Domain Generation Algorithm Definition
Dga is a technique that fuels malware.
Domain generation algorithm definition. For a dga to be functional idempotence on domain generation is required. Both malware instances spread on various devices and the hacker controlled software should be able to run the algorithm and produce the same values at a given time. I ve also written a c program that uses the same dga algorithm for generating the domain names which can be seen below.
A domain generating algorithm dga is a program or subroutine that provides malware with new domains on demand or on the fly. As critical workloads with sensitive data migrate to the cloud we can expect to encounter various advanced persistent threats apt targeting that environment. A domain generation algorithm dga is a computer program that creates slightly different variations of a given domain name.
Attackers developed dgas so that malware can quickly generate a list of domains that it can use for the sites that give it instructions and receive information from the malware usually referred to as command and control or c2. Later that year conficker made dga a lot more famous. Domain generation algorithm dga.
Domain generation algorithms dga are algorithms seen in various families of malware that are used to periodically generate a large number of domain names that can be used as rendezvous points with their command and control servers the large number of potential rendezvous points makes it difficult for law enforcement to effectively shut down botnets since infected computers will attempt to. Kraken was the first malware family to use a dga in 2008 that we could find. Part of this is due to how the algorithm is set up and how easy they are to update.
A basic implementation uses 3 specific parts. The program defines a function with the same name generate domain which accepts current year month which influence the domain generation algorithm the function reserves some space on the stack for the domain variable which is 25 bytes long so it can hold the actual. Domain generation algorithms create a constantly moving target that cyber defenders struggle to successfully hit with a blocklist.
All dgas are based off of a static and dynamic seed which ensures that the domains are constantly changing.