How to implement sniffer attack in OMNeT++

To implement a sniffer attack in OMNeT++ has encompasses to generate a module that emulate an attacker node has capabilities to observe and evaluate the network traffic. The sniffer attack in a network refers to a malevolent entity interrupting data packets flowing via the network to measure and potentially extract sensitive information. The given below is the procedure to execute the sniffer attack in OMNeT++ tool:

Step-by-Step Implementation:

Step 1: Set Up the OMNeT++ Environment

1. Install OMNeT++ and INET: Make sure that OMNeT++ and the INET framework are installed and configured properly.
2. Create a New Project: Open the OMNeT++ IDE and generate a new project for executing the sniffer attack.

Step 2: Define the Network Topology

1. Create Network Nodes: Describe the network topology has contained legitimate nodes like clients and servers and the sniffer (attacker) node.
2. Define Connections: Set up the connections among nodes to emulate the network topology.

network SnifferNetwork

{

submodules:

client: StandardHost;

server: StandardHost;

sniffer: SnifferNode;

connections:

client.pppg++ <–> { delay = 10ms; datarate = 100Mbps; } <–> server.pppg++;

sniffer.pppg++ <–> { delay = 1ms; datarate = 100Mbps; } <–> client.pppg++;

}

Step 3: Implement the Sniffer Node

1. Create Sniffer Module: Define the sniffer node in a .ned file.

simple SnifferNode

{

gates:

input fromNetwork;

output toNetwork;

}

1. Write the C++ Code for the Sniffer Node: Implement the sniffer’s logic in a corresponding C++ class.

class SnifferNode : public cSimpleModule

{

protected:

virtual void initialize() override;

virtual void handleMessage(cMessage *msg) override;

void logPacketDetails(cPacket *packet);

};

1. Implement Sniffing Logic:
   • Intercept Packets: The sniffer node will interrupt packets flowing through the network.
   • Log Packet Details: Implement a approach to log packet details like source and destination addresses, payload, and other relevant information.

void SnifferNode::initialize()

{

// Initialization code, if needed

}

void SnifferNode::handleMessage(cMessage *msg)

{

if (cPacket *packet = dynamic_cast<cPacket*>(msg)) {

logPacketDetails(packet);

// Optionally, forward the packet to maintain network operation

send(packet, “toNetwork”);

} else {

delete msg;

}

}

void SnifferNode::logPacketDetails(cPacket *packet)

{

EV << “Sniffer: Captured packet from ” << packet->getSenderModule()->getFullPath()

<< ” to ” << packet->getArrivalModule()->getFullPath() << endl;

EV << “Packet size: ” << packet->getByteLength() << ” bytes” << endl;

// If the packet has a payload, log it

if (auto appPacket = dynamic_cast<cPacket*>(packet)) {

const char *payload = appPacket->getEncapsulatedPacket()->getFullName();

EV << “Packet payload: ” << payload << endl;

}

}

Step 4: Integrate with the Network

1. Integrate Sniffer with Network: make sure that the sniffer node is correctly connected to the network and able to observe the traffic among other nodes.
2. Simulate Legitimate Traffic: Implement traffic generation logic in the client and server nodes to mimic the normal communication.

void generateTraffic()

{

// Example: Generate a request from the client to the server

cMessage *msg = new cMessage(“request”);

scheduleAt(simTime() + par(“requestInterval”).doubleValue(), msg);

}

Step 5: Test and Validate

1. Run Simulations: Run the simulation and capture the sniffer node’s features as it intercepts and logs network traffic.
2. Check Log Output: Use OMNeT++’s logging facilities to review the captured packet information and verify the efficiency of the sniffer attack.

Step 6: Analyse Results

1. Analyse Captured Traffic: Review the logged data to understand what information the sniffer was able to extract.
2. Measure Impact: To measure the extent to which the sniffer attack was able to gather sensitive information or disrupt network communications.

In the end, we demonstrate the sniffer attack can identify the malevolent in the network and it has the ability to monitor and capture the network traffic using the OMNeT++ tool. We plan to elaborate how the sniffer attack will perform in other simulation tool. If you’re looking to implement a sniffer attack using the OMNeT++ tool, our developers can help you out with project topics and the steps to execute it. Just send us your project details, and we’ll guide you through improving your project performance.