov Rekhter and Susan Hares and Tony Li}, author={Yakov Rekhter and Susan Hares and Tony Li},
title={{A Border Gateway Protocol 4 (BGP-4)}}, title={{A Border Gateway Protocol 4 (BGP-4)}},
pagetotal=104, pagetotal=104,
pages=4,
year=2006, year=2006,
month=jan, month=jan,
} }
@ -188,6 +197,16 @@
note={[online] Accessed: 2021-05-02}, note={[online] Accessed: 2021-05-02},
} }
% cf
% https://www.cloudflare.com/en-gb/learning/ddos/memcached-ddos-attack/
@misc{cfmemcached,
title={Memcached DDoS Attack},
author={Cloudflare},
publisher={Cloudflare},
url={https://www.cloudflare.com/en-gb/learning/ddos/memcached-ddos-attack/},
note={[online] Accessed: 2021-05-03},
}
% akamai % akamai
% https://blogs.akamai.com/2015/06/dns-amplification-attacks-and-truncated-responses.html % https://blogs.akamai.com/2015/06/dns-amplification-attacks-and-truncated-responses.html
@misc{akamaidnsampl, @misc{akamaidnsampl,
@ -228,11 +247,18 @@
title={DDoS Defense in a Hybrid Cloud World}, title={DDoS Defense in a Hybrid Cloud World},
author={Akamai}, author={Akamai},
publisher={Akamai}, publisher={Akamai},
howpublished={https://www.akamai.com/us/en/multimedia/documents/ebooks/ddos-defense-in-a-hybrid-cloud-world.pdf}, url={https://www.akamai.com/us/en/multimedia/documents/ebooks/ddos-defense-in-a-hybrid-cloud-world.pdf},
note={[online] Accessed: 2021-05-03}, note={[online] Accessed: 2021-05-03},
year=2021, year=2021,
} }
@misc{linuxretransmission,
title={Linux Networking Documentation >> SNMP Counter},
author="{The kernel development community}",
howpublished={https://www.kernel.org/doc/html/latest/networking/snmp\_counter.html\#tcp-retransmission-and-congestion-control},
note={[online] Accessed: 2021-05-10},
}
@misc{metasploit, @misc{metasploit,
title={Metasploit Framework}, title={Metasploit Framework},
author={rapid7}, author={rapid7},

431
tex/text.tex
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@ -1,5 +1,9 @@
% ============================================================================ % % ============================================================================ %
\nn{Introduction} \nn{Introduction}
What we have commonly seen being used in the wild in recent years may be
called "professionalizing", by which I mean that what would typically be available 10
years ago cannot match to practically anything you can get ready in minutes to
cause real harm today.
% ============================================================================ % % ============================================================================ %
@ -17,66 +21,50 @@ A DoS attack is an action that harms a \it{service} in such a way that it can
no longer serve legitimate requests as a result of being occupied by bogus or no longer serve legitimate requests as a result of being occupied by bogus or
excessive requests from the attacker. excessive requests from the attacker.
% TODO A DDoS is a DoS that is distributed among many participant devices (and
iot devices' role in dos/ddos, unwilling participants, result of operators).
misconfiguration, software bugs, unpatched vulnerabilities (users discipline,
lack of awareness, vendors irresponsible), serving malicious actors as cheap
amplifiers/reflectors
IoT unpatched devices, Shodan open ports 123 (NTP) The devices participating are generally also victims in this, most of the
(https://www.shodan.io/search?query=ntp) \cite{ShodanNTPd}. attacks are performed with open DNS resolvers, home routers left to rot by
vendors, misconfigured web services or IoT devices as involuntary
participants. All one has to do is open Shodan and look for specific ports open
(ports of protocols with good reflection ratio such as DNS, CLDAP, or SSDP),
start probing and then reap the easy harvest. A quick search for devices
running with port 123 (NTP) open is certain to return a mind-blowing number
\cite{ShodanNTPd}.
\begin{itemize} \n{1}{Context}
\item conntrack table overload Only in the past decade we have witnessed many large DoS/DDoS attacks, some of them
\item rogue cpu process against critical infrastructure services like cloud hosting, DNS, git hosting
\item mem-intensive application services or CCTV cameras. All of the attacks weaponized poorly managed
\end{itemize} endpoints, unpatched IoT devices or
malware-infected-hosts-turned-botnet-zombies. The intensity and frequency has
also been sharply increasing, with the latest of attacks passing over the Tbps
threshold (Akamai mitigated a 1.44Tbps DDoS in 2020
\cite{akamai2020ddosretrospect}), data from Cisco noting that overall, there
was a \textbf{776\%} growth in attacks between 100 Gbps and 400 Gbps from 2018 to 2019
and predictions for the total number of DDoS attacks to double from 7.9 million
in 2018 to 15.4 million by 2023 \cite{cisco2020report}. The question is: why?
\n{1}{History} There motifs will probably more often than not stay a mystery, however, a
first denial of service attacks have been known to have been performed proliferation of DDoS-for-hire websites \cite{Santanna2018BooterLG} even on
at least since XXXX, that is the early days of ARPANET? INTERNET? the \emph{clearnet} points us to a plausible answer.
motivation could have been anything from curiosity of a teenager to ill
intent of a competing business owner.
Somebody is making money selling abusive services that are being used for
\n{2}{2000s} putting competitors out of business or just plain extortion. According to
Akamai, extortion attacks have seen a widespread return, with a new wave launching in mid-August
\n{2}{2010s} 2020 \cite{akamai2021ddos}.
\n{2}{Present}
Akamai mitigated 1.44Tbps DDoS mitigated in 2020.
\cite{akamai2020ddosretrospect}
The largest of the last year's attacks were 800+ Gbps assaults: one at 824
Gbps, the other at 812Gbps, interestingly both during the same day. Another
one has also been observed by Akamai at 594 Gbps attack on 5 March.
These three attacks targeted a European organization in the gambling industry
and an Asian video game company. Two of them were classified by Akamai as the
two of the largest known DDoS extortion attacks to date and the most complex
ones since the widespread return of extortion attacks that, according to them,
kicked off in mid-August 2020. \cite{akamai2021ddos}
Akamai went on to note that DDoS attackers are expanding their reach across Akamai went on to note that DDoS attackers are expanding their reach across
geographies and industries, with the number targeted entities now being 57\% geographies and industries, with the number targeted entities now being 57\%
higher than last year. higher than the year before that.
cisco stuff \cite{cisco2020report}
Imperva's records
\n{1}{Attack methods} \n{1}{Attack methods}
what we've commonly seen being used in the wild in recent years could
really only be called "professionalizing", by which I mean that
typically what would be available 10 years ago is practically
unmatchable to anything you can get ready in in minutes to cause real
harm today.
