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third party
Cyber Security Cyber Threats Risk Digital Infrastructure DNS DOH Domain Name System domains IP Address third party

Understanding the Domain Name System (DNS): How It Works and Why It Matters


The Domain Name System (DNS) serves as a critical element of the internet’s infrastructure, acting like a phone book that translates human-friendly domain names into the numerical IP addresses that computers use to communicate. Without DNS, accessing websites would be far more complicated, requiring users to remember lengthy strings of numbers instead of simple names like “google.com.” When you enter a website URL into your browser, the DNS process begins. This request, known as a “DNS query,” first goes to a DNS resolver—typically provided by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) or a third-party DNS service like Google Public DNS or Cloudflare. 

The resolver acts as an intermediary, starting the process to find the corresponding IP address of the domain name you’ve entered. The DNS resolver contacts one of the 13 root servers that make up the top level of the DNS hierarchy. These servers don’t hold the IP address themselves but provide information about which “Top-Level Domain” (TLD) server to query next. The TLD server is specific to the domain extension you’ve entered (e.g., “.com,” “.net,” “.org”) and points the resolver to the authoritative name server responsible for the particular website. The authoritative name server then provides the IP address back to the resolver, which, in turn, sends it to your browser. 

The browser then connects to the web server using this IP address, loading the website you want to visit. This process, though complex, happens in milliseconds. Security is a vital aspect of DNS because it is a frequent target for cyberattacks. One common threat is DNS spoofing, where attackers redirect traffic to fraudulent websites to steal data or spread malware. DNS hijacking is another risk, where hackers manipulate DNS records to divert users to malicious sites. These threats emphasize the importance of DNS security protocols like DNS over HTTPS (DoH) and DNS over TLS (DoT), which encrypt DNS requests to prevent interception by malicious entities, thus protecting users’ data and privacy. 

Switching to a third-party DNS service can enhance your internet experience in terms of speed, reliability, and security. Services like Google Public DNS, OpenDNS, or Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 offer faster query response times, better privacy protection, and can help circumvent geographical restrictions imposed by ISPs. These alternatives often provide built-in security features, such as blocking malicious sites, to offer an extra layer of protection. 

DNS is the backbone of internet browsing, seamlessly converting domain names into IP addresses. By understanding its role and the importance of security measures, users can better appreciate how DNS keeps the internet functional and secure. Whether ensuring that websites load correctly or protecting against cyber threats, DNS plays an indispensable role in our everyday online activities.
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Vulnerabilities and Exploits
Cybersecurity Domain Name System Google internet Security IP addresses Vulnerabilities and Exploits

Critical DNS Bug Poses Threat to Internet Stability

 


As asserted by a major finding, researchers at the ATHENE National Research Center in Germany have identified a long-standing vulnerability in the Domain Name System (DNS) that could potentially lead to widespread Internet outages. This flaw, known as "KeyTrap" and tracked as CVE-2023-50387, exposes a fundamental design flaw in the DNS security extension, DNSSEC, dating back to 2000.

DNS servers play a crucial role in translating website URLs into IP addresses, facilitating the flow of Internet traffic. The KeyTrap vulnerability exploits a loophole in DNSSEC, causing a DNS server to enter a resolution loop, consuming all its computing power and rendering it ineffective. If multiple DNS servers were targeted simultaneously, it could result in extensive Internet disruptions.

A distinctive aspect of KeyTrap is its classification as an "Algorithmic Complexity Attack," representing a new breed of cyber threats. The severity of this issue is underscored by the fact that Bind 9, the most widely used DNS implementation, could remain paralyzed for up to 16 hours after an attack.

According to the Internet Systems Consortium (ISC), responsible for overseeing DNS servers globally, approximately 34% of DNS servers in North America utilise DNSSEC for authentication, making them vulnerable to KeyTrap. The good news is that, as of now, there is no evidence of active exploitation, according to the researchers and ISC.

To address the vulnerability, the ATHENE research team collaborated with major DNS service providers, including Google and Cloudflare, to deploy interim patches. However, these patches are deemed temporary fixes, prompting the team to work on revising DNSSEC standards to enhance its overall design.

Fernando Montenegro, Omdia's senior principal analyst for cybersecurity, commends the researchers for their collaborative approach with vendors and service providers. He emphasises the responsibility now falling on service providers to implement the necessary patches and find a permanent solution for affected DNS resolvers.

While disabling DNSSEC validation on DNS servers could resolve the issue, the ISC advises against it, suggesting instead the installation of updated versions of BIND, the open-source DNS implementation. According to the ISC, these versions address the complexity of DNSSEC validation without hindering other server workloads.

The ATHENE research team urges all DNS service providers to promptly apply the provided patches to mitigate the critical KeyTrap vulnerability. This collaborative effort between researchers and the cybersecurity ecosystem serves as a commendable example of responsible disclosure, ensuring that steps are taken to safeguard the stability of the Internet.

As the story unfolds, it now rests on the shoulders of DNS service providers to prioritise updating their systems and implementing necessary measures to secure the DNS infrastructure, thereby safeguarding the uninterrupted functioning of the Internet.


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