Vlan Hopping Attack
Vlan Hopping Attack
Virtual local area network hopping (VLAN hopping) is a method of attacking the
network resources of the VLAN by sending packets to a port not usually
accessible from an end system. The main goal of this form of attack is to gain
access to other VLANs on the same network. In VLAN hopping, a threat actor
must first breach at least one VLAN on the network. This enables cybercriminals
to create a base of operations to attack other VLANs connected to the network.
A VLAN hopping attack enables traffic from one VLAN to be seen by another
VLAN without the aid of a router. In a basic VLAN hopping attack, the threat
actor configures a host to act like a switch to take advantage of the automatic
trunking port feature enabled by default on most switch ports.
BELOW ARE THE PROBLEMS AND SOLUTION FOR ETHERNET
NETWROKS
• Switch Spoofing:
Problem: Attackers can spoof a switch to gain access to multiple VLANs.
Spoofed switches can intercept and redirect network traffic, leading to
unauthorized access and potential data exfiltration. Financial institutions,
online services, and e-commerce platforms may suffer financial losses and
reputational damage due to compromised user data and transactions.
Solution: Implement port security features to restrict the number of MAC
addresses allowed on a port.
• VLAN Access Control Lists (VACLs) Bypass:
• Data Confidentiality:
Risk: Unauthorized access to VLANs can lead to exposure of sensitive data.
Impact: Loss of confidentiality, potential data breaches, and unauthorized
access to proprietary information.
• Data Integrity:
Risk: Manipulation of network traffic can compromise the integrity of
transmitted data.
Impact: Altered or corrupted data, leading to misinformation, financial losses, or
operational disruptions.
• Network Availability:
Risk: VLAN hopping attacks can potentially disrupt network services.
Impact: Downtime, reduced productivity, and interruptions in critical business
operations.
• Business Continuity:
Risk: Network disruptions and security breaches can impact overall business
continuity.
Impact: Financial losses, reputational damage, and potential legal
consequences.
• User Privacy:
Risk: Unauthorized access to user data and communications.
Impact: Violation of privacy regulations, loss of user trust, and legal
consequences.
• Regulatory Compliance:
Risk: Violation of industry-specific or regional regulations.
Impact: Legal consequences, financial penalties, and damage to the
organization's reputation.
• Financial Transactions:
Risk: Compromised security can lead to unauthorized access to financial
transactions.
Impact: Financial losses, fraudulent activities, and damage to the organization's
financial reputation.
• Operational Efficiency:
Risk: Disruptions in network services can impact day-to-day operations.
Impact: Reduced productivity, delays in service delivery, and increased
operational costs.
• Brand Reputation:
Risk: Security breaches can tarnish the organization's brand image.
Impact: Loss of customer trust decreased market value, and long-term damage
to the brand's reputation.
• Employee Productivity:
Risk: Network disruptions can hinder employees' ability to perform their duties.
Impact: Decreased productivity, frustration among employees, and potential
negative effects on morale.
• Critical Infrastructure:
Risk: In sectors like energy, transportation, and healthcare, compromised LAN
security can lead to disruptions in critical infrastructure.
Impact: Potential safety hazards, service outages, and threats to public safety.