How to Implement Network Vulnerability Assessment in OMNeT++
To implement the Network vulnerability assessment in OMNeT++ by using a simplified instance. The following example will encompass making a simple network topology, executing a port scan to detect open ports, and then finding potential vulnerabilities depends on the detected services.
Step-by-Step Implementations:
- Define the Network Topology
Initially, generate a network topology in OMNeT++ using the NED language. Suppose we have a simple network with one server and one client.
network VulnerabilityScanNetwork
{
submodules:
client: StandardHost {
parameters:
@display(“p=100,100”);
}
server: StandardHost {
parameters:
@display(“p=300,100”);
}
connections:
client.ethg++ <–> Eth100M <–> server.ethg++;
}
- Implement the Port Scanning Module
Now, execute a module that executes a port scan on the server to find open ports. We can do this by transferring probes to the server and verifying which ports react.
// PortScanner.cc
#include <omnetpp.h>
#include “inet/applications/tcpapp/TcpAppBase.h”
using namespace omnetpp;
class PortScanner : public inet::TcpAppBase
{
protected:
virtual void initialize(int stage) override;
virtual void handleMessageWhenUp(cMessage *msg) override;
void performPortScan();
void handleResponse(int port);
};
Define_Module(PortScanner);
void PortScanner::initialize(int stage)
{
TcpAppBase::initialize(stage);
if (stage == inet::INITSTAGE_APPLICATION_LAYER) {
// Start the port scanning process
performPortScan();
}
}
void PortScanner::performPortScan()
{
for (int port = 1; port <= 1024; port++) {
// Send a probe to each port on the server
sendRequest(port);
}
}
void PortScanner::handleResponse(int port)
{
EV << “Port ” << port << ” is open” << endl;
// You could add additional checks here, like identifying services
}
void PortScanner::handleMessageWhenUp(cMessage *msg)
{
if (msg->isSelfMessage()) {
int port = static_cast<int>(msg->getKind());
handleResponse(port);
} else {
// Handle other messages
TcpAppBase::handleMessageWhenUp(msg);
}
}
- Simulate the Vulnerability Scan
To mimic a vulnerability scan, we could begin by running the port scan and testing for known vulnerabilities based on the services detected on the open ports.
For simplicity, suppose that if port 80 (HTTP) or 21 (FTP) is open, we need to verify for particular vulnerabilities.
void PortScanner::handleResponse(int port)
{
EV << “Port ” << port << ” is open” << endl;
if (port == 80) {
EV << “HTTP service detected. Checking for vulnerabilities…” << endl;
// Simulate vulnerability detection
EV << “Vulnerability found: CVE-2023-XYZ, outdated HTTP server.” << endl;
}
else if (port == 21) {
EV << “FTP service detected. Checking for vulnerabilities…” << endl;
// Simulate vulnerability detection
EV << “Vulnerability found: CVE-2023-ABC, weak FTP credentials.” << endl;
}
}
- Run the Simulation
Compile the project and run the simulation in OMNeT++. The port scanner will scan the server, find open ports, and mimic verifying for vulnerabilities.
- Analyse the Results
We can view the output of the vulnerability scan in simulation log in the OMNeT++ IDE. It would show which ports were open and any simulated vulnerabilities combined with the detected services.
- Extend the Simulation
To create the vulnerability scan more realistic, we can:
- Increase the range of ports being scanned.
- Contain more sophisticated checks for several kinds of vulnerabilities.
- Mimic the impact of developing those vulnerabilities like data exfiltration, service disruption.
- Incorporate further advanced modules that mimic real-world exploitation methods.
This page was presented the way to process and execute the Network Vulnerability Assessment in OMNeT++. We will present comprehensive details based on your needs. Our team has conducted an implementation of Network Vulnerability Assessment using the OMNeT++ tool. We invite you to explore additional project ideas focused on network topology analysis for the purpose of identifying open ports.