How to Start Quench Attack Projects using OMNeT++

To create a Quench Attack typically mentions the kind of denial-of-service (DoS) attack in which the attacker causes the legitimate sender to slow down or “quench” its transmission rate, therefore disrupting the general communication. In networking, the term “quenching” can be connected to the TCP congestion control mechanism, in which a node in the network deliberate the causes for traffic or manipulates the flow control, leading to transmission rate reductions.

To simulate a Quench Attack in OMNeT++, we essential to build a network situation in which an attacker interferes through the transmission rate of a sender is a client through manipulating traffic or the flow control mechanisms.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up a Quench Attack project in OMNeT++ using the INET framework:

Steps to Start Quench Attack Projects using OMNeT++

  1. Set Up OMNeT++ Environment

Install OMNeT++

  1. Download OMNeT++ from the official OMNeT++ website.
  2. Observe the procedures offers the operating system.
  3. Verify the installation through process the sample replication for assure the OMNeT++ is set up correctly.

Install INET Framework

  1. Download the INET framework from GitHub.
  2. Create and setting the INET in OMNeT++ we replicate the requirements network protocols such as TCP, IP, UDP, and routing protocols.
  3. Link INET to your OMNeT++ project for use in simulations.
  1. Understand the Quench Attack Concept

In networking, a “quench” attack could be a form of TCP manipulation where:

  • Flow control mechanisms are manipulated.
  • The attacker injects fake traffic the signals we decrease the transmission rate of legitimate senders.
  • This could be complete through interfering by TCP congestion windows, window size, or causing false congestion events.

The TCP Congestion Control algorithm uses mechanisms such as Slow Start, Congestion Avoidance, Fast Retransmit, and Fast Recovery. The attacker might goal to artificially inflate traffic or operate the receiver’s TCP window size to slow down the sender.

  1. Create a New OMNeT++ Project
  1. Create a Project:
    • Open OMNeT++ and build a new project such as QuenchAttack.
  2. Link INET Framework:
    • Right-click on your project, go to Properties > Project References, and link it to the INET Framework.
  1. Design the Network Topology

We need to create a network with:

  • Client (Sender): A node which sends the packets to a server.
  • Server (Receiver): A node which receives the packets from the client.
  • Attacker: A node that operates the network to interrupt the flow or artificially inject traffic signals.
  • Router or Switch: The route packets among client, server, and attacker in a router or switch.

Example Topology (QuenchNetwork.ned):

network QuenchNetwork {

submodules:

client: StandardHost {

@display(“p=100,100”);

}

server: StandardHost {

@display(“p=400,100”);

}

attacker: StandardHost {

@display(“p=250,200”);

}

router: Router {

@display(“p=250,100”);

}

connections allowunconnected:

client.pppg++ <–> router.pppg++;

server.pppg++ <–> router.pppg++;

attacker.pppg++ <–> router.pppg++;

}

This topology consists of:

  • Client is a sender and Server is a receiver.
  • Attacker is placed in the middle, among the client and router, permitting to the influence for communication.
  • Router routes the congestion among the client, server, and attacker.
  1. Implement the Quench Attack Mechanism

In a Quench Attack, the attacker might:

  • Inject TCP congestion control signals to force the sender to minimum its communication rate.
  • Manipulate the TCP window size or cause the sender to think the network is traffic.

We can replicate the Quench Attack through altering the TCP parameters like as the congestion window or advertised window size to artificially influence the transmission rate of the sender.

Step 1: Modifying TCP Congestion Control

The attacker will inject traffic signals or alter the TCP receive window size. The TCP module in OMNeT++ permits we to operate this parameter.

You can use the TCP module from INET to access the congestion control logic and modify it during the simulation. Specifically, you can trigger window size manipulation or inject false congestion events.

