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Domain Name Server spoofing, or DNS spoofing is an attack that involves manipulating DNS records for redirecting users towards a fraudulent website. Sometimes, this process is also called DNS cache poisoning because of the way it prompts users into entering a malicious site that often resembles their intended destination.
There users are often deceived into signing in to what seems to be a genuine account once they are on the fraudulent site. This, in turn, enables the attacker to steal access credentials from the same users or other sensitive information. The fraudulent website can even install different worms or viruses on the user’s computer in secret. This gives the attacker sustained access to a particular user’s device and data.
Now that you know what is DNS spoofing, let us delve deeper into what it can do to your system, its overall impact, and security measures to overcome the same.
Technically, DNS spoofing can be carried out in several ways. This particular attack vector includes all types of attacks that often compromise valid DNS entries. Later, it redirects users to other content on the internet without them noticing the motive behind it.
A DNS spoofing attack is the process of poisoning entries on a particular DNS server. As we discussed above, the motive of this attack is to redirect a targeted user to a malicious website under the attacker’s control. The DNS attack usually happens in a public Wi-Fi environment. However, it can also occur in any situation where the attacker can poison Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) tables. They may force targeted user devices into using the attacker-controlled machine as the primary server for a specific website. This is the first step toward a sophisticated phishing attack on public Wi-Fi. It can further trick users into installing malware on their respective devices or divulging sensitive information.
There are two common types of DNS spoofing. These include:
1. DNS Cache Poisoning
In this kind of DNS spoofing, the attackers often seek to manipulate the DNS entries in the cache of various devices, routers, and even servers. Cybercriminals exploit users’ vulnerabilities to tamper with the DNS entries of name servers to do the same. These vulnerabilities are then loaded into the cache of various requesting servers and devices and passed on over time.
2. DNS Hijacking
This type of DNS spoofing involves using malware that most cybercriminals sneak onto routers and devices like PCs and tablets. This particular malware often modifies the network connection settings stored on the devices. Ultimately, it also redirects users to malicious websites.
Windows Trojan Win32/DNSChanger is a popular example of such malware. The executable EXE file is considered to be only a few kilobytes in size. It tampers with a particular system’s DNS settings to redirect traffic secretly. The objectives of these attackers include phishing and click fraud. Here, users are directed to pay-per-click ad banners which generates revenue for the cybercriminals in return.
Understanding the techniques and impact of DNS poisoning is crucial for enhancing cybersecurity measures. Let us have a closer look at how DNS poisoning works and its potential consequences.
The process begins when you ask to visit a particular site, and your server picks up an unknown hacker's response. The DNS cache poisoning is complete when the falsified data is stored.
A hacker can conduct this entire process by:
1. Impersonating a Server
Your DNS server submits a particular query for a translation. The hacker responds instantly with a wrong answer. The catch is that this happens long before the correct server can reach your system.
2. Tying up the Server
Researchers found in 2008 that hackers could send thousands of queries to a particular caching server. These attackers send thousands of false responses, and eventually, they gain control of the root domain and the entire website.
3. Exploiting Open Ports
Another research found out in 2020 that hackers could send thousands of queries to numerous DNS resolver ports. It enables them to discover which port is open through such attacks. It also means that all future attacks will focus only on this particular port.
DNS poisoning attacks occur because your system is insecure. Remember that it is always your computer that holds conversations with servers via the user datagram protocol (UDP). This enables quick, efficient communication over time. However, you may not have all the built-in security measures which means your computer cannot verify the identity of every server it talks to. It also does not validate the data that comes back.
This means that forgery in such an environment is relatively easy. You could get falsified information and never know it if you need not prove your identity and the server you talk to could be owned by anyone.
The following section gives a brief practical insight on how the attackers carry out a DNS-based phishing attack in public Wi-Fi hotspots. This enables them to trick users into sharing their personal information such as bank account details, passwords, credit card details, etc.
DNS-based phishing refers to any form of phishing that usually interferes with the integrity of the lookup process for a particular domain name. This often includes host file poisoning, even though it is not a part of the overall Domain Name System.
Hosted file poisoning forms a major part of the discussions around the malware section since it involves changing a particular file on the user's computer. You may also find another form of DNS based phishing that involves polluting the user's DNS cache with all kinds of incorrect information. Later, the same information is used to direct the victim user to an incorrect location.
Now that you know what is DNS phishing, let us delve deeper into its relevant tactics and consequences.
This form of attack often exploits vulnerabilities in the Domain Name System to deceive users into divulging sensitive information. Attackers can lead victims to fraudulent websites that mimic legitimate ones by manipulating DNS records or using counterfeit domains.
Understanding these tactics and their consequences is crucial for developing effective defenses against such attacks. Meanwhile, the tactics include:
DNS-based phishing refers to any form of phishing that usually interferes with the integrity of the lookup process for a particular domain name. This often includes host file poisoning, even though it is not a part of the overall Domain Name System.
Hosted file poisoning forms a major part of the discussions around the malware section since it involves changing a particular file on the user's computer. You may also find another form of DNS based phishing that involves polluting the user's DNS cache with all kinds of incorrect information. Later, the same information is used to direct the victim user to an incorrect location.
Now that you know what is DNS phishing, let us delve deeper into its relevant tactics and consequences.
This form of attack often exploits vulnerabilities in the Domain Name System to deceive users into divulging sensitive information. Attackers can lead victims to fraudulent websites that mimic legitimate ones by manipulating DNS records or using counterfeit domains.
