The deployment of fast broadband Internet to homes brought with it an enormous amount of potential. Many of us work from home using our broadband Internet connection. Entertainment and media transformed rapidly because of the increase in bandwidth to homes.
However, like every recent technology, broadband deployment brought with it increased risks and more vulnerabilities to manage. One of these risks is local recursive resolver hijacking, which targets Consumer Premise Equipment (CPE) like broadband modems and home routers. This issue is not just a technical hiccup but a significant security concern that can have far-reaching consequences for businesses and individuals alike. In this article, we will explore what local recursive resolver hijacking is, how it occurs, real-world examples, its impact on businesses, and effective prevention strategies.
What is local recursive resolver hijacking?
Local recursive resolver hijacking is a cyber-attack method that exploits vulnerabilities in CPE devices, particularly home routers and broadband modems. These devices often provide DNS recursion services on the local network inside of a home or small office. Once the CPE device has been compromised, an attacker can alter the DNS responses that the device provides to devices on the local area network, redirecting internet traffic to malware distribution sites or websites that intercept sensitive data.
How does local recursive resolver hijacking happen?
Hijacking occurs when attackers exploit weaknesses in the firmware or configuration settings of CPE devices. Many home routers come with default settings and exposed status pages to help their network carrier, but they are easily found and attacked by cybercriminals. This vulnerability becomes significant when network carriers distribute the same CPE model to all broadband customers. Without a hardened initial configuration and regular updates, these devices become easy targets. And since these models are identical, they share the same vulnerabilities, which attackers can exploit across all network blocks owned by the carrier.
Attackers can use malicious browser scripting such as BeEF to proxy attacks and gain access with passwords stored in the browser, giving them complete control over the device. Alternatively, they can use phishing tactics to trick users into providing their router login credentials.
Once the attacker has compromised the CPE device, they can manipulate the DNS server settings to insert their own zone information or to forward DNS queries to a recursive server that the attacker controls. This can lead to a redirection of internet traffic to IP addresses that the attacker also controls. This process not only can compromise personal data, but when employees work from home, it also exposes businesses to severe security breaches.
Examples of local recursive resolver hijacking
There have been several high-profile cases where local recursive resolver hijacking resulted in considerable damage. One notable example involved a major internet service provider (ISP), where attackers ISP-issued CPE on a large scale and redirected users to phishing sites, stealing sensitive information such as login credentials and financial data.
In another instance, a multinational corporation experienced a data breach due to compromised CPE devices within their network. The attackers managed to reroute traffic, leading to unauthorized access to private corporate information. This example highlights the potential damage and underlines the importance of securing CPE devices against such threats.
Additionally, everyday consumers have fallen victim to this type of attack, with hijacked routers leading them to fraudulent websites mimicking legitimate ones. This not only results in personal data theft but also financial losses as victims are tricked into divulging payment details.
How does local recursive resolver hijacking impact your business?
Businesses are impacted by local recursive resolver hijacking in many ways, depending on the situation. For example, when many CPE devices across a carrier’s network become compromised, it poses significant challenges in incident response. Firstly, identifying the scale of the breach can be difficult, as attackers may use sophisticated methods to mask their activities. The sheer volume of affected devices also means network carriers must mobilize substantial resources quickly and efficiently to mitigate the attack’s impact and restore normal service levels.
Also, with the rise of remote work, businesses with work-from-home employees face unique vulnerabilities in terms of CPE security. When employees’ CPE devices become compromised, they may unknowingly redirect their internet traffic to malicious servers controlled by attackers. This redirection can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive business data as employees interact with servers pretending to be corporate systems. Furthermore, the incident can spread from compromised devices and facilitate further intrusion into enterprise networks, escalating the risk of comprehensive data breaches. The attackers can exploit employee credentials and gain access to confidential business operations, leading to potential disruption of services, reputational damage, and economic loss.