There are generally several different ways to categorise a method of There are generally several different ways to categorise a method of
attack. attack:
\begin{description} \begin{description}
\item[by layers, in which the attacks are performed:]\ \item[By layers, in which the attacks are performed:]\
\begin{itemize} \begin{itemize}
\item link layer \item link layer
\item internet layer \item internet layer
@ -86,12 +74,17 @@ attack.
\end{description} \end{description}
\begin{description} \begin{description}
\item[by the nature of their distribution:]\ \item[By the nature of their distribution:]\
\begin{description} \begin{description}
\item[distributed] the effort is collectively advanced by a group of \item[distributed] the effort is collectively advanced by a group of
remotely coordinated devices (IRC C\&C) devices
\begin{enumerate} \begin{enumerate}
\item deliberate - so called \it{voluntary botnets} \item deliberate
\begin{enumerate}
\item remotely coordinated devices (IRC C\&C) - so called \it{voluntary botnets}
\item each operating their own computer, performing a premeditated operation
in a synchronized manner
\end{enumerate}
\item involuntary - hijacked devices \item involuntary - hijacked devices
\end{enumerate} \end{enumerate}
\item[not distributed] there is a single source of badness \item[not distributed] there is a single source of badness
@ -99,7 +92,7 @@ attack.
\end{description} \end{description}
\begin{description} \begin{description}
\item [by the kind of remoteness necessary to successfully execute the \item [By the kind of remoteness necessary to successfully execute the
attack:]\ attack:]\
\begin{description} \begin{description}
\item[close-proximity] (physical engagement, i.e. sabotage) requires physical \item[close-proximity] (physical engagement, i.e. sabotage) requires physical
@ -111,7 +104,7 @@ attack.
\end{description} \end{description}
\begin{description} \begin{description}
\item[by sth else:]\ \item[By specific features:]\
\begin{itemize} \begin{itemize}
\item IP fragmentation \item IP fragmentation
\item SYN flood - a rapid sequence of TCP protocol SYN messages \item SYN flood - a rapid sequence of TCP protocol SYN messages
@ -133,11 +126,23 @@ attack.
\end{description} \end{description}
\n{2}{IP fragmentation} \n{2}{IP fragmentation}
An attack whereby an attacker attempts to send a fragmented payload (TCP) that This is the type of attack whereby an attacker attempts to send a fragmented
the client is supposed to reassemble at the destination, by doing of payload (TCP, UDP or even ICMP) that the client is supposed to reassemble at
which their system resources (CPU and mainly memory) would quickly get depleted, the destination, by doing of which their system resources (CPU and mainly
ultimately crashing the host.\\ memory) would quickly get depleted, ultimately crashing the host.
This is a transport layer attack.
It is usually necessary for IP datagrams (packets) to get fragmented in order
to be transmitted over the network. If a packet being sent is larger than the
maximum transmission unit (MTU) of the receiving side (e.g. a server), it has
to be fragmented to be transmitted completely.
ICMP and UDP fragmentation usually involves packets larger than the MTU, a
simple attempt to overwhelm the receiver that is unable to reassemble such
packets, ideally even accompanied by a buffer overflow that the attacker can
exploit further. Fragmenting TCP segments, on the other hand, targets the TCP
mechanism for reassembly. Reasonably recent Linux kernel implements protection
against this \cite{linuxretransmission}.
In either case, this is a network layer attack, since it targets the way the Internet Protocol requires data to be transmitted and processed.
\n{2}{SYN flood}\label{synfloodattack} \n{2}{SYN flood}\label{synfloodattack}
To establish a TCP connection, a \emph{three way handshake} must be To establish a TCP connection, a \emph{three way handshake} must be
@ -148,19 +153,19 @@ sends a \emph{segment} with a SYN control flag, TCP B (assuming also willing to
communicate) responds with a segment with SYN and ACK control flags set and communicate) responds with a segment with SYN and ACK control flags set and
finally, TCP A answers with a final ACK \cite{rfc793tcp}. finally, TCP A answers with a final ACK \cite{rfc793tcp}.
Using \texttt{tcpdump} to capture an outgoing SYN packet on interface Using \texttt{tcpdump} we can capture an outgoing SYN packet on interface
\texttt{enp0s31f6}. \texttt{enp0s31f6}.
\begin{verbatim} \begin{verbatim}
tcpdump -Q out -n -N -c 1 -v -i enp0s31f6 'tcp[tcpflags] == tcp-syn' # tcpdump -Q out -n -N -c 1 -v -i enp0s31f6 "tcp[tcpflags] == tcp-syn"
\end{verbatim} \end{verbatim}
A malicious actor is able to misuse this by posing as a legitimate A malicious actor is able to misuse the handshake mechanism by posing as a
\emph{client} (or rather many legitimate clients) and sending large number of legitimate \emph{client} (or rather many legitimate clients) and sending large
SYN segments to a \emph{server} willing to establish a connection (\it{LISTEN} number of SYN segments to a \emph{server} willing to establish a connection
state). The server replies with a SYN-ACK, which is a combined acknowledgement (\it{LISTEN} state). The server replies with a [SYN, ACK], which is a combined
of the clients request \it{and} a synchronization request of its own. acknowledgement of the clients request \it{and} a synchronization request of
The client responds back with an ACK and then the connection reaches the its own. The client responds back with an ACK and then the connection reaches
\it{ESTABLISHED} state. the \it{ESTABLISHED} state.
There is a state in which a handshake is in the process but connection has not There is a state in which a handshake is in the process but connection has not
yet been ESTABLISHED. These connections are referred to as embryonic yet been ESTABLISHED. These connections are referred to as embryonic
@ -170,37 +175,37 @@ many SYNs but stops there and leaves the connection hanging.
