Tempesta FW, a handfull firewall against DDoS attacks

Date: 21/09/2015

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Open source tools for protection against DDoS (IPS), such as, Snort, are based on DPI, that is, they analyze the entire protocol stack. However, they cannot control the opening and closing of TCP connections, since they are too high in the network stack of Linux and represent neither server nor client side. This allows to bypass IPS data. Proxy servers are also involved in establishing the connection, but they cannot protect against major DDoS attacks, because they are relatively slow, as they work based on the same principle as the server. For them, it is desirable to use the equipment which, despite being not as good as the one for the back end, can withstand heavy loads.

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0-day attacks using “keep-alive” connections

Date: 08/09/2015

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Before turning to unconventional methods of usage, I will describe how “keep-alive” is working. The process is utterly simple – in a connection, multiple requests are sent instead of just one, and multiple responses come from the server. The benefits are obvious: there is less time spent on establishing connection, less load on CPU and memory. The number of requests in a single connection is usually limited by settings of the server (in most cases, there are at least several dozen). The procedure for establishing a connection is universal.

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Using synctool for server configuration management

Date: 24/08/2015

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*nix systems are by default provided with remote management tools, while the method of storing and format of configuration files allows you to rapidly distribute the updated version of settings by simply copying them to the node. This scheme will be good enough for up to a certain number of systems. However, when there are several dozens of servers, they cannot be handled without a special tool. This is when it becomes interesting to have a look at configuration management systems that allow a programmable rather than manual configuration of servers. As a result, the systems can be configured quickly and with fewer errors while the administrator will get the comprehensive report. Also, a CM system knows how to keep track of all changes in the server while supporting the desired configuration.

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How to find vulnerabilities in routers and what to do with it

Date: 18/08/2015

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Often, the manufacturers of routers do not particularly care about the quality of their code. As a result, the vulnerabilities are not uncommon. Today, the routers are a priority target of network attacks that allows to steal money and data while bypassing local protection systems. How can you personally check the quality of firmware and adequacy of settings? You can do this by using free utilities, online test services and this article.

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Hackbook #197. Set up Cisco as server, SOP bypass for Flash and others

Date: 04/08/2015

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Task: Set up Cisco as server

Today we are going to cover the topic of Cisco-device (routers, switches) hacking, so to say, carrying on with the once started. Here I would like to amend the information which was presented in the previous issue. First, these devices have not two but three variants of user isolation: by password only, by login and password, or in “AAA” model (also by login and password). There seems to be no practical difference for a pen tester, but we’d still better rely on valid information.

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