A compromised CPE resolver can lead to serious security threats for individuals and families. Attackers can redirect users to phishing websites that impersonate legitimate online services, such as banking or social media platforms, tricking them into revealing sensitive personal information like passwords and financial details. Moreover, attackers might inject malicious software onto users’ devices, leading to potential identity theft or unauthorized access to home networks. This compromise not only jeopardizes personal data but also affects the overall performance of home internet connections.
Preventing local recursive resolver hijacking
Fortunately, there are effective strategies to prevent local recursive resolver hijacking. The first step is to ensure initial hardened firmware and configuration settings and then continuous software upgrades for all CPE devices. Regular updates patch vulnerabilities, making it harder for attackers to exploit outdated firmware.
CPE devices should be supported with controls that restrict access to only the network carrier when monitoring and managing them is crucial for ensuring security. By implementing robust access controls, carriers can protect sensitive device management functions from unauthorized access. This approach minimizes the risk of local recursive resolver hijacking by ensuring that only authorized personnel can alter device configurations or monitor network traffic.
Manufacturers should ensure that customer-provided CPE automatically updates by default. This ensures that any security patches are implemented without any manual intervention from customers. In addition, manufacturers should also prioritize monitoring and regularly testing the security of their devices to identify potential vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
It is also important for carriers to keep track of any end-of-life (EOL) dates for their CPE devices. Once a device reaches its EOL date, manufacturers may stop providing security updates or support for the device. This leaves the device vulnerable to attacks, making it crucial for carriers to replace these devices with updated and secure models.
To mitigate the risk of CPE compromise through code execution in the browser, users should ensure their browsers are kept up to date with automatic updates. This practice ensures that any known vulnerabilities are addressed, thereby reducing the likelihood of local recursive resolver hijacking.
Creating and enforcing strong password policies for all network devices when they are first installed can add an additional layer of protection against attacks. Strong passwords should include a combination of alphanumeric characters and special characters, making them harder to guess or crack.
Companies that own domains and zones use DNSSEC to secure their domain name and zone information. DNSSEC ensures that DNS data is authenticated by using digital signatures, making it more difficult for attackers to hijack the recursive resolver.
For businesses, implementing a Protective DNS solution that bypasses the network’s resolution is beneficial. Additionally, Protective DNS offers an extra layer of filtering for malicious or suspicious websites, preventing employees from accidentally visiting harmful sites. This proactive approach enhances overall cybersecurity.
Overall, securing CPE devices and their connections to the internet should be a top priority for both manufacturers and users. By following these best practices, staying vigilant in monitoring, and updating devices, we can help protect against potential cyberattacks and keep our networks and data safe. Let us work together to create a more secure online environment for all.
A local problem with a global impact.
Local recursive resolver hijacking is a complex challenge requiring solutions from device manufacturers, network carriers, and even home users to effectively solve. By grasping the nature of the threat, assessing its consequences, and adopting effective prevention strategies, businesses and individuals can safeguard themselves against potential risks.
The primary takeaway is the critical importance of developing CPE devices that are manageable, upgradeable, and securely configurable while remaining cost-effective. It is essential to phase out older, insecure devices that may pose security risks. By focusing on creating devices that meet these criteria, organizations can ensure their network infrastructure remains secure and efficient over time. This approach enables adaptation to the evolving technological landscape without compromising safety or budget.
How Vercara can help.
Vercara’s UltraDDR is a premier DNS protection service, implemented as a filtering DNS recursive server to safeguard endpoint devices from attacks. By integrating recursive and private DNS resolver technologies, UltraDDR actively blocks malicious queries and monitors adversary infrastructure. It features strong security measures to maintain the integrity of its servers. Moreover, the UltraDDR endpoint client eliminates dependence on network-provided recursive servers, such as those in public places like coffee shops or hotels, which may be vulnerable to compromise.
Vercara’s UltraDNS is an authoritative DNS service specifically crafted to prevent compromises and attacks on DNS servers. It provides strong security features and dependable performance to ensure your domain name system is always secure and efficient. It supports DNSSEC implementation with ease, reducing the risk of stub resolver hijacking.
For those interested in learning more, explore our advanced security solutions and connect with our cybersecurity experts to strengthen your defenses against stub resolver hijacking and other evolving threats.
