Vulnerability Analysis of the Player Command and Control Protocol

The Player project is an open-source effort providing a control interface specification and software framework for abstracting robot hardware. This research presents five exploits that compromise vulnerabilities in Player\u27s command and control protocol. The attacks exploit weaknesses in the ARP, IP, TCP and Player protocols to compromise the confidentially, integrity, and availability of communication between a Player client and server. The attacks assume a laptop is connected in promiscuous mode to the same Ethernet hub as the client and server in order to sniff all network traffic between them. This work also demonstrates that Internet Protocol Security (IPsec) is capable of mitigating the vulnerabilities discovered in Player\u27s command and control protocol. Experimental results show that all five exploits are successful when Player communication is unprotected but are defeated when IPsec Authentication Header (AH) and Encapsulating Security Protocol (ESP) are deployed together (AH+ESP) in transport mode. A cost function is defined to synthesize three distinct scalar costs (exploit success, CPU utilization, and network load) into a single scalar output that can be used to compare the different defense protocols provided by IPsec. Results from this cost function show that in a scenario when exploits are likely, IPsec AH+ESP is the preferred defense protocol because of its relatively low CPU and network overhead and ability to defeat the exploits implemented in this research by authenticating and encrypting the transport and application layers. Performance data reveals that for the Overo Earth embedded system running a TI OMAP3530 processor at 720MHz, IPsec AH+ESP increases CPU utilization by 0.52% and the network load by 22.9Kbps (64.3% increase)

MITM Attack Automation Using Single-Board Solution

Práca je zameraná na návrh MiTM útokov s využitím moderných prístupov pri návrhu IT infraštruktúri. Špecificky sa zameriava na možnosti využitia jednodoskových počítačov a na možnosti ako zjednodušiť ich kofiguráciu pre účely penetračného testovania. Navrhnuté a implementované riešenie umožnuje použitie komplikovaných útokov personálom, ktorý je len zaškolený, pričom neobmedzuje použitie skúseným personálom. Zatiaľ čo dnešné prístupy by sa dali považovať sa monolitické a centrické, navrhnuté riešenie berie samotný MiTM útok len ako časť riešenia pričom sa zameriava aj na ostatné aspekty ako napríklad exfiltrácia dát, alebo crackovanie hesiel.Thesis is focused on design of MiTM attack with use of modern approaches in IT infrastructure. Especially it's focused on how to simplify configuration of single-board computer for penetration testing purposes by creating scalable infrastructure for device configuration and control. Proposed solution allows the usage of complicated attacks by trained staff while not limiting users with experience in network security. While today, applications capable of MiTM attacks are monolithic and device-centric, proposed solution considers the device providing MiTM just as one part of the solution and also focuses on other problems like data exfiltration or hash cracking.

Multi-Attribute SCADA-Specific Intrusion Detection System for Power Networks

The increased interconnectivity and complexity of supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems in power system networks has exposed the systems to a multitude of potential vulnerabilities. In this paper, we present a novel approach for a next-generation SCADA-specific intrusion detection system (IDS). The proposed system analyzes multiple attributes in order to provide a comprehensive solution that is able to mitigate varied cyber-attack threats. The multiattribute IDS comprises a heterogeneous white list and behavior-based concept in order to make SCADA cybersystems more secure. This paper also proposes a multilayer cyber-security framework based on IDS for protecting SCADA cybersecurity in smart grids without compromising the availability of normal data. In addition, this paper presents a SCADA-specific cybersecurity testbed to investigate simulated attacks, which has been used in this paper to validate the proposed approach

