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Topic starter 16/08/2025 6:27 pm
Routing attacks are a serious threat to the integrity and security of computer networks, especially those that rely on protocols like BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) to direct traffic across the internet. Here’s a clear breakdown:
🧭 What Are Routing Attacks?
Routing attacks occur when malicious actors manipulate the way data is directed across networks. Since routing protocols were originally designed with functionality—not security—in mind, they’re vulnerable to exploitation.
🔥 Common Types of Routing Attacks
| Attack Type | Description |
|---|---|
| IP Prefix Hijacking | An attacker falsely announces ownership of IP ranges, rerouting traffic. |
| Route Leaking | Misconfigured or malicious routing causes traffic to pass through insecure paths. |
| BGP Man-in-the-Middle | Attackers insert themselves into the routing path to intercept or alter data. |
| Routing Table Poisoning | Malicious updates corrupt routing tables, causing misdirection or outages. |
| Packet Mistreating | Injects malformed packets to confuse routers and disrupt traffic flow. |
⚠️ Real-World Impact
- Data Interception: Sensitive data can be captured if it’s rerouted through malicious networks.
- Service Disruption: Hijacked routes can make services unreachable, causing outages.
- Performance Degradation: Traffic detours can increase latency and reduce quality of service.
- Security Breaches: Attackers may use routing manipulation to launch further attacks.
One infamous example: In 2008, a Pakistani ISP accidentally hijacked YouTube’s IP prefix, causing a global outage.
🛡️ How to Defend Against Routing Attacks
- Route Filtering: Validate routing announcements to prevent false entries.
- RPKI (Resource Public Key Infrastructure): Cryptographically verifies route origins.
- Monitoring Tools: Use BGP monitoring and anomaly detection systems.
- Encryption: Protect data in transit to reduce the risk of interception.
