Description
This paper presents a covert communication channel that exists in virtually all forms of packet switching data networks. On the one hand, this covert channel, if used properly, can potentially enhance the overall security of data communications over networks. On the other hand, the covert channel can also potentially become a back door to access a destination computer, and hence becomes a security hazard to the computer. A simple protocol is specified for communications on the covert channel. A modified TFTP application is also presented to demonstrate how to use the covert channel to convey secret messages or to enhance the integrity of data communications. The application also illustrates a back door that leaks client’s data files without user notification. A sliding entropy method is also introduced to detect some cases of covert channels.
Date of creation, presentation, or exhibit
11-2005
Document Type
Conference Paper
Department, Program, or Center
Department of Computing Security (GCCIS)
Recommended Citation
B. Yuan and P. Lutz, "A Covert channel in packet switching data networks," Proceedings of The Second Upstate New York Workshop on Communications and Networking, 2005, Rochester, New York
Campus
RIT – Main Campus
Comments
© 2005 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works.
Note: imported from RIT’s Digital Media Library running on DSpace to RIT Scholar Works in February 2014.