One particularly sly method aimed at causing as much network congestion near/at One particularly sly method aimed at causing as much network congestion near/at
the victim as possible is setting a private IP address (these are unroutable, the victim as possible is setting a private IP address (these are unroutable,
or rather, \it{should not be routed} over public internet) or an address from or rather, \it{should not be routed} over public internet) or an address from
deallocated space as the source IP address. Assuming an a source from deallocated space as the source IP address. For the sake of the argument
deallocated space, What ends up happening is the server responds with a SYN,ACK suppose it is an address from deallocated space, what then ends up happening is
and since no response comes from an address that's not currently allocated to a the server responds with a [SYN, ACK] and since no response comes from an address
customer (nobody is using it), TCP just assumes that the packets lost on the that's not currently allocated to a customer (no response \it{can} come because
way and attempts packet \it{retransmission} [refneeded TCP retransmission]. nobody is using it), TCP just assumes that the packets lost on the
way and attempts packet \it{retransmission} \cite{rfc6298}.
Obviously, this cannot yield a successful result so in the end the server just Obviously, this cannot yield a successful result so in the end the server just
added onto the already conesting network. added onto the already congesting network.
Current recommended practice in as per RFC 3704 is to enable Current recommended practice as per RFC 3704 is to enable strict mode when
strict mode when possible to prevent IP spoofing from DDoS attacks. If possible to prevent IP spoofing from DDoS attacks. If asymmetric routing or
asymmetric routing or other kind of complicated routing is used, then loose other kind of complicated routing is used, then loose mode is recommended
mode is recommended. \cite{rfc3704multihomed}. \cite{rfc3704multihomed}.
[refneeded Secure use of iptables and connection tracking helpers]
That way the spoofed traffic never leaves the source network (responsibility of That way the spoofed traffic never leaves the source network (responsibility of
the transit provider/ISP) and doesn't aggregate on a single host's interface. the transit provider/ISP) and does not aggregate on a single host's interface.
For this to be a reality the adoption rate of the subject RFC recommendations For this to be a reality the adoption rate of the subject RFC recommendations
would need to see an proper increase. would need to see an proper increase.
As is true for anything, if countermeasures are set up improperly, legitimate traffic could end up being blocked as a result. As is true for anything, if countermeasures are set up improperly, legitimate traffic could end up being blocked as a result.
\n{2}{Amplified Reflection Attack} \n{2}{Amplified Reflection Attack}
The name suggest this type of attack is based on two concepts: amplification and The name suggests this type of attack is based on two concepts: amplification and
reflection. The amplification part pertains the fact that certain protocols reflection. The amplification part pertains the fact that certain protocols
answer even a relatively small query with a sizable response. answer even a relatively small query with a sizable response.
The reflection part is usually taking advantage of session-less protocols. The reflection part is usually taking advantage of session-less protocols.
One such protocol is UDP with session-less meaning that hosts are not required One such protocol is UDP with session-less meaning that hosts are not required
to first establish a \it{session} to communicate, a response is simply sent to first establish a \it{session} to communicate, a response is simply sent
back to the address that the packet arrives from (source address). back to the address that the packet arrives from (source address).
Except for the fact that if a malicious player isn't interested in Except for the fact that if a malicious player is not interested in
communication but only wants to cause harm, a packet's source address doesn't communication but only wants to cause harm, a packet's source address does not
necessarily have to, in fact \it{cannot} (from an attacker's point of view) necessarily have to, in fact \it{cannot} (from an attacker's point of view)
correspond to the source address of their machine. correspond to the source address of their machine.
@ -216,7 +221,7 @@ it - in the worst case an unsolicited pile of them.
This is why the three-way handshake is used with TCP, which was developed later This is why the three-way handshake is used with TCP, which was developed later
than UDP, as it reduces the possibility of false connections. than UDP, as it reduces the possibility of false connections.
The goal of the attacker is then clear: get a largest possible response and The goal of the attacker is then clear: get the largest possible response and
have it delivered to the victim (in good faith of the server even). have it delivered to the victim (in good faith of the server even).
Spoofing the source address is done with the purpose of evading detection as a Spoofing the source address is done with the purpose of evading detection as a
@ -226,9 +231,10 @@ decreasing the impact of the attack when the intent was to achieve congestion
at the designated destination - the victim. at the designated destination - the victim.
A perfect example for how bad this can get is unpatched or misconfigured A perfect example for how bad this can get is unpatched or misconfigured
\texttt{memcached} software, that is commonly being used as e.g. a database \texttt{memcached} software, that is very commonly being used as e.g. a database
caching system and has an option to listen on UDP port. caching system and has an option to listen on UDP port.
Cloudflare say they have witnessed amplification factors up to 51200 times. T Cloudflare say they have witnessed amplification factors up to 51200 times
\cite{cfmemcached}.
As has already been mentioned in ~\ref{synfloodattack}, this entire suite of issues As has already been mentioned in ~\ref{synfloodattack}, this entire suite of issues
could be if not entirely prevented then largely mitigated if the very sound could be if not entirely prevented then largely mitigated if the very sound
@ -251,14 +257,16 @@ Furthermore, this network reachability information "includes information on the
list of Autonomous Systems (ASes) that reachability information traverses. list of Autonomous Systems (ASes) that reachability information traverses.
This information is sufficient for constructing a graph of AS connectivity for This information is sufficient for constructing a graph of AS connectivity for
this reachability, from which routing loops may be pruned and, at the AS level, this reachability, from which routing loops may be pruned and, at the AS level,
some policy decisions may be enforced." \cite{rfc4271bgp4}. some policy decisions may be enforced. This information is sufficient for
constructing a graph of AS connectivity for this reachability, from which
routing loops may be pruned and, at the AS level, some policy decisions may be
enforced." \cite{rfc4271bgp4}.
BGP hijacking, in some places spoken of as prefix hijacking, route hijacking or BGP hijacking, in some places spoken of as prefix hijacking, route hijacking or
IP hijacking is a result of a intentional or unintentional misbehavior in IP hijacking is a result of a intentional or unintentional misbehavior in
which, as Zhao et al. brilliantly put it, "a misconfigured or malicious BGP which a malicious or misconfigured BGP router originates a route to an IP
router originates a route to an IP prefix it does not own" and they find it is prefix it does not own and Zhang et al. find it is becoming an increasingly
becoming an increasingly serious security problem in the Internet serious security problem in the Internet \cite{Zhang2007PracticalDA}.
\cite{Zhang2007PracticalDA}.
\n{2}{Low-rate DoS on BGP} \n{2}{Low-rate DoS on BGP}
As shown by Zhang et al. in their "Low-Rate TCP-Targeted DoS Attack Disrupts As shown by Zhang et al. in their "Low-Rate TCP-Targeted DoS Attack Disrupts
@ -266,10 +274,9 @@ Internet Routing" paper, BGP itself is prone to a variation of slowloris due to
the fact that it runs over TCP for reliability. Importantly, this is a the fact that it runs over TCP for reliability. Importantly, this is a
low-bandwidth attack and a more difficult one to detect because of that. low-bandwidth attack and a more difficult one to detect because of that.
