MitM Protection Module Detecting Packet Delay Anomalies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cybersecurity measures are inadequate for protecting against man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks in virtualized environments, where data traffic can be compromised, leading to potential data theft and security breaches.
Innovation Solution
A distributed MitM protection (MitMP) system that monitors data traffic using traffic probe packets to detect abnormal packet delays, decommissions compromised virtual machines, and creates fake data traffic to mislead attackers, while utilizing a distributed ledger for secure communication and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cybersecurity measures are used in virtualized environments, then existing security protocols are maintained, but they are inadequate against MitM attacks and lead to potential data theft
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring packet delay values and establishing baseline normal values before attacks occur. The MitMP module proactively detects abnormal delays and preemptively decommissions compromised virtual machines before data theft can complete, preventing rather than reacting to security breaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary MitMP module that sits between the virtual machine and the network communication. This module acts as a mediator that monitors traffic, detects MitM attacks through packet delay analysis, and intercepts compromised communications before data can be stolen, adding a protective layer without disrupting normal operations.
2Reliability
If the MitMP module monitors data traffic using packet delay detection, then MitM attacks are detected, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The MitMP module performs self-service by autonomously monitoring its own environment, detecting attacks through packet delay measurements, and automatically decommissioning compromised virtual machines without requiring external intervention. The system serves itself by maintaining security through automated detection and response mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects MitM attacks by monitoring changes in packet delay parameters. The MitMP module measures packet delay values and compares them against established normal values, detecting attacks through parameter variation rather than complex protocol analysis, simplifying the detection mechanism while maintaining effectiveness.
3Reliability
If compromised virtual machines are decommissioned and traffic is rerouted, then security is maintained, but service continuity may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes baseline packet delay values and detection thresholds in advance through preliminary monitoring. When attacks are detected, the pre-configured response mechanisms immediately decommission compromised machines and reroute traffic, minimizing service disruption by having response protocols ready beforehand rather than establishing them during the attack.
Solution Approach 2:
The MitMP module implements continuous feedback by monitoring packet delay values and automatically adjusting system state based on detected conditions. When abnormal delays indicate MitM attacks, the feedback loop triggers automatic decommissioning and traffic rerouting, then continues monitoring to ensure security while maintaining service through dynamic adaptation.
Data Source
AI summary
A man-in-the-middle protection module can monitor data traffic exchanged between a source and destination nodes over a source-destination link via a network. The module can utilize a traffic probe packet to determine a packet delay associated with the data traffic. The module can store the packet delay and can determine that the packet delay is greater than a normal packet delay. If so, the module can determine that an attacker has compromised the source-destination link. The module can command a virtual machine associated with the source node to be decommissioned. The module can instruct a virtualization orchestrator to create a new source node. The data traffic can be rerouted to be exchanged between the new source node and the destination node over a new source-destination link via the network. The module can create and send fake data traffic towards the MitM attacker over the source-destination link via the network.