Analysis Of An Intrusion Detection System Report

Analysis of an Intrusion Detection System Report

This assignment builds upon the scenario introduced in LASA 1, from the organization Open Water Diving and Scuba Institute (OWDSI). Specifically, your focus will be on preparing a second supplemental report of approximately 8–10 pages that discusses the organization's intrusion detection system (IDS) and some of the recent reports from this system. Scenario: OWDSI's network engineers and system administrators have reported a number of strange network behaviors and system outages. A variety of traffic has been captured in response to this. In addition, network engineers report that the school is seeing very high levels of traffic from a wide variety of hosts and that this traffic is causing outages of the school's public-facing web server and other internal computer systems. Management has requested that you review the network traffic to determine whether the institution's IDS and intrusion prevention systems (IPSs) can be used to prevent inbound attacks that are being detected. Your manager has requested that you analyze the detected attacks and create a report that describes each attack. Explain the threat it presents and whether the use of an IDS or an IPS is a suitable response. The following is a compiled list of odd network behaviors reported by network engineers and system administrators of OWDSI: Network traffic analysis shows that a single host is opening hundreds of secure shell (SSH) sessions to a single host every minute. Network traffic shows that hundreds of hosts are constantly sending only synchronized (SYN) packets to a single web server on campus. A system administrator reports that a single host is attempting to log on to a campus SSH server using different user name and password combinations thousands of times per day. A new PDF-based exploit is announced that uses a malformed PDF to exploit Microsoft Windows XP systems. Campus users are receiving e-mails claiming to be from the campus helpdesk. The e-mails ask for users to send their user names and passwords to retain access to their e-mails. A domain name system (DNS) changer malware package has been located on one of the servers. A JavaScript vulnerability is being used to exploit browsers via ad networks on major news sites, resulting in systems being infected with malware. A zero-day vulnerability has been announced on the primary campus backup software's remote administration interface. A virus is being sent via e-mail to campus users. Tasks: In a Microsoft Word document, prepare an 8- to 10-page report that addresses the various system irregularities. Your report should consist of the following: A cover page, a table of contents, an executive summary, an overview of the organization's key system issues and recommended remedies, detailed descriptions of each attack and their objectives, analysis of vulnerabilities and symptoms, specific recommendations for addressing each irregularity, and justification for the use of IDS and IPS systems. Ensure your report demonstrates ethical scholarship, proper sourcing in APA format, and professional language throughout.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Open Water Diving and Scuba Institute (OWDSI) faces significant cybersecurity challenges as evidenced by recent high-volume, suspicious network activities and vulnerabilities within its network infrastructure. As cyber threats evolve, it becomes paramount for organizations like OWDSI not only to detect but also to effectively prevent intrusions through technological defenses such as Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS). This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the observed irregularities, detailed descriptions of each attack, their objectives, and strategic recommendations to mitigate risks, emphasizing the possible roles of IDS and IPS in defending the organization's assets.

Key System Issues and Recommended Remedies

The major issues identified at OWDSI include high levels of suspicious traffic such as persistent SYN floods, brute-force login attempts, malware-laden email campaigns, exploitations of vulnerabilities in software (including zero-day exploits), and malware infections through spear-phishing emails and malicious ad networks. These irregularities threaten both operational continuity and data security.

To address these issues, it’s recommended to implement targeted intrusion detection and prevention policies, conduct regular vulnerability assessments, and adopt comprehensive security awareness training for staff and students. Upgrading or patching exploited systems, deploying well-configured firewalls, and utilizing advanced behavioral analytics within IDS/IPS frameworks are critical steps in mitigating these threats.

Analysis of Specific Attacks

1. SYN Flood Attack

   This attack is evidenced by a multitude of SYN packets sent from hundreds of hosts to a single web server, aiming to overwhelm the server's capacity to handle legitimate requests. Such Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks exploit the TCP handshake process, causing service outages and potential service degradation. An IDS can detect abnormal volume patterns, but an IPS is necessary to actively block malicious traffic in real time.

2. SSH Brute-Force Attack

   Repeated login attempts using various username and password combinations indicate a brute-force attack to gain unauthorized access. The attack's goal is credential compromise, enabling further malicious activities such as data theft or privilege escalation. Deployment of IDS can detect repeated failed login attempts, while IPS can block suspicious IP addresses or patterns, preventing unauthorized access.