Beyond the attack's ability to further slow down the already slow BGP Beyond the attack's ability to further slow down the already slow BGP
convergence process during route changes it can cause a BGP session reset. For convergence process during route changes, it can cause a BGP session reset. For
the BGP session to be reset, the induced congestion by attack traffic needs to the BGP session to be reset, the induced congestion by attack traffic needs to
last sufficiently long to cause the BGP Hold Timer to expire. last sufficiently long to cause the BGP Hold Timer to expire \cite{Zhang2007LowRateTD}.
\cite{Zhang2007LowRateTD}.
On top of all that, this attack is especially hideous in that it can be launched On top of all that, this attack is especially hideous in that it can be launched
remotely from end hosts without access to routers or the ability to send remotely from end hosts without access to routers or the ability to send
traffic directly to them. traffic directly to them.
@ -278,26 +285,33 @@ traffic directly to them.
\n{1}{Attack tools} \n{1}{Attack tools}
Believe it or not there actually exists a DDoS attack tools topic on Believe it or not there actually exists a DDoS attack tools topic on
GitHub GitHub
\href{https://github.com/topics/ddos-attack-tools?o=desc\&s=stars}{ref}. \url{https://github.com/topics/ddos-attack-tools?o=desc\&s=stars}.
\n{2}{HOIC} \n{2}{HOIC}
LOIC successor HTTP flooding High Orbit Ion Cannon, affectionately LOIC successor HTTP flooding High Orbit Ion Cannon, affectionately
referred to as "HOIC" is a \it{free software} [refneeded] tool which enables referred to as 'HOIC' is a \emph{free software}\footnotemark tool which enables
one to stress-test the robustness of their infrastructure by applying one to stress-test the robustness of their infrastructure by applying
enormous pressure on the designated target. It operates with HTTP or on the enormous pressure on the designated target in form of high number of requests.
transport layer with TCP and UDP. It operates with HTTP and users are able to send 'GET' or 'POST' requests to as
many as 256 sites simultaneously.
While it is relatively easily defeated by a WAF (see \ref{waf}), the
possibility to target many sites at once makes it possible for users to
coordinate the attack, consequently making detection and mitigation efforts
more difficult.
\footnotetext{free as both in freedom and free beer}
\n{2}{slowloris.py} \n{2}{slowloris.py}
\texttt{slowloris.py} is a python script available from \texttt{slowloris.py} is a python script available
\url{https://github.com/gkbrk/slowloris} that is able to perform a slowloris from~\url{github.com/gkbrk/slowloris} that is able to perform a slowloris
attack. It seeks to extinguish file descriptors needed for opening new attack. It seeks to extinguish file descriptors needed for opening new
connections on the server and then keeping connections for as long as it can.\\ connections on the server and then keeping the connections for as long as it can.\\
Legitimate requests cannot be served as a result, since there is no way for the Legitimate requests cannot be served as a result, since there is no way for the
server to facilitate them until resources bound by bogus requests are freed server to facilitate them until resources bound by bogus requests are freed,
(the attack ceases to be). i.e. the attack ceases to be.
\n{2}{iperf3} \n{2}{iperf3}
Massive load sending a packet flood of choice towards the target. Massive load producing tool sending a packet flood of protocol of choice towards the target.
\n{2}{ddosim} \n{2}{ddosim}
DDoS simulator methods of flooding: DDoS simulator methods of flooding:
@ -307,8 +321,17 @@ DDoS simulator methods of flooding:
\item HTTP \item HTTP
\end{itemize} \end{itemize}
\n{2}{metasploit framework} \n{2}{Metasploit Framework}
\texttt{aux/synflood} module Metasploit is a penetration testing framework with an open source community
version and a commercial version (Metasploit Unleashed) available. It enables security
researchers to automate workflows of probing vulnerable services or devices via
use of so called modules - smaller programs with definable inputs that perform
prefined actions. Modules are often community-contributed and one can even
write a module ourselves.a The SYN-flooding funtionality has been implemented -
\texttt{aux/synflood} an auxiliary module. Auxiliary modules do not execute
payloads and perform arbitrary actions that may not be related to
exploitation, such as scanning, fuzzing and denial of service attacks
\cite{metasploit}.
\n{2}{Web browser} \n{2}{Web browser}
Depending on our point of view (more fittingly, our scaling Depending on our point of view (more fittingly, our scaling
@ -325,7 +348,8 @@ imperceivable to a machine.
\n{1}{Mitigation methods} \n{1}{Mitigation methods}
Drastic times require drastic measures and since a DDoS attacks coming Drastic times require drastic measures and since a DDoS attacks coming
at us practically every other month classify as at us practically every other month classify as
\it{drastic} quite easily, we're forced to act accordingly.\cite{akamai2021ddos} \it{drastic} quite easily, we're forced to act accordingly
\cite{akamai2021ddos}.
Still, it is more reasonable to prepare than to improvise, therefore the Still, it is more reasonable to prepare than to improvise, therefore the
following write-up mentions of commonly used mitigation methods at different levels, following write-up mentions of commonly used mitigation methods at different levels,
@ -334,7 +358,7 @@ inconclusive and of course if reading this at a later date, always cross-check
with the current best practices at the time. with the current best practices at the time.
\n{2}{Blackhole routing (black-holing, null routing)} \n{2}{Blackhole routing (black-holing, null routing)}
black-holing is a technique that instructs routers that traffic for a specific Black-holing is a technique that instructs routers that traffic for a specific
prefix is to be routed to the null interface, i.e. be dropped and is used to prefix is to be routed to the null interface, i.e. be dropped and is used to
cut attack traffic before it reaches the destination AS.\\ cut attack traffic before it reaches the destination AS.\\
Assuming the router is properly configured to direct RFC 1918 destined traffic Assuming the router is properly configured to direct RFC 1918 destined traffic
@ -343,36 +367,37 @@ making the attacked network unreachable to the attacker and everyone else.
Matter of factly, we actually conclude the DoS for the attacker Matter of factly, we actually conclude the DoS for the attacker
ourselves.\cite{rfc1918}\cite{rfc3882} ourselves.\cite{rfc1918}\cite{rfc3882}
In case of a DDoS, the traffic is likely to come from all over the world. \cite{akamai2020ddosretrospect} In case of a DDoS, the traffic is likely to come from all over the world
\cite{akamai2020ddosretrospect}.
