To simulate ping sweep attack using OPNET that is also named as an ICMP sweep. It is a method utilized determining active hosts at a network by transmitting the ICMP Echo Requests (ping requests) to several IP addresses and then to examine the responses. We can replicate a ping sweep by means of setting up an attacker node transmitting numerous ICMP requests to a range of IP addresses on the network in OPNET. Let’s see how to simulate a ping sweep attack project using OPNET.
Steps to Simulate Ping Sweep Attack Projects in OPNET
- Set Up OPNET Environment
- We make a new project and name it according to the study focus like “Ping Sweep Attack Simulation” in OPNET Modeler.
- Configure a project workspace and to select a network topology containing several client devices, servers, and routers. Make sure the network includes sufficient devices for replicating a realistic scan.
- Design Network Topology
- Make a topology that includes numerous nodes, like:
- Servers and workstations to denote the potential targets of the ping sweep.
- Routers and switches associating the devices to replicate a normal network infrastructure.
- Attacker node mimicking the ping sweep.
- In a logical set up such as LAN or WAN, link these devices to utilize wired or wireless links, if suitable.
- Set Up Legitimate Network Traffic
- In the network, set up typical traffic so as to legitimate usage coexists along with the attack. Configure applications in Application Configuration for regular network activities:
- HTTP or HTTPS for web browsing.
- FTP for file transfers.
- Email (SMTP, IMAP) replicating email traffic.
- Allocate these applications to different client devices, to make realistic background traffic utilizing Profile Configuration. It will permit to monitor the ping sweep’s effect at legitimate traffic.
- Configure Attacker Node for Ping Sweep
- Within the network, we can setup the attacker node executing a ping sweep by means of transmitting ICMP Echo Requests to many IP addresses:
- In the network such as the entire subnet or a portion of it, configure the attacker node to target IP addresses range.
- For the attacker, make a custom profile, which transmits repeated ICMP Echo Requests (ping requests) on regular intervals for each target IP address in Profile Configuration.
- Set up a high rate of ICMP requests if replicating an aggressive sweep or for a stealthier scan utilizes lower rates.
- Set Up ICMP Traffic Parameters
- Describe ICMP traffic metrics are made by the attacker:
- Packet Size: Set up the ICMP packet size. Standard ping requests are normally has 56 bytes, however we can change the size if required.
- Inter-Arrival Time: Configure a small interval among ICMP Echo Requests replicating a fast scan over several IPs.
- Duration: Indicate the time period for which the attacker node executes the ping sweep, for observation to permit both the attack phase and network recovery later.
- Enable Data Collection for Performance Metrics
- For performance parameters, to configure data collection monitoring the ping sweep network’s response:
- CPU Utilization: Monitor CPU load at routers and switches to see potential resource strain triggered using the high volume of ICMP requests.
- Throughput: Estimate the throughput at routers, switches, and the attacker’s target devices monitoring if the attack exhausts available bandwidth.
- ICMP Packet Count: Accumulate statistics at ICMP traffic observing the amount of Echo Requests and Replies that can expose how far the network is being scanned.
- Response Time and Packet Delay: For legitimate traffic, we can estimate the response times confirming if the ping sweep triggers delays for regular users.
- Run the Simulation
- Now, execute the simulation and monitor the ping sweep attack. The attacker node will be transmitted ICMP Echo Requests in the network to numerous IPs, also from reachable devices OPNET will replicate the response traffic.
- Monitor how the network and individual devices react to the influx of ICMP traffic that particularly if any network devices or servers turn out to be overloaded.
- Analyze Results
- Evaluate the ping sweep’s effect on network performance utilizing OPNET’s analysis tools:
- ICMP Traffic Analysis: Consider the number and deliver of ICMP requests and then responses to detect how many devices replied to verify dynamic IPs.
- Network Throughput and Bandwidth Usage: Verify if the ping sweep maximizes the overall network traffic, to trigger potentially bandwidth saturation or to influence the legitimate traffic.
- CPU and Memory Utilization: High utilization could show pressure by reason of processing excessive ICMP requests for routers and other network devices.
- Impact on Legitimate Traffic: In HTTP, FTP, or other application traffic, estimate any delays, which concur with the ping sweep to evoke service degradation.
- Experiment with Different Attack Intensity Levels
- Alter the intensity of ping sweep by way of adapting the rate of ICMP requests and the target range of IP addresses:
- Aggressive Sweep: For a more intense attack, maximize the request rate and then extend the target IP range, which rapidly detects dynamic devices.
- Stealthy Sweep: Reduce the request rate and restrict the number of targeted IPs replicating a low-intensity scan, which permits the detection however it gradually accumulates data.
- Monitor how diverse stages of intensity impact the detectability and network performance.
- Implement Countermeasures (Optional)
- Experiment the countermeasures observing if they can prevent the ping sweep’s impact:
- Rate Limiting: Set up rate restrictions at routers or switches limiting the amount of ICMP requests permitted for each second to minimize the ping sweep’s effect.
- ICMP Filtering: Configure access control lists (ACLs) to block or from the attacker’s IP address or subnet restrict the ICMP requests.
- Intrusion Detection System (IDS): Set up replicated IDS, from a single source or range of IPs identifying high rates of ICMP requests, notifying network administrators to examine the potential activity.
In this setup, we had clearly explained the step-by-step procedure that useful to you on how to configure network traffic, how to simulate the Ping Sweep Attack and implement it using OPNET environment. More details regarding this process will be presented as needed.
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