224 research outputs found
Micro protocol engineering for unstructured carriers: On the embedding of steganographic control protocols into audio transmissions
Network steganography conceals the transfer of sensitive information within
unobtrusive data in computer networks. So-called micro protocols are
communication protocols placed within the payload of a network steganographic
transfer. They enrich this transfer with features such as reliability, dynamic
overlay routing, or performance optimization --- just to mention a few. We
present different design approaches for the embedding of hidden channels with
micro protocols in digitized audio signals under consideration of different
requirements. On the basis of experimental results, our design approaches are
compared, and introduced into a protocol engineering approach for micro
protocols.Comment: 20 pages, 7 figures, 4 table
Covert Channels in SIP for VoIP signalling
In this paper, we evaluate available steganographic techniques for SIP
(Session Initiation Protocol) that can be used for creating covert channels
during signaling phase of VoIP (Voice over IP) call. Apart from characterizing
existing steganographic methods we provide new insights by introducing new
techniques. We also estimate amount of data that can be transferred in
signalling messages for typical IP telephony call.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figure
Using Transcoding for Hidden Communication in IP Telephony
The paper presents a new steganographic method for IP telephony called
TranSteg (Transcoding Steganography). Typically, in steganographic
communication it is advised for covert data to be compressed in order to limit
its size. In TranSteg it is the overt data that is compressed to make space for
the steganogram. The main innovation of TranSteg is to, for a chosen voice
stream, find a codec that will result in a similar voice quality but smaller
voice payload size than the originally selected. Then, the voice stream is
transcoded. At this step the original voice payload size is intentionally
unaltered and the change of the codec is not indicated. Instead, after placing
the transcoded voice payload, the remaining free space is filled with hidden
data. TranSteg proof of concept implementation was designed and developed. The
obtained experimental results are enclosed in this paper. They prove that the
proposed method is feasible and offers a high steganographic bandwidth.
TranSteg detection is difficult to perform when performing inspection in a
single network localisation.Comment: 17 pages, 16 figures, 4 table
Multi-Level Steganography: Improving Hidden Communication in Networks
The paper presents Multi-Level Steganography (MLS), which defines a new
concept for hidden communication in telecommunication networks. In MLS, at
least two steganographic methods are utilised simultaneously, in such a way
that one method (called the upper-level) serves as a carrier for the second one
(called the lower-level). Such a relationship between two (or more) information
hiding solutions has several potential benefits. The most important is that the
lower-level method steganographic bandwidth can be utilised to make the
steganogram unreadable even after the detection of the upper-level method:
e.g., it can carry a cryptographic key that deciphers the steganogram carried
by the upper-level one. It can also be used to provide the steganogram with
integrity. Another important benefit is that the lower-layer method may be used
as a signalling channel in which to exchange information that affects the way
that the upper-level method functions, thus possibly making the steganographic
communication harder to detect. The prototype of MLS for IP networks was also
developed, and the experimental results are included in this paper.Comment: 18 pages, 13 figure
Hidden and Uncontrolled - On the Emergence of Network Steganographic Threats
Network steganography is the art of hiding secret information within innocent
network transmissions. Recent findings indicate that novel malware is
increasingly using network steganography. Similarly, other malicious activities
can profit from network steganography, such as data leakage or the exchange of
pedophile data. This paper provides an introduction to network steganography
and highlights its potential application for harmful purposes. We discuss the
issues related to countering network steganography in practice and provide an
outlook on further research directions and problems.Comment: 11 page
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