The idea here is to announce to our upstream (ingress provider) that supports RTBH The idea here is to announce to our upstream (ingress provider) that supports RTBH
(remotely-triggered black hole) signalling (critical) that we don't need any (remotely-triggered black hole) signalling (critical) that we do not need any
traffic for the victim IP anymore. They would then propagate the announcement traffic for the victim IP anymore. They would then propagate the announcement
further and in no time we'd stop seeing malicious traffic coming to a victim IP further and in no time we'd stop seeing malicious traffic coming to a victim IP
in our network. in our network.
In fact, we wouldn't see any traffic coming to the victim anymore, because we In fact, we would not see any traffic coming to the victim anymore, because we
just broadcast a message that we don't wish to receive traffic for it. just broadcast a message that we do not wish to receive traffic for it.
For the entire time we're announcing it, the victim host stays unreachable. For the entire time we're announcing it, the victim host stays unreachable.
We should make sure to announce the smallest possible prefix to minimise the We should make sure to announce the smallest possible prefix to minimise the
collateral damage. Generally, a /21 or /22 prefix is assigned to an AS (the collateral damage. Generally, a /21 or /22 prefix is assigned to an AS (the
average prefix per AS being 22.7866 as of 11 May 2021) announcing a black hole average prefix per AS being 22.7866 as of 11 May 2021 \cite{prefixavgsize}) announcing a black hole
for such a large space would likely cause more damage than the attack itself. for such a large space would likely cause more damage than the attack itself.
To reduce BGP overhead, prefixes are usually announced aggregated, with the To reduce BGP overhead, prefixes are usually announced aggregated, with the
exception of "a~situation", such as when we wish to only stop receiving traffic exception of "a~situation", such as when we wish to only stop receiving traffic
for one IP address. Smallest possible accepted prefix size tends to be /24 for one IP address. Smallest possible accepted prefix size tends to be /24
(which is still a lot) with average prefix size updated being 23.11, however, (which is still a lot) with average prefix size updated being 23.11
some upstream providers might even support a /32 in case of emergency, \cite{prefixavgupdatedsize}, however, some upstream providers might even
effectively dropping traffic only for the victim. support a /32 in case of emergency, effectively dropping traffic only for the
\cite{prefixavgsize}\cite{prefixavgupdatedsize} victim.
When an attack hits, all we have to do is: When an attack hits, all we have to do is:
\begin{enumerate} \begin{enumerate}
\item deaggregate prefixes \item deaggregate prefixes
\item withdraw hit prefixes \item withdraw hit prefixes.
\end{enumerate} \end{enumerate}
In case our upstream provider didn't support RTBH and we could not lose them In case our upstream provider did not support RTBH and we could not lose them
(e.g. the only one around), we could still make use of Team Cymru's new (e.g. the only one around), we could still make use of Team Cymru's new
BGP-based solution that distributes routes to participating networks using only BGP-based solution that distributes routes to participating networks using only
vetted information about current and ongoing unwanted traffic - the \b{Unwanted vetted information about current and ongoing unwanted traffic - the \b{Unwanted
@ -382,7 +407,9 @@ one or more netblocks with their own originating ASN into the public Internet
BGP routing tables. BGP routing tables.
If only there was a way to just shut down the bad traffic but keep the good one If only there was a way to just shut down the bad traffic but keep the good one
flowing (other than scrubbing)! flowing\footnotemark!
\footnotetext{other than scrubbing}
Behold, this is what \it{selective black-holing} actually is. Some upstream Behold, this is what \it{selective black-holing} actually is. Some upstream
providers define multiple different blackhole communities each followed by a providers define multiple different blackhole communities each followed by a
@ -398,7 +425,7 @@ victim IP is a part of) is immediately dropped at the remote IXPs, long before
it ever comes anywhere near our geographical area, let alone our network. it ever comes anywhere near our geographical area, let alone our network.
I believe this approach is superior to indiscriminate black-holing and, given I believe this approach is superior to indiscriminate black-holing and, given
it's reasonably automated and quick to respond, in combination with other it is reasonably automated and quick to respond, in combination with other
mitigation methods it can provide a viable protection for the network. mitigation methods it can provide a viable protection for the network.
\n{2}{Sinkholing} \n{2}{Sinkholing}
@ -419,20 +446,20 @@ origin, etc. using heuristics or just simple rules. The challenge is to perform
scrubbing at an inline rate without impacting legitimate users. scrubbing at an inline rate without impacting legitimate users.
If outsourced, the scrubber service has the bandwidth capacity (either If outsourced, the scrubber service has the bandwidth capacity (either
on-demand or permanently) to take the hit that we don't have. There are at on-demand or permanently) to take the hit that we do not have. There are at
least two ways to go about this - the BGP and the DNS way, we'll cover the BGP least two ways to go about this - the BGP and the DNS way, we will cover the BGP
one. Once an attack is identified, we stop announcing the prefix that is one. Once an attack is identified, we stop announcing the prefix that is
currently being hit, contact our scrubbing provider (usually currently being hit, contact our scrubbing provider (usually
automatically/programatically) to start announcing the subject prefix, automatically/programatically) to start announcing the subject prefix,
receiving all its traffic (including the attack traffic), the scrubbing service receiving all its traffic (including the attack traffic), the scrubbing service
does the cleaning and sends us back the clean traffic \cite{akamaiddosdefence}. does the cleaning and sends us back the clean traffic \cite{akamaiddosdefence}.
When performing the scrubbing in-house we have to clean the traffic on our own When performing the scrubbing in-house, we have to clean the traffic on our own
appliance that has to have sufficient bandwidth (usually on par with upstream). appliance that has to have sufficient bandwidth (usually on par with upstream).
A poor man's scrubber: A poor man's scrubber:
\begin{itemize} \begin{itemize}
\item hardware accelerated ACLs on switches \item hardware accelerated ACLs on switches,
\item switches do simple filtering at \it{inline rate} (ASICs) \item switches do simple filtering at \it{inline rate} (ASICs)
\item can be effective when attack protocol is easily distinguishable from real \item can be effective when attack protocol is easily distinguishable from real
traffic traffic
@ -451,20 +478,20 @@ appearing to come from \it{our own network}, since such traffic could not exist
naturally and is obviously spoofed. naturally and is obviously spoofed.
