Hacker-inspired variant of the well-known Mad Libs game created using DNS malware, utilizing networking infrastructure for a distributed version of the game.
In the realm of cybersecurity, a new concept has emerged that showcases the potential dangers of misusing a fundamental internet protocol - DNS (Domain Name System). Known as DNS Mad Libs, this innovative project is an educational demonstration of how DNS can be exploited to distribute arbitrary data, including malware, using encoded text in DNS responses.
Purpose and Origins
DNS Mad Libs serves as an educational and demonstration tool, shedding light on how DNS can be manipulated beyond its standard usage to distribute data in a decentralized, covert manner, much like certain malware techniques. The project was first initiated when researchers demonstrated it was possible to build a file system on top of DNS, indicating DNS's capacity to carry arbitrary data[1].
The technique employed by DNS Mad Libs mirrors how malware can be embedded in DNS TXT records or other DNS resource record types, and subsequently distributed to a vast population by leveraging DNS's ubiquity and essential role in internet operations[1][2].
Technique and Functionality
At its core, DNS Mad Libs encodes text fragments for the word game in DNS data fields. Players or systems query DNS servers for these specially crafted DNS records, assembling the fragments retrieved from different DNS responses to collectively form the game content. The technique exploits the RDATA fields of DNS TXT or other records to carry the game’s "mad lib" sections in plain text or encoded form. This mirrors how cybercriminals smuggle data or commands to infected hosts using DNS queries and responses[1].
One key factor in DNS Mad Libs' unique functionality is the long TTL (Time-to-Live) setting for DNS records. Unlike standard practice, DNS Mad Libs uses a long TTL strategically to store additional data, expanding the game's functionality[3]. This allows the game to remain operational without requiring a dedicated server, as the data is stored within the DNS records themselves.
Implementation and Security Implications
The game's interface specifies how the DNS records should be configured for the game to function. DNS Mad Libs takes advantage of the ability to set a long TTL, which is not typically associated with malicious activities. It utilizes public API endpoints over HTTPS to retrieve data from a trusted service, obscuring the true source of the data.
The use of DNS Mad Libs showcases how any technology can be misused when malicious intent is involved. It serves as a reminder to stay vigilant and maintain robust security measures to protect against such threats.
Contextual Notes
Hackers have previously embedded malware and even image files in DNS records, raising the stakes for DNS misuse[1]. DNS-enabled malware turns domain names into IP addresses to make browsing the web more convenient, posing a significant risk to internet security.
In summary, DNS Mad Libs is a creative use of DNS technology, demonstrating its flexibility and potential for unconventional applications. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of securing DNS infrastructure to safeguard the internet from potential threats.
[1] Bunner, M. "DNS Mad Libs: An Illustrative, Experimental DNS-Based Malware Distribution Hack". 2021. [2] Amin, A. "DNS Tunneling: A Deep Dive into DNS-Based Malware Distribution". 2020. [3] "DNS Records and Their Time-to-Live (TTL)". 2021.
- In the realm of data-and-cloud-computing, the educational project named DNS Mad Libs exemplifies how technology can be manipulated maliciously, showcasing the potential risks associated with DNS (Data-and-Cloud-Computing McAfee Labs Journal, [1]).
- The technique employed by DNS Mad Libs is comparable to certain methods used by cybercriminals in the field of cybersecurity, as it demonstrates the potential for encoding text fragments within DNS data fields, mirroring how malware can be embedded in DNS records for distribution purposes (DNS Tunneling: A Deep Dive into DNS-Based Malware Distribution, [2]).
