TCP Flooding Attack Prevention via Session State Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DDoS prevention techniques are limited in rapidly and accurately detecting and responding to TCP flooding attacks, relying on simple traffic measurement and pattern matching, which are inadequate in real-world scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A TCP flooding attack prevention method and apparatus that defines multiple session states based on packet type and direction, tracks these states for each flow, and responds to flooding attacks by identifying and mitigating specific types of TCP flooding attacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If simple traffic measurement and pattern matching methods are used, then the detection and response process is simple, but the accuracy and speed of detecting TCP flooding attacks is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the packet processing into distinct phases: identifying packet type (SYN, ACK, FIN, etc.), determining packet direction (client-to-server or server-to-client), and tracking session states separately for each flow. This segmentation enables accurate detection of specific flooding patterns while maintaining manageable processing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds multiple dimensions to packet analysis beyond simple traffic volume measurement. By introducing packet type classification, direction determination, and session state tracking, the system moves from one-dimensional traffic counting to multi-dimensional packet inspection, significantly improving detection accuracy
2Device complexity
If simple traffic measurement and pattern matching methods are used, then the system complexity is low, but the response speed and accuracy in real-world DDoS attacks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes session state tracking mechanisms in advance before attacks occur. By maintaining structured state information for each flow (including packet type, direction, and sequence numbers), the system is prepared to rapidly detect anomalies when attacks begin, reducing response time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces session state information as an intermediary layer between raw packet data and attack detection logic. This intermediary structure organizes packet information in a way that facilitates rapid comparison against attack patterns, improving response speed without proportionally increasing system complexity
3Measurement precision
If packet direction and type are differentiated for tracking, then the accuracy of flooding attack detection is improved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the state tracking function into separate segments: one for tracking client-to-server packets, another for server-to-client packets, and separate state variables for different packet types (SYN, ACK, FIN). This segmentation allows accurate multi-dimensional tracking while keeping each individual state manager relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different tracking criteria and state variables to different packet directions and types. Each packet category has its own specific state tracking mechanism tailored to its characteristics, allowing precise local analysis without requiring the entire system to handle all complexity uniformly
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) flooding attack prevention method. The TCP flooding attack prevention method includes identifying the type of a packet received at an intermediate stage between a client and a server; determining the direction of the packet; defining a plurality of session states based on the type and the direction of the packet; detecting a TCP flooding attack by tracking the session states for each flow; and responding to the TCP flooding attack based on the type of the TCP flooding attack.