In a zero-day Distributed Denial of Service attack, the attackers exploit previously unknown security vulnerabilities in systems, networks, or applications to launch a DDoS. This sudden flood of traffic from multiple sources renders targeted services or websites unavailable.
Many zero-day exploits have their origin in the dark web, where cybercriminals distribute exploits to the highest bidder. Dark web marketplaces also facilitate the sale of so-called booster/stresser services, otherwise known as DDoS-for-hire.
These dark web markets provide malicious actors with all the tools and expertise needed to launch highly destructive and disruptive DDoS attacks.
A recent example of this phenomenon was the discovery and exploitation of the TP240PhoneHome vulnerability. Flaws in the configuration of PBX-to-Internet gateways enabled attackers to abuse the systems, leading to DDoS attacks which caused substantial disruption to targeted organizations.
Here’s another example: in July 2020 the FBI alerted the corporate world about four new DDoS attack vectors: CoAP (Constrained Application Protocol), WS-DD (Web Services Dynamic Discovery), ARMS (Apple Remote Management Services) and Jenkins web-based automation software. The vulnerabilities had been active for at least 12 months prior to this warning.
In spite of the forewarning, the FBI expected that the vulnerabilities would continue to be exploited in the wild for some time to come.
Zero-day attacks catch victims off guard because they have not had a chance to prepare by patching or otherwise mitigating the flaws in the affected systems.
Zero-day exploits are typically only obtained after extensive work. A security researcher must first locate a weakness in a system, network or application. Developing an exploit based on the vulnerability further requires significant technical expertise, resources, time and effort.
To develop a valuable zero-day threat, the attacker needs:
Attack motivations and factors vary, though a common motivator is financial gain. For instance, the attackers may use a DDoS to disrupt business operations as part of a broader attack to steal sensitive financial data. Other likely motivators are political activism (hacktivism), wherein the attackers disrupt the political agendas of their enemies, or attempt to draw attention to their cause.
In some cases, the disruption and chaos is itself the point: the attackers simply seek the thrill or notoriety derived from the attack.
Defending against zero-day DDoS attacks is challenging, but possible. Organizations must begin by taking proactive measures, such as:
Zero-day protection is clearly a worthwhile and attainable goal for organizations that make the effort.
Here are some strategies organizations can use to reduce the potential attack surface:
While implementing these strategies will certainly improve the efficiency and adaptability of an organization, it’s equally important that Chief Security Officers (CSOs) prioritize zero-day risks.
Acknowledging the risk of zero-day DDoS attacks and taking proactive steps to mitigate the threat is imperative for CSOs. Here are some of our recommendations:
By following these recommendations, CSOs take the lead in protecting their organization from the threat of zero-day DDoS attacks.
Zero-day DDoS attacks exploit undisclosed vulnerabilities in systems, blindsiding the victim with a sudden overwhelming volume of traffic that disrupts operations, rendering services unavailable for use. The growing threat of these attacks necessitates that organizations prioritize implementation of effective zero-day protection strategies to safeguard valuable business assets.
Staying ahead of zero-day DDoS threats is the central aim of the Check Point Quantum DDoS Protector. By relying on advanced machine learning algorithms to analyze patterns in network traffic, the Quantum DDoS Protector can rapidly detect anomalies and mitigate zero-day DDoS attacks with unprecedented speed and accuracy.
Don’t let zero-day DDoS attacks take your organization by surprise. Sign up for a free demo of the Quantum DDoS Protector today.