Session

DNS-based data exfiltration through Command-and-Control (C2) channels and DNS tunneling techniques poses critical cybersecurity challenges, particularly in distributed environments. Attackers exploit DNS vulnerabilities to establish covert channels, exfiltrate sensitive data, and maintain persistent control over compromised systems. Traditional defenses often fail to address these sophisticated and evolving threats, leading to delayed detection, substantial data loss, and widespread network compromise. This proposal presents a scalable security framework designed to prevent DNS data exfiltration in real-time using Linux kernel eBPF programs and deep learning following endpoint security approach. Operating directly within the kernel network stack, the solution leverages eBPF over kernel traffic control (tc) and Netfilter for Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) and real-time lexical analysis of DNS traffic. Additionally, it adapts to evolving obfuscation techniques in DNS protocols, effectively neutralizing sophisticated threats. The framework also provides robust support for destroying C2 channels within seconds of creation, exposing C2 implants processes, and preventing exfiltration over arbitrary transport ports.

Key Features of the Framework:

• Deep Packet Inspection inside Linux Kernel: Utilizes eBPF programs over tc, Netfilter, and raw parsing of kernel socket buffers for advanced lexical analysis of DNS packets.

• Dynamic eBPF Filter Injection: Detects and blocks encapsulated exfiltration attempts through virtual network interfaces using kernel probes.

• Enhanced Observability: Delivers granular metrics and insights via eBPF maps and ring buffers, enhancing threat visibility.

• Adaptive Obfuscation Detection: Employs deep learning models to counter evolving DNS exfiltration obfuscation techniques.

• Transport Protocol-Agnostic Protection: Ensures comprehensive safeguards against DNS exfiltration over arbitrary TCP and UDP ports.

• Real-Time Mitigation: Integrates dynamic domain blacklisting and event stream processing for enterprise-scale DNS topologies.

The framework ensures minimal data loss while providing real-time prevention of DNS tunneling and C2 channels. It offers robust protection against all forms of DNS data exfiltration, enhances observability through comprehensive metrics, and ensures resilience against dynamically evolving threats, making it a significant advancement in DNS security.