IPsec Intrusion Detection Analysis : Using data from an Ericsson Ethernet Interface Board

Abstract: IP security (IPsec) is commonly used for protection in Virtual Private Networks (VPN). It is also used for the protection of traffic between nodes in third generation (3G) mobile networks. The main duty of telecommunication operators is to assure the quality of service and availability of the network for their users. Therefore knowledge of threats that could affect these requirements is of relevance. Denial of Service (DoS) and other attacks could constitute serious threats in 3G networks and, if successful, they could lead to financial and reputation damage for the telecommunication operator. One of the goals of each telecommunications vendor is to produce equipment and software in such a way as to reduce the risk of successful attacks upon networks built using their equipment and software. This master’s thesis aims to identify the classes of attacks that could affect the regular operation of an IPsec-protected network. Therefore, the IPsec protocol and its possible weaknesses are explained. As practical demonstration of these ideas, an Intrusion Detection Analyzer prototype for an Ericsson Ethernet Interface board was developed to detect anomalous IPsec-protected traffic.