IP Layer Covert Payload Extraction via Intermediary Routine
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Solution Overview
Problem
The TCP/IP protocol stack's structured and open nature makes it difficult to prevent covert actions from being detected, as covert payloads can be easily observed during data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that intercepts and processes covert payloads within the lower levels of the TCP/IP stack, bypassing sections that would normally reveal their presence, by integrating a covert extraction and processing routine within the IP layer, allowing covert data to be masked as normal network traffic and processed without detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If covert payloads are transmitted through the TCP/IP stack using standard protocols, then compatibility and undetected transmission are improved, but detectability by monitoring systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component within the IP layer that acts as a mediator between standard TCP/IP processing and covert payload extraction. This intermediary routine intercepts packets at the IP layer, extracts covert payloads before they reach upper layers where monitoring occurs, and processes them separately. The intermediary enables the system to maintain standard protocol compatibility while simultaneously preventing detection of covert communications.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If covert extraction routines are integrated within the IP layer, then covert actions remain undetected, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the covert extraction functionality directly into the existing IP layer processing routine. Rather than adding a separate, independent covert extraction system, the invention integrates the extraction logic within the standard IP layer code structure. This merging approach allows covert payload extraction to occur as part of normal packet processing, minimizing additional system complexity while maintaining effective concealment of covert actions.
3Ease of operation
If standard TCP/IP processing is used for all data, then processing simplicity is maintained, but covert payloads become detectable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet processing function into two distinct paths: standard TCP/IP processing for normal payloads and covert extraction processing for hidden payloads. The segmentation occurs at the IP layer where packets are divided into standard processing streams and covert extraction streams. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple standard processing for the majority of traffic while simultaneously handling covert payloads through a separate, undetectable path.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for receiving and processing a covert transmission within a TCP/IP protocol stack is described. An IP protocol layer receives a datagram comprising covert data. The datagram is adapted to appear as an error at a TCP layer. The datagram is intercepted at an IP layer routine below the TCP layer. The intercepted datagram is processed by an extension of an IP layer routine.