Obfuscated Network Traffic Generation via Multi-Dimensional Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network simulations and honeypots rely on limited and unsophisticated traffic masking schemes, failing to effectively simulate complex network behaviors and are detectable by advanced intrusion systems like botnets, which alter their behavior to avoid detection.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates obfuscated network traffic using a data masking processor and obfuscated network traffic request interface, which separates and masks network header content, and reconstructs traffic flows to mimic real network activity, including multiple dimensions like time and user accounts, using a segmented database schema.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If network simulations use mathematical models to generate traffic, then traffic generation is automated and scalable, but the traffic becomes detectable by advanced intrusion systems like botnets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying network traffic characteristics through multiple transformations including IP address randomization, port substitution, protocol variation, and timing adjustment. These parameter modifications make mathematically generated traffic indistinguishable from real traffic, preventing detection by botnets while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces multiple dimensions of obfuscation beyond simple traffic generation, including spatial dimensions (IP address spaces, port ranges), temporal dimensions (inter-arrival times, session durations), and behavioral dimensions (protocol states, application layer patterns). This multi-dimensional approach prevents detection while maintaining automated generation.
2Loss of information
If network simulations mask portions of network traffic to protect user identity, then privacy is preserved, but the masking schemes are unsophisticated and fail to account for multi-dimensional tracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the masking process into multiple independent components: IP address masking, port masking, protocol masking, and timing masking. Each segment handles a specific aspect of traffic obfuscation, and together they provide comprehensive protection against multi-dimensional tracking while preserving user identity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple masking techniques into a composite obfuscation system that integrates IP randomization, port substitution, protocol variation, and timing adjustment. This composite approach creates a robust masking scheme that addresses various tracking dimensions simultaneously, far surpassing simple masking methods.
3Device complexity
If network simulations focus on isolated network sessions, then analysis is simplified, but the simulations cannot monitor or record network and application behavior across multiple sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal traffic generation system that can handle multiple network sessions, protocols, and applications simultaneously through a single integrated platform. The system maintains separate state information for each session while providing unified control and analysis capabilities, enabling both simplified analysis and multi-session monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where individual session simulations are contained within a larger multi-session framework. Each isolated session maintains its own analysis simplicity while being managed by an outer layer that coordinates multiple sessions, protocols, and applications, enabling comprehensive monitoring without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An obfuscated network traffic server is operative to generate obfuscated network traffic. The obfuscated network traffic server maintains the relationship between extracted application content and extracted network header content such that the obfuscated network traffic is indistinguishable from the monitored network traffic. The obfuscated network traffic server may include a network monitor operative to monitor network traffic and to extract application content and network header content from the monitored network traffic. The obfuscated network traffic server may also include a data masking processor operative to mask a portion of the separated application content and/or the separated network header content. The obfuscated network traffic server may further include a masking attribute selector operative to specify the attributes of the application content and/or the network header content that is to be masked.