How to Start Sniffer Attack Projects Using OMNeT++

To start a Sniffer Attack project in OMNeT++ which encompasses to configure a simulation setting in which a malicious node seizures and observes the network traffic. It can be utilised for learning the impacts of attacks and execute the mitigation mechanisms. Below is a sequential method to get started:

Steps to Start Sniffer Attack Projects in OMNeT++

  1. Set Up Your Environment
  • Install OMNeT++:
    • We should download and set up OMNeT++ environment on the system.
    • We refer recommended version: OMNeT++ 6.x.
  • Install INET Framework:
    • To utilise GitHub repository, download and install the INET Framework.
    • Compile the framework to utilise OMNeT++ IDE or command line (make).
  • INET framework offers modules that are crucial for network simulation.
  1. Understand the Sniffer Attack
  • A sniffer attack exists when a malicious node listen on network traffic devoid of modifying it.
  • The attacker seizures the packets to utilise a promiscuous mode on the network interface that permits them for interrupting the traffic not directed to them.
  • Following is a project’s objectives:
    • To identify the sniffer attacks.
    • Estimating its influence over the performance of network.
    • Executing the countermeasures.
  1. Design Your Network Scenario
  • Create the network topology:
    • To utilise wired, wireless, or mixed networks.
    • Integrating typical and malicious nodes.
  • Describe the malicious node’s role:
    • Seizure packets.
    • To record sensitive data such as packet headers or payloads.
  1. Modify or Create a Sniffer Module
  • Alter an existing module or make a new module within the INET Framework:
    • In the src/applications directory, make a new sniffer application module.
    • Prolong an application component such as inet.applications.base.ApplicationBase.
    • Execute the capture functionality of packet:
      • Allow promiscuous mode on the network interface.
      • Seizure packets to utilise hooks since they traverse the network stack.

class SnifferApp : public inet::ApplicationBase {

protected:

virtual void initialize(int stage) override;

virtual void handleMessage(cMessage *msg) override;

virtual void finish() override;

private:

void capturePacket(Packet *packet);

};

  • Execute the capturePacket function for recording packet details:

void SnifferApp::capturePacket(Packet *packet) {

EV_INFO << “Captured packet: ” << packet->getName() << endl;

// Extract packet details, such as source/destination and payload.

}

  1. Define the Simulation Configuration
  • Set the simulation scenario to utilise a .ini configuration file:
    • Describe the network nodes.
    • Indicate which node will perform like sniffer.
    • Set the simulation metrics such as the sniffer’s capture range.

Example:

[Config SnifferAttack]

network = MyNetwork

sim-time-limit = 100s

*.numNodes = 10

*.node[0..8].app[0].typename = “inet.applications.udp.UdpBasicApp”

*.node[9].app[0].typename = “SnifferApp”

*.node[*].wlan.radio.transmitter.power = 1mW

*.node[*].wlan.radio.receiver.sensitivity = -85dBm

*.node[9].wlan.radio.promiscuous = true

  1. Implement Detection and Mitigation (Optional)
  • Integrate a detection strategy:
    • Observe the detection for unusual traffic modules like excessive packet captures.
    • Examine response times or error rates.
  • Execute the countermeasures:
    • Encode traffic to utilise protocols such as TLS.
    • Randomize MAC addresses for creating tracking harder.
  1. Run and Analyze the Simulation
  • In the OMNeT++ IDE, execute the simulation.
  • Monitor the sniffer behavior:
    • Observe which types of packets are seized.
    • Also, track how it impacts the network.
  • Record outcomes like:
    • Network overhead.
    • Latency.
    • Packet delivery ratio.
  1. Visualize and Interpret Results
  • Envision graphs and reports to utilise OMNeT++ tools for analysis.
  • Examine the parameters like:
    • Volume of captured packets.
    • Impact on metrics such as throughput and delay.
  1. Extend the Project
  • Discover more complex scenarios:
    • Respond sniffing to utilise encryption.
    • Execute the stealthier sniffer attacks for avoiding detection.
    • Experiment the influence over large-scale networks such as IoT or vehicular networks.
  1. Document Your Findings
  • It offers detailed insights including:
    • Goals of the project.
    • Execution details of the sniffer.
    • Simulation configuration and outcomes.
    • Examine of the attack’s impact and mitigation mechanisms.

We illustrated the basic method with sample snippets for Sniffer Attack Projects that were simulated and analyzed using OMNeT++ environment, with further details about coding sniffer module or setting up specific configurations, will be offered in upcoming guide.