Basics of finding vulnerabilities with Wireshark!

Chris Aniskovich
Feb 2, 2024
2 min read

02/01/24

Wireshark is primarily a packet analyzer and does not directly identify vulnerabilities. However, by inspecting network traffic, you may uncover potential security issues or vulnerabilities. Here are some general steps you can take using Wireshark to identify security concerns:

1. Identify Unusual Traffic Patterns:

Look for unusual spikes in traffic, unexpected connections, or unusual communication patterns. High traffic to unexpected or non-standard ports might indicate a security issue.

2. Analyze Traffic for Suspicious Behavior:

Check for unusual protocols or communication methods. For example, unexpected use of non-standard ports or excessive pinging may indicate a scanning or reconnaissance attempt.

3. Look for Anomalies in HTTP Traffic:

Examine HTTP traffic for anomalies such as long URLs, unexpected user-agents, or unusual HTTP methods. This can sometimes indicate attempts to exploit vulnerabilities.

4. Identify Malicious Payloads:

Look for unexpected or suspicious payloads within packets. This may include unexpected executable files or payloads that match known malware signatures.

5. Analyze DNS Requests:

Inspect DNS requests for suspicious domain names or a high volume of requests to specific domains, as this might indicate malicious activity.

6. Detect ARP Spoofing:

Analyze ARP traffic to identify potential ARP spoofing attacks. Sudden changes in MAC address mappings can indicate a security threat.

7. Check for Unusual Outbound Connections:

Investigate outbound connections to unfamiliar or known malicious IP addresses. Look for patterns that might indicate command and control communication.

8. Inspect SSL/TLS Traffic:

Analyze encrypted traffic for anomalies. Unexpected or self-signed certificates may indicate a man-in-the-middle attack. Configure Wireshark to decrypt SSL/TLS traffic if possible.

9. Look for Brute Force Attempts:

Analyze login attempts and look for patterns that might indicate brute force attacks. Multiple failed login attempts in a short period may suggest a security concern.

10. Capture and Analyze Suspicious Traffic:

Use Wireshark to capture packets during specific time frames where suspicious activities are suspected. Analyze the captured data for anomalies.

11. Identify Port Scans:

Look for patterns indicative of port scans, where an attacker is attempting to discover open ports on your network.

12. Monitor for DNS Tunneling:

DNS tunneling is a technique used by attackers to bypass security measures. Look for unusually long DNS queries or patterns indicative of tunneling.

13. Track Network Anomalies Over Time:

Create baseline profiles of normal network behavior and regularly compare them with the current traffic to identify anomalies.

Remember that Wireshark alone is not enough to comprehensively secure your network. It should be used as one component of a broader security strategy, including firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and regular security audits. Regularly update software, use strong passwords, and follow security best practices to minimize the risk of vulnerabilities.