Security attacks and solutions on SDN control plane: A survey

Sommario Software Defined Networks (SDN) è un modello di rete programmabile aperto promosso da ONF , che è stato un fattore chiave per le recenti tendenze tecnologiche. SDN esplora la separazione dei dati e del piano di controllo . Diversamente dai concetti passati, SDN introduce l’idea di separazione del piano di controllo (decisioni di instradamento e traffico) e piano dati (decisioni di inoltro basate sul piano di controllo) che sfida l’integrazione verticale raggiunta dalle reti tradizionali, in cui dispositivi di rete come router e switch accumulano entrambe le funzioni. SDN presenta alcuni vantaggi come la gestione centralizzata e la possibilità di essere programmato su richiesta. Oltre a questi vantaggi, SDN presenta ancora vulnerabilità di sicurezza e, tra queste,le più letali prendono di mira il piano di controllo. Come i controllers che risiedono sul piano di con- trollo gestiscono l’infrastruttura e i dispositivi di rete sottostanti (es. router/switch), anche qualsiasi insicurezza, minacce, malware o problemi durante lo svolgimento delle attività da parte del controller, possono causare interruzioni dell’intera rete. In particolare, per la sua posizione centralizzata, il con- troller SDN è visto come un punto di fallimento. Di conseguenza, qualsiasi attacco o vulnerabilità che prende di mira il piano di controllo o il controller è considerato fatale al punto da sconvolgere l’intera rete. In questa tesi, le minacce alla sicurezza e gli attacchi mirati al piano di controllo (SDN) sono identificati e classificati in diversi gruppi in base a come causano l’impatto sul piano di controllo. Per ottenere risultati, è stata condotta un’ampia ricerca bibliografica attraverso uno studio appro- fondito degli articoli di ricerca esistenti che discutono di una serie di attacchi e delle relative soluzioni per il piano di controllo SDN. Principalmente, come soluzioni intese a rilevare, mitigare o proteggere il (SDN) sono stati presi in considerazione le potenziali minacce gli attachi al piano di controllo. Sulla base di questo compito, gli articoli selezionati sono stati classificati rispetto al loro impatto potenziale sul piano di controllo (SDN) come diretti e indiretti. Ove applicabile, è stato fornito un confronto tra le soluzioni che affrontano lo stesso attacco. Inoltre, sono stati presentati i vantaggi e gli svantaggi delle soluzioni che affrontano diversi attacchi . Infine, una discussione sui risultati e sui esitti ottenuti durante questo processo di indagine e sono stati affrontatti suggerimenti di lavoro futuri estratti du- rante il processo di revisione. Parole chiave : SDN, Sicurezza, Piano di controllo, Denial of Service, Attacchi alla topologiaAbstract Software Defined Networks (SDN) is an open programmable network model promoted by ONF that has been a key-enabler of recent technology trends. SDN explores the separation of data and control plane. Different from the past concepts, SDN introduces the idea of separation of the control plane (routing and traffic decisions) and data plane (forwarding decisions based on the control plane) that challenges the vertical integration achieved by the traditional networks, in which network devices such as router and switches accumulate both functions. SDN presents some advantages such as centralized management and the ability to be programmed on demand. Apart from these benefits, SDN still presents security vulnerabilities and among them, the most lethal ones are targeting the control plane. As the controllers residing on the control plane manages the underlying networking infrastructure and devices (i.e., routers/switches), any security threat, malware, or issues during the carrying out of activities by the controller can lead to disruption of the entire network. In particular, due to its centralized position, the (SDN) controller is seen as a single point of failure. As a result, any attack or vulnerability targeting the control plane or controller is considered fatal to the point of disrupting the whole network. In this thesis, the security threats and attacks targeting the (SDN) control plane are identified and categorized into different groups by considering how they cause an impact to the control plane. To obtain results, extensive literature research has been carried out by performing an in-depth study of the existing research articles that discusses an array of attacks and their corresponding solutions for the (SDN) control plane. Mainly, the solutions intended to detect, mitigate, or protect the (SDN) control plane against potential threats and attacks have been considered. On basis of this task, the potential articles selected were categorized with respect to their impact to the (SDN) control plane as direct and indirect. Where applicable a comparison of the solutions addressing the same attack has been provided. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of the solutions addressing the respective attacks are presented. Finally, a discussion regarding the findings and results obtained during this su- veying process and future work suggestions extracted during the review process have been discussed. Keywords: SDN, Security, Control Plane, Denial of Service, Topology Attacks, Openflo

Vulnerability Analysis and Prevention on Software as a Service (SaaS) of Archive Websites

Web Archive is a SaaS service that has an important role in providing better document storage and management. Good document management has a positive impact on optimizing business operations, increasing collaboration, reducing costs, and protecting sensitive information. Cybercrime, which has an increasingly high intensity, is a serious threat to the security of data stored in web archives. This research aims to improve data security on web archives by conducting ongoing testing. Testing was carried out on a server with a Linux operating system and web archives managed by a file manager system. This study tests the attack using the OWASP application method, and an XSS attack on a web archive with a Linux server and using a file management application. The testing phase includes Information Gathering, Vulnerability Assessment, Exploiting, and Reporting. Based on the results of the research, it was obtained that the first vulnerability test contained 9 vulnerabilities in 9 categories. The second vulnerability test obtained 7 vulnerabilities and the third test found no vulnerabilities. At the end of each test, recommendations for improvements to the web archive are made to the web archive manager and a re-testing process for vulnerabilities is carried out. This process is carried out repeatedly with continuous improvement. Testing the attack and repair of the web archive was carried out repeatedly and managed to get a vulnerability level of Level 0.1-3.9 points with Low status

A cyberciege traffic analysis extension for teaching network security

CyberCIEGE is an interactive game simulating realistic scenarios that teaches the players Information Assurance (IA) concepts. The existing game scenarios only provide a high-level abstraction of the networked environment, e.g., nodes do not have Internet protocol (IP) addresses or belong to proper subnets, and there is no packet-level network simulation. This research explored endowing the game with network level traffic analysis, and implementing a game scenario to take advantage of this new capability. Traffic analysis is presented to players in a format similar to existing tools such that learned skills may be easily transferred to future real-world situations. A network traffic analysis tool simulation within CyberCIEGE was developed and this new tool provides the player with traffic analysis capability. Using existing taxonomies of cyber-attacks, the research identified a subset of network-based attacks most amenable to modeling and representation within CyberCIEGE. From the attacks identified, a complementary CyberCIEGE scenario was developed to provide the player with new educational opportunities for network analysis and threat identification. From the attack scenario, players also learn about the effects of these cyber-attacks and glean a more informed understanding of appropriate mitigation measures.http://archive.org/details/acyberciegetraff109451057

Information Security Analysis and Auditing of IEC61850 Automated Substations

This thesis is about issues related to the security of electric substations automated by IEC61850, an Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) based protocol. It is about a comprehen­ sive security analysis and development of a viable method of auditing the security of this protocol. The security analysis focuses on the possible threats to an electric substation based on the possible motives of an attacker. Existing methods and met­ rics for assessing the security of computer networks are explored and examined for suitability of use with IEC61850. Existing methods and metrics focus on conven­ tional computers used in computer networks which are fundamentally different from Intelligent Electronic Devices (IED’s) of substations in terms of technical composition and functionality. Hence, there is a need to develop a new method of assessing the security of such devices. The security analysis is then used to derive a new metric scheme to assess the security of IED’s that use IEC61850. This metric scheme is then tested out in a sample audit on a real IEC61850 network and compared with two other commonly used security metrics. The results show that the new metric is good in assessing the security of IED’s themselves. Further analysis on IED security is done by conducting simulated cyber attacks. The results are then used to develop an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) to guard against such attacks. The temporal risk of intrusion on an electric substation is also evaluated