The use of the SDNPWN tool as a form of attack in a software-defined network

Abstract

Software Defined Networks (SDN Networks) have specific characteristics regarding security and cyber attacks. With the advancement of network technologies and architectures, the need for optimization of the monitoring and control of networks in layers of the highest levels of the OSI model, more precisely at the application layer. With this new approach emerged new forms of cyber attacks testing the vulnerability of these structures. In the present work the characteristics of the SDN networks were discussed, the operation of the OpenFlow protocol. The main vulnerabilities and security issues that occurred in the SDN infrastructure and which components of this type of network are attacked were addressed. The main projects aimed at mitigating attacks have also been raised. Finally, we used the MININET software to simulate an SDN network using the OpenFlow Floodlight protocol and the SDNPWN framework that has a series of modules for the recognition, management, attack and exploitation of SDN networks. The simulations were designed to verify the behavior and responses of a simulated SDN network using the commands performed by the framework.