What is DNS Hijacking?

DNS hijacking, also known as DNS redirection, is a cyberattack that disrupts the normal process of translating user-friendly domain names (like google.com) into numerical IP addresses that computers can understand. By manipulating this process, attackers can reroute users from legitimate websites to malicious ones.

Consider a cell's DNA as a highly detailed instruction manual for building complex cellular machinery. Specific sequences of nucleotides within this manual serve as instructions for constructing proteins and essential molecules. Precise manipulation is like carefully adding or changing instructions in this manual, which changes how cells behave.

What is a DNS?

A DNS, or Domain Name System, is a critical component of the internet infrastructure that translates human-friendly domain names (like www.example.com) into IP addresses (like 192.0.2.1) that computers use to identify each other on the network. This system functions much like a phonebook, allowing users to access websites and other resources using easily remembered names instead of numeric IP addresses.

Key Components of DNS

• Domain Names: Human-readable addresses, like www.google.com, which users enter into their web browsers.
• IP Addresses: Numerical labels assigned to each device connected to a network, such as 172.217.16.196 for Google's servers.
• DNS Servers: Specialized servers that store the mappings of domain names to IP addresses and respond to DNS queries.

How Does DNS Hijacking Work

Step 1 Target Acquisition

The two main ways attackers can target users for DNS hijacking:

• Local Attack: Malware or Trojan installed on a user's device can tamper with local DNS settings. This setting dictates which DNS server the device communicates with to resolve domain names. By changing this to a malicious server, an attacker reroutes any website.
• Network Attack: Attackers can exploit vulnerabilities in a router's firmware or weak default passwords to gain access and alter its DNS settings. This affects all devices connected to that router, unknowingly sending their DNS requests to a malicious server.

Step 2 DNS Request Interception

Once the target's DNS settings are compromised, their device sends DNS requests to the attacker's server instead of the legitimate one.

Step 3 Malicious Response

The attacker's server intercepts these requests. Instead of providing the correct IP address for the requested website, the attacker provides a false IP address that points to a malicious website under their control.

Step 4 Fake Website

The user's device, unaware of the manipulation, connects to the attacker's fake website disguised to look like the legitimate one (e.g., a bank login page).

Step 5 Deception and Theft

The fake website can be used for various malicious purposes. Attackers might try to steal login credentials, personal information, or even infect the device with malware.

Types of DNS Hijacking Attacks

• Local DNS Hijacking: This occurs when malware installed on a user's device changes the DNS settings. Attackers trick users into downloading malware that modifies DNS settings. The malware then changes the DNS server addresses in the device's network settings to point to malicious servers. As a result, through redirection to phishing sites, attackers steal sensitive information like login credentials and financial data.
• Router DNS Hijacking: This type of attack targets home or small office routers by exploiting weak security to alter DNS settings. Attackers exploit known vulnerabilities in router firmware or use default login credentials to gain access. Once inside the router's admin panel, they change the DNS server addresses to those controlled by the attackers. This means every device connected to the compromised router is redirected to malicious sites whenever they request DNS.
• Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) DNS Hijacking: This is a sophisticated attack that involves intercepting and altering DNS communication between the user's device and the DNS server. Attackers position themselves between the user and the DNS server, intercepting DNS queries and sending forged DNS responses back to the user, directing them to malicious websites. Common methods used include ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) spoofing and DNS response forgery.
• Rogue DNS Server Hijacking: This occurs when the DNS server itself is compromised. Attackers gain control over a legitimate DNS server through vulnerabilities or insider threats and alter DNS records to redirect legitimate domain requests to malicious IP addresses. This can affect all users who rely on the compromised DNS server for domain name resolution.

Real-World Examples of DNS Hijacking

The New York Times (2013)

In 2013, attackers hijacked the DNS records of The New York Times, redirecting users to a fake website designed to steal login credentials. Imagine trying to access your bank's website but unknowingly landing on a near-identical copy controlled by attackers. This highlights the importance of user awareness and verifying website legitimacy before entering sensitive information.

Curve Finance Attack (2022)

Hackers hijacked the DNS for the cryptocurrency exchange Curve Finance. This redirected users to a malicious website that looked like the real Curve Finance platform. Unsuspecting users interacted with the fake platform, unknowingly approving unauthorized transfers of their cypto funds.

Sea Turtle Campaign (2019)

Instead of targeting individual websites, this hacking group aimed at entire country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs) such as ".co.uk" and ".ru." Breaching these domains could have severely disrupted internet access for numerous users in affected countries. Fortunately, the campaign was detected and countered before causing extensive harm.

DNS Hijacking Vs DNS Spoofing Vs Cache Poisoning

How to Detect DNS Hijacking

• Monitor DNS Traffic: Set up systems to monitor DNS traffic for anomalies, such as unexpected spikes in DNS queries or unusual domain requests. Regularly review DNS server logs to identify suspicious activities or patterns that may indicate hijacking attempts.
• Verify DNS Settings: Regularly check the DNS settings on your router and individual devices to ensure they haven’t been altered. Compare current DNS server IP addresses with those you know to be correct. Investigate any discrepancies.
• Use DNS Security: Tools Ensure DNS responses are validated using DNSSEC to detect and prevent tampering. Utilize DNS monitoring services that continuously check your DNS records for unauthorized changes.
• Use DNS Security: Tools Ensure DNS responses are validated using DNSSEC to detect and prevent tampering. Utilize DNS monitoring services that continuously check your DNS records for unauthorized changes.
• Inspect DNS Records: Conduct regular audits of DNS records to verify that they match the intended configuration. Check the integrity of DNS zone files to ensure there is no tampering.
• Endpoint Security Measures: Use antivirus and anti-malware tools to scan devices for infections that might change DNS settings. Use network traffic analysis tools to inspect DNS queries and responses for signs of redirection or forgery.
• Use External Tools and Services: Compare the IP address resolution of domain names using different public DNS servers (like Google DNS, Cloudflare DNS) to see if they return consistent results. Use online services to check the current DNS records for your domain. Services like MXToolbox or DNSstuff can provide detailed reports on DNS configurations.

How to Prevent DNS Hijacking

• Update software: Ensure your operating system, web browser, and other software are updated with the latest security patches. These updates often address vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit for DNS hijacking.
• Antivirus and anti-malware: Use a reputable antivirus and anti-malware program to detect and remove any malicious software that might try to tamper with your DNS settings.
• Strong passwords: Use strong and unique passwords for your Wi-Fi network, router, and online accounts. This makes it more difficult for attackers to gain unauthorized access and manipulate your DNS settings.
• Check your DNS settings: For advanced users, you can manually check your device's DNS settings and ensure they point to a reputable DNS server provider like Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8) or OpenDNS (208.67.222.222).
• Secure your router: Change the default username and password for your router. This prevents unauthorized access and potential manipulation of your DNS settings. Additionally, enable encryption (WPA2) on your Wi-Fi network.
• Use a VPN: Consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic and potentially hide your DNS requests from attackers on public Wi-Fi networks. However, free VPNs might not be as secure, so choose a reputable provider if you go this route.

Wrapping it up

In conclusion, DNS hijacking poses a significant threat to internet security by manipulating the Domain Name System (DNS) to redirect users to malicious websites. Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in DNS settings on devices or routers, intercepting legitimate requests and substituting them with false IP addresses.

This deception can lead to users unknowingly divulging sensitive information or falling victim to malware. Vigilance in monitoring DNS settings, employing secure DNS protocols like DNSSEC, and using reputable security measures are crucial in mitigating such attacks and safeguarding against potential harm to both individuals and networks.

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