Team Cymru has got now a long tradition of maintaining bogons lists called the Team Cymru has got now a long tradition of maintaining bogons lists called the
\b{Bogon Reference}. Bogon prefixes are routes that should never appear in the \textbf{Bogon Reference}. Bogon prefixes are routes that should never appear in the
Internet routing table. A packet with an address from a bogon range should Internet routing table. A packet with an address from a bogon range should
not be routed over the public Internet. These ranges are commonly found as the not be routed over the public Internet. These ranges are commonly found as the
source addresses in DoS/DDoS attacks.\\ source addresses in DoS/DDoS attacks.\\
Bogons are netblocks that have not been allocated to a regional internet Bogons are netblocks that have not been allocated to a regional internet
registry (RIR) by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) and Martian packets registry (RIR) by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) and Martian packets
(private and reserved addresses defined by RFC 1918, RFC 5735, and RFC 6598) (private and reserved addresses defined by RFC 1918, RFC 5735, and RFC 6598
\cite{rfc1918}, \cite{rfc5735}, \cite{rfc6598}. \cite{rfc1918}, \cite{rfc5735}, \cite{rfc6598}).
To get help with bogon ingress and egress filtering, we should set up automated To get help with bogon ingress and egress filtering, we should set up automated
obtaining of updated and curated bogon lists via HTTP, BGP, RIRs and DNS from obtaining of updated and curated bogon lists via HTTP, BGP, RIRs and DNS from
Team Cymru.\cite{teamcymru} Team Cymru \cite{teamcymru}.
In case we are have our own ASN, are connected directly at an IXP, have no In case we have our own ASN, are connected directly at an IXP, have no
RTBH support upstream and basically have no other choice, we just need RTBH support upstream and basically have no other choice, we just need
to find out who is sending the malicious traffic, drop the session and receive to find out who is sending the malicious traffic, drop the session and receive
traffic from other peers. traffic from other peers.
@ -472,22 +499,27 @@ traffic from other peers.
64B packet size --> lower throughput, high cpu utilization 64B packet size --> lower throughput, high cpu utilization
\n{2}{IP masking} \n{2}{IP masking}\label{ipmasking}
This is the CloudFlare approach, in this part relying solely on not divulging sensitive This is technique is widely used (e.g. CloudFlare flagship service), relying
information, such as your origin IP, to attackers and the capacity of solely on not divulging sensitive information - in this case server IP - to
the \it{fronting} service to withstand the attack. attackers and the capacity of the \it{fronting} service to withstand the attack
due to having access to more badwidth than the attacker can produce. All traffic
- including potentially harmful traffic - flows through what is basically a giant
proxy. However, before declaring it a net win for us, it is important to
acknowledge that it also comes with heavy privacy implications, as now some
other service performs TLS termination in our behalf and \textbf{sees
everything} (that was encrypted only \emph{in transit} and is not additionally
encrypted) that \emph{anyone} sends us, before finally forwarding it back.
\n{2}{Domain shadowing} \n{2}{WAF}\label{waf}
\n{2}{WAF}
WAF - \it{Web Application Firewall} - is an appliance used to protect WAF - \it{Web Application Firewall} - is an appliance used to protect
(as name suggests) web applications. In this day and age, this is (as name suggests) web applications. In this day and age, this is
especially necessary and enables sysadmins to craft protection logic in especially necessary and enables system administrators to craft protection
one place and shield potentially vulnerable applications. This method logic in one place and shield potentially vulnerable applications. This method
works on the application layer of the OSI model and is commonly deployed works on the application layer of the OSI model and is commonly deployed
as part of a or a module of a web proxy, which means network layer as part of a web proxy or a module of a web proxy, which means network layer
attacks cannot be handled in this way. While not negligible, as always, attacks cannot be handled in this way. While not negligible, as always,
it's crucial to not have any assumptions and know exactly what it is crucial to not have any assumptions and know exactly what
\it{layer} of protection using of WAF brings. \it{layer} of protection using of WAF brings.
Generally or at least as per CBP (current best practices), applications are not Generally or at least as per CBP (current best practices), applications are not
@ -495,14 +527,22 @@ deployed with ports exposed directly to the Internet. A sane approach of having
access to resources \it{proxied} yields multiple possibilities in terms of access to resources \it{proxied} yields multiple possibilities in terms of
authentication/authorization and protection scenarios and also several ways to authentication/authorization and protection scenarios and also several ways to
more effectively use resources available. For one, where any web content more effectively use resources available. For one, where any web content
\it{caching} is required, it's easily achieved with a \it{caching} proxy \it{caching} is required, it is easily achieved with a \it{caching} proxy
server. It commonly also enables specifying custom access policies. server. It commonly also enables specifying custom access policies.
There are also hosted (cloud) WAF offerings, however, they come with exactly
the same privacy implications as IP masking solutions (see \ref{ipmasking}).
\n{2}{Rate-limiting} \n{2}{Rate-limiting}
As a general precaution it's sane to limit number of connections a client is As a general precaution, it is sane to limit number of connections a client is
able to make in a predefined amount of time (based on the requirements of the able to make in a predefined amount of time (based on the requirements of the
service). The same applies to a limit on how many connections a client can have service). The same applies to a limit on how many connections a client can have
open simultaneously, which can even prevent Slowloris (see \ref{slowloris}). open simultaneously, which can even prevent Slowloris (see \ref{slowloris}).
Rate-limiting is usually set either on a proxy or a WAF, but some form of
rate-limiting can even be built into an app.
A well known rate-limiting pluggable solution that can be used with SSHd, HTTP or multitude of other endpoints is \texttt{Fail2Ban}.
\n{2}{Decreased-TIME\_WAIT connection closing} \n{2}{Decreased-TIME\_WAIT connection closing}
This can help withstand a situation when conntrack table fills up and This can help withstand a situation when conntrack table fills up and
@ -512,23 +552,21 @@ inactive. The Linux kernel's NetFilter actually has a scrubbing mechanism, that
is supposed to be getting the conntrack table rid of the timed-out entries. is supposed to be getting the conntrack table rid of the timed-out entries.
Except practice shows they can linger for much longer than necessary. Except practice shows they can linger for much longer than necessary.
When dealing with massive amounts of traffic it's very reasonable not only to When dealing with massive amounts of traffic it is very reasonable not only to
increase the size of the conntrack table (memory trade-off), which is the increase the size of the conntrack table (memory trade-off), which is the
generally recommended solution, but also to decrease the TIME\_WAIT timeout to generally recommended solution, but also to decrease the TIME\_WAIT timeout to
force-evict connections that have stopped sending data. force-evict connections that have stopped sending data.