Understanding these tactics and their consequences is crucial for developing effective defenses against such attacks. Meanwhile, the tactics include:
Now, let us look a the consequences of a DNS-based phishing attack:
It is not just the users who fall victim to phishing in a DNS spoofing attack, it is a threat to their data privacy, too. The spoofed website often depends on attacker goals. For example, the first step is to find a popular banking site if an attacker wants to steal banking information. This also involves downloading the code and styling files, and uploading them to the malicious machine used to hijack connections.
Individuals looking for the legitimate site enter the banking domain into their respective browsers but end up opening the malicious website instead. This is because most attackers make sure the spoofed site is well-made. However, a few minor errors give the spoofed site away occasionally. For example, a malicious website will have no encryption certificate installed, which means the connection is cleartext.
An unencrypted connection is a red flag that the hosted site you just visited is not a banking website. Browsers often alert users that a connection is not encrypted. However, many of them may miss or ignore the warning and enter their respective username and password anyway.
As a result, any information entered into the site is sent to the attacker after the user accesses the spoofed website. This often involves the user’s password, social security number, and private contact details. With enough information already stolen, an attacker could open other accounts under the targeted user’s name. They may also authenticate into legitimate accounts to steal more information or money from the same user.
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DNS spoofing can be difficult to detect since it can affect both user devices and DNS servers. However, businesses and professionals can take some precautionary steps to reduce their risk of falling victim to an attack.
Now, let us look at the common tools and solutions for enhanced DNS security of your system.
Secure DNS Configuration - Use non-standard ports for DNS traffic instead of the default UDP port 53 to obscure your DNS traffic from potential attackers. Randomize query IDs and domain name cases to prevent attackers from predicting or intercepting DNS queries.
Harden Recursive DNS Servers - Employ access control measures such as DNS filtering to prevent unauthorized access. This technique is similar to how ISPs block access to known threats. Implement DNSSEC to secure DNS data and protect against various types of DNS attacks.
Protect DNS Resolvers - Avoid exposing DNS resolvers to the public internet. Restrict access to authorized users within your network to reduce the risk of spoofing attacks.
Integrate DNSSEC - Implement DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) to ensure the integrity and authenticity of DNS data. DNSSEC helps prevent applications from receiving forged or tampered DNS responses.
Keep DNS Servers Updated - Regularly update your DNS servers to incorporate the latest security patches and enhancements. If you use third-party DNS services like Google DNS or Cloudflare, updates are handled by the provider. For self-managed nameservers, manual updates are necessary to maintain security and performance.
Enable DNS Filtering - Utilize DNS filtering to block access to malicious websites and protect users from harmful content. DNS filtering helps isolate users from known threats by preventing connections to dangerous sites and disconnecting communication if such a site is accessed.
Let us take a scenario that illustrates a particular DNS cache poisoning attack. Here, a particular attacker (IP 192.168.3.300) intercepts the only communication channel between a client (IP 192.168.1.100) and its respective server computer belonging to the website www.storenow.com (IP 192.168.2.200).
The attacker employs a tool to deceive the client into believing that the server IP is 192.168.3.300 to carry out an attack. Simultaneously, the same server is tricked into thinking that the IP of the client is also 192.168.3.300.
This is how the attack proceeds in the above scenario.
The future of DNS security is set to be shaped by advancements in encryption technologies, such as DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT), which will enhance privacy and protect against eavesdropping. The widespread adoption of DNSSEC will improve the integrity of DNS responses, while AI and machine learning will drive more effective threat detection and response.
Improved DNS filtering, real-time threat intelligence, and decentralized DNS models will offer greater resilience against emerging threats. Increased collaboration and regulatory developments will further refine security practices. This, in turn, will ensure efficient protection for digital infrastructure.
A career in DNS security offers a dynamic and critical role in protecting the internet's infrastructure. Professionals in this field focus on safeguarding DNS systems from threats such as spoofing, phishing, and attacks that disrupt service. Key responsibilities include:
Skills in network security, cryptography, and threat intelligence are essential, alongside knowledge of protocols like DNS-over-HTTPS (DoH) and DNS-over-TLS (DoT).The demand for experts in DNS security is growing with increasing cyber threats. It offers opportunities for those interested in a high-impact, evolving field.
You can consider DNS to be the heart of your web presence. This makes it a valuable target for all kinds of hackers and attackers. Hence, it is easier to maintain control over how your web assets are used by keeping it protected. It also enables you to handle how they function, including the sites which are allowed to communicate with them.
You need a solid solution provided by a qualified security hardware or software company to achieve DNS security. For instance, a next-generation firewall (NGFW) can help you address DNS spoofing security issues, which removes some of the burden from your IT team. The same solution can also manage which sites on the internet are allowed to interface with your respective network. You must also be proficient in application security, cybersecurity, and other relevant services to proceed with these processes. Visit JanBask Training to learn more about these courses and pursue them for future usage.
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The term “spoofing” is a kind of attack that means the threat actor is using a particular malicious site that often resembles the official website known by the user. That is why poisoning entries give an attacker the perfect phishing scenario to collect sensitive data since DNS is a critical part of internet communication.
Hackers use DNS spoofing to redirect users from legitimate websites to malicious ones by corrupting DNS data. Attackers can alter DNS records to point to fraudulent sites by exploiting vulnerabilities in the DNS resolution process. This allows them to steal sensitive information such as login credentials, spread malware, or execute phishing attacks. This technique undermines the trust users place in domain names. This makes DNS spoofing a powerful tool for compromising security and privacy on the internet.
Ensure that your network and devices use secure DNS settings to protect yourself from DNS spoofing. Implement DNS Security Extensions (DNSSEC) to validate the authenticity of DNS responses and prevent unauthorized alterations. Keep your DNS servers updated with the latest security patches and use reputable DNS providers that offer built-in security features. Regularly monitor your network for unusual activity and educate yourself about phishing tactics to avoid falling victim to such attacks.
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