Example of manipulating the TCP congestion window (in C++):

#include <omnetpp.h>

#include “inet/common/INETDefs.h”

#include “inet/networklayer/ipv4/IPv4.h”

#include “inet/transportlayer/tcp/TCP.h”

#include “inet/transportlayer/tcp/TCPConnection.h”

using namespace omnetpp;

using namespace inet;

class QuenchAttacker : public cSimpleModule {

protected:

cMessage *attackMessage;

TCP *tcpModule;   // Pointer to the TCP module (client or server)

protected:

virtual void initialize() override {

attackMessage = new cMessage(“QuenchAttack”);

tcpModule = check_and_cast<TCP *>(getModuleByPath(“client.tcp”));

// Schedule the attack (to manipulate the congestion window or inject congestion)

scheduleAt(simTime() + 5.0, attackMessage); // Attack after 5 seconds

}

virtual void handleMessage(cMessage *msg) override {

if (msg == attackMessage) {

// Example of manipulating TCP parameters:

// Trigger a false congestion event by reducing the TCP window size or injecting a false congestion signal

TCPConnection *tcpConnection = tcpModule->getConnection();

if (tcpConnection) {

// Manipulate the window size (force sender to reduce rate)

tcpConnection->setRcvBufferSize(100);  // Small buffer, causes slower transmission

tcpConnection->setCongestionWindow(10);  // Artificially reduced window

EV << “Injecting a quench attack by reducing the TCP congestion window.” << endl;

}

}

}

virtual void finish() override {

cancelAndDelete(attackMessage);

}

};

This code snippet:

  • Schedules a message we replicate the quench attack.
  • Reduces the congestion window and receive buffer size to replicate the attack, forcing the sender such as client to slow down communication.

Step 2: Manipulate TCP Flow Control Parameters

We replicate the further severe flow control manipulation; we can modify the advertised window size to force the sender we trust the receiver is traffic or not able to receive the data rapidly.

// Change the advertised window size (receiver’s flow control)

tcpConnection->setRcvBufferSize(200); // Decrease buffer size

This will precious decrease the receiver’s window, creating it appear as though the network is congested, that can force the transmit to throttle its transmission rate.

  1. Configure Simulation Parameters in omnetpp.ini

Setting the network parameters in the omnetpp.ini file.

Example omnetpp.ini:

[General]

network = QuenchNetwork

sim-time-limit = 100s

# Attack Parameters

*.attacker.attackEnabled = true

*.attacker.attackType = “quench”   # Attack type

*.attacker.attackStartTime = 5.0    # Attack starts at 5s

*.attacker.congestionWindowSize = 10  # Reduced congestion window

# Client and Server Configuration

*.client.tcp.maxRcvBuffer = 1024

*.server.tcp.maxRcvBuffer = 1024

*.client.tcp.initialWindowSize = 64

*.server.tcp.initialWindowSize = 64

In this configuration:

  • Attack type: particular the kind of attack such as quench.
  • Congestion Window: Configure the minimum value to force the sender to slow down.
  1. Run the Simulation
  1. Start the simulation using the OMNeT++’s Qtenv or Tkenv graphical interface.
  2. Monitor the attack: Checked the whether attacker successfully employs the traffic window size and forces the client to slow down its transmission.
  3. Used the debugging tools we checked the flow control parameters, congestion windows, and TCP statistics.
  1. Analyze the Impact

The goal of a Quench Attack is to employ the sender’s flow control, causing it to slow down transmission or even pause completely. we can examine:

  • Transmission Rate: Observe the forwarding communication rate previous and next the attack.
  • Congestion Window: Monitor on how the sender’s traffic window response to the attack.
  • Packet Loss or Delay: Checked if the attack causes packet delays or loss due to the decreased the communication rate.
  1. Extend the Project

Once the basic attack is executed, we can encompass the project:

  • Simulate multiple attackers: Validate the impact of several nodes performing quench attacks frequently.
  • Apply countermeasures: Execute the methods such as TCP congestion control improvement or flow control techniques that mitigate the effect of quench attacks.
  • Measure network throughput and latency during the attack and combine the performance below various attack intensities.

By following these steps, you can create a simulation of a Quench Attack in OMNeT++ and study its effects on TCP-based communication.This project idea delivers wide range of implementations using the Quench attack project in OMNeT++, helping you explore contexts of the attack performance in scenarios. For queries about the project, consult the additional manual we will provide.

Team up with us, you won’t have to worry about the tough research and writing because we’ll take care of those hard jobs for you. To kick off your Quench Attack Projects with OMNeT++, we’re excited to provide you with customized help. Just email us your information at phdprojects.org. We have a lot of experience in handling traffic and controlling flow, which can help lower transmission rates. For an easy and smooth experience, feel free to get in touch with us.