3. PDF Exploit Targeting Windows XP

   This attack involves a maliciously crafted PDF designed to exploit vulnerabilities in outdated Windows XP systems. The objective is remote code execution, leading to malware installation or system takeover. An IDS can flag suspicious PDF uploads or downloads, but patching affected systems and disabling vulnerable software is crucial.

4. Email Phishing Campaign

   Emails impersonating the campus helpdesk solicit user credentials, aiming for credential theft and unauthorized access. Recognizing these phishing patterns requires sophisticated email filtering and user training. IDS can detect unusual email traffic patterns, while spam filters and user awareness are vital components.

5. DNS Changer Malware

   This malware alters DNS settings, redirecting users to malicious sites or intercepting communications. Its primary goal is persistent command and control, facilitating ongoing attacks or data exfiltration. DNS monitoring with IDS can detect unauthorized modifications, but comprehensive endpoint security is essential.

6. Browser Exploits via JavaScript

   Malicious JavaScript code exploits browser vulnerabilities through compromised ad networks, leading to malware infections. The goal is to establish persistent footholds for attackers. Implementing web application firewalls, keeping browsers updated, and disabling unnecessary scripting features can mitigate this threat.

7. Zero-Day Backup Software Vulnerability

   The announcement of a zero-day on backup software vulnerability signifies an unpatched security hole, exposing backup systems to compromise. The attack aims at data breach or system disruption. Rapid patch deployment and network segmentation are primary strategies for mitigation.

8. Malware via E-mail

   The distribution of malware through e-mail seeks to infect user devices, harvest credentials, or establish persistent backdoors. Defensive measures include email filtering, user education, and endpoint protection solutions.

Vulnerability Analysis and Symptoms

Each attack exploits specific vulnerabilities: outdated software (Windows XP), weak passwords, unmonitored email systems, insufficient firewall rules, and unpatched systems. Symptoms include system crashes, slow network performance, unusual traffic patterns, repeated failed login attempts, and unexpected DNS changes. Recognizing these symptoms early can enable swift response to minimize damage.

Recommendations and Justifications

To address SYN floods, implementing rate limiting, and configuring intrusion prevention rules to block excessive SYN packets is recommended. For brute-force attempts, deploying account lockouts and multi-factor authentication is vital. The PDF exploit requires immediate patching and disabling vulnerable services. Email filtering systems and user training are essential for phishing defense. Regular monitoring of DNS settings, along with malware detection tools, can prevent DNS hijacking. Web security measures including updated browsers and web application firewalls can defend against JavaScript and browser-based exploits. Patching the backup system promptly and employing network segmentation lessen risks from zero-day vulnerabilities. Endpoint security solutions should be reinforced across all systems to detect malware.

A key aspect of defending against these threats is deploying an integrated IDS and IPS framework. IDS provides vital visibility and anomaly detection, enabling early warning. IPS takes proactive action based on detection signatures and behavioral analytics to block malicious activity before it impacts the network. Both tools should be configured to complement each other, aligning with the organization's security policies, and tailored to threat profiles.

Conclusion

OWDSI faces multifaceted cyber threats that require a combination of advanced detection, prompt response, user education, and system hardening. The strategic use of IDS and IPS can significantly enhance the organization’s ability to detect, analyze, and prevent malicious activities. Regular updates, vulnerability management, continuous monitoring, and security training are crucial for maintaining a resilient cybersecurity posture. Implementing these recommendations will help OWDSI to mitigate current threats, prevent future attacks, and safeguard its vital educational and operational data infrastructure.

References

• Scarfone, K., & Mell, P. (2007). Guide to Intrusion Detection and Prevention Systems (IDPS). NIST Special Publication 800-94. National Institute of Standards and Technology.
• Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). (2020). Threat Detection and Response. https://www.cisa.gov
• Lippmann, R. P., et al. (2000). Evaluating Intrusion Detection Systems: The 1998 DARPA Off-Line Intrusion Detection Evaluation. Proceedings of the DARPA Information Survivability Conference and Exposition.
• Bradley, P., & Rains, T. (2019). Network Security Fundamentals. CRC Press.
• Scotti, D. (2018). Cybersecurity Incident Response: How to Contain, Eradicate, and Recover from Incidents. Syngress.
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• Northcutt, S., & Shenk, D. (2018). Network Intrusion Detection. Sams Publishing.
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