IP stresser attack is a DDoS attack that aims to disrupt the normal functioning of a target’s online resources, such as websites, web applications, or network infrastructure. The attacker’s goal is to overwhelm the target with a large volume of traffic or malicious requests, causing the target to become unavailable or unresponsive to legitimate users.
Anatomy of an ip stresser attack
An IP stresser attack typically follows a structured sequence of events called the “attack lifecycle.” Understanding this lifecycle is crucial for developing effective defence strategies and mitigating the impact of such attacks.
- Reconnaissance and target identification
The first step in an IP stresser attack is the reconnaissance phase, where the attacker gathers information about the target organization and its online assets. This may involve scanning the target’s web presence, identifying vulnerabilities, and gathering information about the target’s network infrastructure and web applications.
- Port scanning- Identifying open ports and services on the target’s systems.
- Vulnerability scanning- Detecting known vulnerabilities in the target’s software and web applications.
- Social engineering- Gathering information about the target’s employees, processes, and security practices.
By thoroughly understanding the target’s environment, the attacker develops a more effective attack strategy and identifies the most vulnerable points to exploit.
- Botnet recruitment and coordination
Once the attacker has gathered the necessary information, they will proceed to the next phase: botnet recruitment and coordination. A botnet is a network of compromised devices (often called “bots”) that the attacker controls remotely to carry out the DDoS attack.
- Malware distribution- Infecting devices with malware, turning them into bots, and adding them to the attacker’s botnet.
- Exploit kits – Exploiting vulnerabilities in software to gain control of devices and add them to the botnet.
- Rental services- What does an stresser do? Acquiring access to pre-existing botnets from other cybercriminals stresser, often through underground marketplaces.
The size and geographic distribution of the botnet are crucial factors in the success of the IP stresser attack, as a more extensive and geographically diverse botnet has a higher volume of traffic and makes the attack more difficult to mitigate.
- Attack execution and escalation
Once the attacker has assembled the necessary botnet, they will initiate the attack. The attacker will send instructions to the bots, directing them to flood the target’s network or web application with a large volume of traffic or malicious requests.
- During this phase, the attacker may use various techniques to amplify the impact of the attack, such as:
- Reflection and amplification- Exploiting vulnerabilities in network protocols to generate a larger volume of traffic from fewer bots.
- Protocol exploitation-Targeting specific network protocols, such as DNS or NTP, to disrupt the target’s communication and service availability.
- Application-layer attacks- Targeting the web application’s vulnerabilities to exhaust server resources and disrupt the application’s functionality.
The attacker may also adjust and escalate the attack in response to the target’s defence measures, using more sophisticated techniques or shifting the attack pattern to bypass the mitigation efforts. The attacker will closely monitor the target’s response and the effectiveness of their DDoS tactics. They may use various tools and techniques to gather real-time information about the target’s network and application performance and the attack’s impact.
