Moving Target Defense Protocol Obfuscation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks rely on static parameters and protocols, making them vulnerable to attacks where attackers can intercept and manipulate communications, as the unchanging nature of the system allows for easy exploitation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a moving target defense by obfuscating protocol information in data packets using faux protocol identifiers and additional headers, which are determined through permutations based on nonce values and shared secrets, to dynamically change the communication parameters and protocols, thereby increasing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static protocol information is used in data packets, then communication compatibility is maintained, but security against attacks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making protocol information changeable rather than static. The system dynamically generates and transmits protocol information through packet headers that can be modified during transmission. The receiving system dynamically adjusts its protocol stack to match the transmitted packet structure, enabling adaptation to varying network conditions and attack scenarios while maintaining communication compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying protocol identifiers and packet header parameters during transmission. The system changes protocol information parameters such as protocol numbers, header lengths, and packet structures dynamically. This allows the same communication system to present different protocol parameters to different receivers, thereby maintaining compatibility while enhancing security against attacks that rely on static protocol expectations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If protocol information is made dynamic and obfuscated, then security against attacks is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the packet processing function into separate modules: a packet generator that creates obfuscated protocol information, a packet processor that handles the actual data transmission, and a protocol stack that interprets the received packets. This modular segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and simplified, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary packet header structure that mediates between the simple original protocol and the obfuscated transmission. This intermediary layer handles the complexity of protocol obfuscation and dynamic adjustment, shielding the underlying communication systems from direct exposure to attack vectors while maintaining compatibility with existing protocols.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If additional headers and obfuscation techniques are inserted, then attacker uncertainty is increased, but data transmission overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by inserting additional headers and obfuscation elements only when necessary, such as when detecting potential attack conditions or when transmitting sensitive data. The system can operate in a lightweight mode with minimal overhead for normal traffic, and switch to enhanced obfuscation mode only when security threats are detected, thereby reducing unnecessary data transmission overhead while maintaining security effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for implementing a moving target defense are described. The moving target defense can comprise obfuscating a protocol identifier within a packet. The protocol identifier can be replaced with a faux protocol identifier. Additionally, diversion headers can be inserted into to the packet, thereby creating additional layers of complexity.