Blind Data Attack on BGP Routers
Abstract
Transport Communication Protocol (TCP) implementations may not properly implement blind attack protection, leaving long-standingconnections, such as Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) sessions, vulnerable to exploitation. This thesis aims to understand the efficacy ofa blind data attack on BGP sessions. This thesis examines BGP, the protocols BGP relies on, and the effectiveness of safeguards againstBGP blind attacks. A series of blind attack tests are performed against various production BGP implementations to determine howdangerous and feasible a blind attack is on BGP routing information integrity. Blind data attacks can inject and temporarily propagateerroneous routing information; however, on the routers tested, the complexity required to brute force connection-specific values makesblind data attacks difficult. Also, there is a high probability that a blind data attack will desynchronize a BGP session without modifyingrouting information. Protective measures are available that could further safeguard BGP sessions, but older router images may notimplement some of the most vital protections recommended today. Organizations responsible for routing infrastructure and networksecurity must carefully weigh the risk of not implementing more strict protection measures should a discovered vulnerability reduceattack complexity.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1045809
Entities
People
- Joseph W. Catudal
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School