It is also an easy way to mitigate slowloris (see \ref{slowloris}). It is also an easy way to mitigate slowloris (see \ref{slowloris}).
More on the workings of conntrack in \ref{netfilter} More on the workings of conntrack in \ref{netfilter}
\begin{verbatim} Nginx is a widely used proxy. It uses two FDs (file descriptors) for each
reset_timedout_connection on; connection. The limit of max open FDs can indeed be increased easily,
\end{verbatim} howerever, we might still just be delaying the inevitable (FD exhaustion)
Nginx proxy uses two FDs (file descriptors) for each connection. The limit of and inefficiently wasting precious compute resources needed when an attack
max open FDs can indeed be increased easily, howerever, we might just be comes. If Nginx is unable to allocate FDs necessary to track a connection, the
inefficiently wasting precious compute resources needed when an attack comes. connection attempt will fail. By resetting connections that timed out we
If nginx is unable to allocate FDs necessary to track a connection, this won't prevent such a situation from occurring easily. In Nginx this is set with a
open. By resetting connections that timed out we prevent such a situation from single line: \texttt{reset\_timedout\_connection on;}
occurring easily.
\n{1}{Mitigation tools} \n{1}{Mitigation tools}
@ -541,14 +579,12 @@ any firewall is better than no firewall.
There are two main types of firewalls: There are two main types of firewalls:
\begin{itemize} \begin{itemize}
\item \item software,
software \item appliance (hardware-accelerated).
\item
appliance (hardware-accelerated)
\end{itemize} \end{itemize}
A software firewall is just another program running on the operating A software firewall is just another program running on the operating
system, apart from the fact that it's typically running with system, apart from the fact that it is typically running with
system-level privileges. It can be run on a general-purpose computer. In fact system-level privileges. It can be run on a general-purpose computer. In fact
most of the consumer-grade operating systems nowadays incorporate or by default most of the consumer-grade operating systems nowadays incorporate or by default
enable a firewall solution. enable a firewall solution.
@ -556,7 +592,7 @@ enable a firewall solution.
In contrast, an appliance firewall is a dedicated piece of hardware In contrast, an appliance firewall is a dedicated piece of hardware
purpose-build specifically for the sole role of behaving as a firewall and purpose-build specifically for the sole role of behaving as a firewall and
is typically running a custom and very minimal operating system and no is typically running a custom and very minimal operating system and no
userspace programs. Usually the system doesn't have a userspace, since it's userspace programs. Usually the system does not have a userspace, since it is
vendored to run as an appliance. vendored to run as an appliance.
\n{3}{Software firewall} \n{3}{Software firewall}
@ -581,7 +617,7 @@ protocol stack of the kernel and is responsible for packet manipulation and
filtering \cite{Boye2012NetfilterCT}. The packet filtering and classification filtering \cite{Boye2012NetfilterCT}. The packet filtering and classification
rules framework frontend tools \texttt{iptables} as well as the newer rules framework frontend tools \texttt{iptables} as well as the newer
\texttt{nftables} can be interacted with via a shell utility and since they \texttt{nftables} can be interacted with via a shell utility and since they
also expose APIs of their own, it's common that they have graphical frontends also expose APIs of their own, it is common that they have graphical frontends
as additional convenience as well, most notably \texttt{firewalld}, which can as additional convenience as well, most notably \texttt{firewalld}, which can
be used in conjunction with both of them. be used in conjunction with both of them.
@ -596,9 +632,12 @@ fittingly named Conntrack. Connection, or a \it{flow} is a tuple defined by a
unique combination of source address, destination address, source port, unique combination of source address, destination address, source port,
destination port a and the transport protocol used [refneeded flow]. destination port a and the transport protocol used [refneeded flow].
Conntrack keeps track of the flows in a special fixed-size (tunable) in-kernel Conntrack keeps track of the flows in a special fixed-size
(tunable\footnotemark) in-kernel
hash table structure with a fixed upper limit. hash table structure with a fixed upper limit.
\footnotetext{via \texttt{net.netfilter.nf\_conntrack\_buckets}}
On Linux devices functioning as router devices a common issue is the depletion On Linux devices functioning as router devices a common issue is the depletion
of space in the conntrack table. Once the maximum number of connection is of space in the conntrack table. Once the maximum number of connection is
reached, Linux simply logs an error message "\texttt{nf\_conntrack: table full, reached, Linux simply logs an error message "\texttt{nf\_conntrack: table full,
@ -614,33 +653,28 @@ the conntrack table. By default, the TIME\_WAIT timeout is several hours long
and leaves the router vulnerable to a UDP flood. and leaves the router vulnerable to a UDP flood.
Netfilter is here to help again with conntrack treating entries that have not Netfilter is here to help again with conntrack treating entries that have not
(yet) seen twa-way communication specially – they can be evicted early if (yet) seen two-way communication specially – they can be evicted early if
the connection tracking table is full. In case insertion of a new entry fails the connection tracking table is full. In case insertion of a new entry fails
because the table is full, "...the kernel searches the next because the table is full, "...the kernel searches the next
8 adjacent buckets of the hash slot where the new connection 8 adjacent buckets of the hash slot where the new connection
was supposed to be inserted at for an entry that hasn’t seen a was supposed to be inserted at for an entry that has not seen a
reply. If one is found, it is discarded and the new connection reply. If one is found, it is discarded and the new connection
entry is allocated."\cite{Westphal2017CT}. Randomised source address in TCP SYN entry is allocated."\cite{Westphal2017CT}. Randomised source address in TCP SYN
floods becomes a non-issue because now most entries can be early evicted floods becomes a non-issue because now most entries can be early-evicted
because the tcp connection tracker sets the "assured" flag only once the three-way because the TCP connection tracker sets the "assured" flag only once the three-way
handshake has completed. handshake has completed.
In case of UDP the assured flag is set once a packet arrives In case of UDP, the assured flag is set once a packet arrives
after the connection has already seen at least one packet in after the connection has already seen at least one packet in
the reply direction, that is the request/response traffic the reply direction, that is the request/response traffic
does not have the assured bit set and can therefore be early-dropped at any time. does not have the assured bit set and can therefore be early-dropped at any time.
\n{2}{WAF}
A web application firewalls add a layer of protection against L7 attacks, not
necessarily DoS/DDoS.
