What are the types of domain name hijacking? Understand the common categories

in the digital network environment, the domain name is the core entrance to access the website, and its security is directly related to the normal operation of the website and the information security of users. However, the problem of domain name hijacking has always plagued many practitioners and users. Different types of domain name hijacking have different attack paths and degrees of harm. If it cannot be accurately distinguished, it is difficult to build a defense system. This article will start with the technology implementation scenario and systematically sort out various common types of domain name hijacking to help readers clearly understand the operation logic and prevention focus of different hijacking methods.

What types of domain name hijacking are involved in the resolution layer?

domain name resolution is the first step for users to visit a website, and it is also a key breakthrough for attackers. The type of domain name hijacking in the resolution layer is currently the most common type.

1, DNS cache poisoning hijacking

this type of domain hijacking refers to the attacker by forging the DNS response data packet, the wrong Internet Protocol Address injected into the cache of the DNS server, when the user initiates a domain name resolution request, the DNS server will return the tampered Internet Protocol Address to guide the user to visit phishing sites or malicious sites. This kind of hijacking has a wide range of effects. Once the cache is contaminated, all users who use the DNS server will be affected, and the attack cost is low and it is difficult to be detected in time.

2, DNS server tampering hijacking

this type of domain name hijacking is mainly aimed at managing DNS servers with vulnerabilities. Attackers obtain server management privileges through brute force cracking, vulnerability exploitation, etc., directly modify DNS resolution records, and point the target domain name to malicious IP. Compared with cache poisoning, this kind of hijacking is more persistent. As long as the attacker is not cleared, the resolution records will always be in a state of tampering, and the normal access to the website will be more lasting.

What types of domain name hijacking does the server layer contain?

in addition to the resolution link, the server that carries the content of the website is also the target of the attacker, and the type of domain name hijacking at the server layer mainly revolves around the website configuration and permissions.

1, website configuration tampering hijacking

this type of domain hijacking refers to attackers obtaining the management rights of the website server through website program vulnerabilities, weak passwords, etc., modifying the configuration file of the website, and tampering with the pointing or jumping rules of the domain name. For example, modifying the .htaccess file or Nginx configuration of the website allows users to automatically jump to malicious websites when accessing the original domain name. This hijacking directly affects the website itself. Even if the user uses the correct DNS resolution, it will be directed to the wrong site.

2, virtual host hijacking

this type of domain name hijacking occurs in the shared virtual host environment, attackers by invading other websites on the same server, the use of virtual host configuration vulnerabilities, the target domain name bound to their own site directory, when the user accesses the target domain name, the actual open is the malicious content built by the attacker.

What types of domain name hijacking exist on the client?

in addition to the server and the resolution link, the user's local device may also become the target of the attack, the user's domain name hijacking type is mainly aimed at the network configuration of personal devices.

1, local HOSTS file tampering hijacking

this type of domain name hijacking refers to the attacker modifying the HOSTS file of the user's local device through malicious software, phishing programs, etc., binding the target domain name to the malicious Internet Protocol Address. Since the system will give priority to reading the records in the HOSTS file during domain name resolution, the user will be directly directed to the site designated by the attacker. This hijacking is only for a single user device, with a small impact range, but strong concealment, and it is difficult for ordinary users to find the tampering of the HOSTS file.

2, local DNS settings tamper hijacking

this type of domain name hijacking is an attacker modifying the DNS server address of the user's device through malicious software, pointing it to the malicious DNS server controlled by the attacker. When the user initiates a domain name resolution request, the malicious DNS server will return the wrong resolution result and guide the user to visit the phishing website. Unlike HOSTS file tampering, this hijacking will affect all domain name resolution requests on the user's device, with a wider range of harm.

What types of domain name hijacking are involved in the registrar layer?

domain name registrar is the management body of the domain name, and the type of domain name hijacking at the registrar level directly targets the ownership and management of the domain name.

1, domain name account authority hijacking

this type of domain name hijacking refers to attackers obtaining the account password of the domain name registrar platform through phishing emails, brute force cracking, etc., modifying the DNS server address and registration information of the domain name after logging in to the account, and even directly transferring the domain name to their own account. This kind of hijacking is the most harmful. Once the ownership of the domain name is transferred, the original domain name holder will lose all control of the domain name, and it is extremely difficult to recover.

2, registrar internal operation hijacking

this type of domain name hijacking is more special, refers to the internal staff of the registrar to take advantage of the position to modify the user's domain name information or resolution configuration, which is mostly related to disputes over interests or malicious operations, although the probability of occurrence is low, but the harm is equally serious, and because it is an internal operation, it is difficult to prevent through conventional technical means.

sum up, this article combs the common types of domain name hijacking from the four dimensions of the parsing layer, the server layer, the user side, and the registrar layer. Different types of domain name hijacking have different attack paths and degrees of harm. Whether it is a website operator or an ordinary user, it is necessary to build a corresponding defense system for different types of domain name hijacking, such as choosing a reliable DNS server, regularly detecting website configuration, and protecting domain name account information, etc., in order to ensure the normal use of domain names and network access security.