\n{3}{Mod\_Security toolkit}
Supported proxy programs are \texttt{nginx}, \texttt{apache}.
\n{3}{Mod\_evasive toolkit}
\n{2}{FastNetMon DDoS Mitigation toolkit} \n{2}{FastNetMon DDoS Mitigation toolkit}
Originally created by Pavel Odintsov, this program can serve as a helper on top
of analysis and metric collection tools, evaluate data and trigger configurable
mitigation reactions.
\cite{fastnetmonorig}, \cite{fastnetmonfork}, \cite{fastnetmonng}
% \begin{Shaded} % \begin{Shaded}
% \begin{Highlighting}[] % \begin{Highlighting}[]
@ -654,8 +688,6 @@ Supported proxy programs are \texttt{nginx}, \texttt{apache}.
% \end{Highlighting} % \end{Highlighting}
% \end{Shaded} % \end{Shaded}
\n{2}{Fail2Ban}
% ============================================================================ % % ============================================================================ %
\part{Practical part} \part{Practical part}
@ -664,10 +696,29 @@ Supported proxy programs are \texttt{nginx}, \texttt{apache}.
% TODO % TODO
Broader infrastructure description HERE. Broader infrastructure description HERE.
The testing was performed in a virtual lab comprised of five virtual machines
(VMs) running on a KVM-enabled Fedora 34. Since the expectation was to
frequently tweak various system settings of the guests (VMs) as part of the
verification process, we decided to take the \emph{infrastructure as code}
approach. Every piece of infrastructure - down to the details of how many
virtual CPUs are allocated to a host, what is the disk size and the filesystem,
etc. - is declared as code, can be versioned and used to provision resources.
The industry standard tool \texttt{Terraform} was chosen due to a broad support
of infrastructure and providers, great documentation, large user base and the
tool being open source.
For bootstrapping, \texttt{cloud-init} has been used mainly because of the fact
that it can integrate with terraform quite smoothly, works on many Linux
distributions and allows us to pre-setup things like copy over SSH pubkeys so
that a secure connection can be established right after first boot, set VM
hostname, locale, timezone, add users/groups, install packages, run commands
and even create arbitrary files, such as program configurations.
The disk sizes of the VMs were determined by the size of their base image. The disk sizes of the VMs were determined by the size of their base image.
The VM naming convention is specified as follows: a prefix \texttt{r\_} for The VM naming convention is specified as follows: a prefix \texttt{r\_} for
routers and \texttt{h\_} for other hosts, in our case the attacker, victim and routers and \texttt{h\_} for other hosts, in our case the attacker, victim and
defenter machines. defender machines.
\n{2}{VM specifications} \n{2}{VM specifications}
\tab{VM specifications}{tab:vmspecifications}{0.75}{ |c||rrrrc| }{ \tab{VM specifications}{tab:vmspecifications}{0.75}{ |c||rrrrc| }{
@ -696,8 +747,8 @@ and while in reality there would probably be a greater distance between us and
them, this is fine for our simulation purposes, since malicious traffic will be them, this is fine for our simulation purposes, since malicious traffic will be
cut before it reaches us. cut before it reaches us.
If our upstream provider didn't support RTBH signalling, in case we were If our upstream provider did not support RTBH signalling, in case we were
attacked we could still use a scrubbing service but it's preferred that such a attacked we could still use a scrubbing service but it is preferred that such a
provider is picked that has the RTBH capabilities. provider is picked that has the RTBH capabilities.
FENIX in CR - trusted peers FENIX in CR - trusted peers
@ -746,21 +797,23 @@ virtualization solution has been chosen to tackle the task of running VMs for
us - the KVM technology. us - the KVM technology.
Testing has been performed on my personal laptop - Dell Latitude 5480 Testing has been performed on my personal laptop - Dell Latitude 5480
machine equipped with ULV dual-core Intel i5 Core 6300U processor, 24GB machine equipped with ULV dual-core Intel i5 Core 6300U processor with
\texttt{mitigations=off}, 24GB
(8+16) of RAM and a 512GB SATA SSD (TLC). (8+16) of RAM and a 512GB SATA SSD (TLC).
The host operating system from the perspective of The host operating system from the perspective of
VMs was \texttt{Fedora\ 34}. It had \texttt{updates} and VMs was \texttt{Fedora\ 34}. Both \texttt{updates} and
\texttt{updates-testing} repositories enabled, which allowed us to use \texttt{updates-testing} repositories have been enabled, which allowed us to use
latest (at the time) stable Linux kernel Fedora had to offer directly without too much latest (at the time) stable Linux kernel Fedora had to offer directly without too much
of a hassle, as of the time of writing in version \texttt{5.11.19}. of a hassle, as of the time of writing in version \texttt{5.11.20}.
File system in use on the host has been Btrfs on top of LVM (LUKS+LVM to be File system in use on the host was Btrfs on top of LVM (LUKS+LVM to be
precise) and a Btrfs subvolume has been created specifically for the precise) and a Btrfs subvolume has been created specifically for the
libvirt storage pool. Since most of the system images for our VMs have been libvirt storage pool. Since all of the system images for our VMs have been
downloaded in a QCOW2 format, the CoW (Copy-on-Write) feature of Btrfs has been downloaded in a QCOW2 format, the CoW (Copy-on-Write) feature of Btrfs has been
turned off for the subject subvolume, just as recommended in the Arch wiki turned off for the subject subvolume, just as recommended in the Arch wiki
[refneeded archwiki btrfs cow]. [refneeded archwiki btrfs cow] for improved storage performance (and decreased
flash wear).
Notably, the system has also been using the \texttt{nftables} backend of Notably, the system has also been using the \texttt{nftables} backend of
\texttt{firewalld}, for which, luckily, \texttt{libvirt} was already \texttt{firewalld}, for which, luckily, \texttt{libvirt} was already
@ -768,7 +821,9 @@ prepared.
\n{1}{Mitigation tools set-up} \n{1}{Mitigation tools set-up}
An open-source DDOS mitigation toolkit named \texttt{fastnetmon} was An open-source DDOS mitigation toolkit named \texttt{fastnetmon} was
picked to serve as an attack detection tool. picked to serve as an attack detection tool. It supports analysing traffic from
multiple different exporter types, including Netflow (v5 adn v9), sFlow and port
mirrors.
BGP black-holing upsides: BGP black-holing upsides:
\begin{itemize} \begin{itemize}