Domain Generation Algorithm Definition
Let s examine this definition more closely.
Domain generation algorithm definition. The nymaim malware first appeared in 2013. Domain generation algorithms dga are used in a variety of malware types to create a large number of domain names for use in communication with command and control c c or c2 servers. Using a domain generation algorithm dga based on the current time or some other information publicly available across all hosts each only valid for a short amount of time.
By definition the actors operating a botnet botmasters are always one step ahead of being detected. Domain generation algorithm detection as part of advanced callback detection sensors can protect your network from attacks effected through domain generation algorithm technique. Contribute to baderj domain generation algorithms development by creating an account on github.
Traditionally malware used to have hard coded domain names or ip addresses to connect directly with the command and control c c or c2 server. Many great articles have been published on nymaim including its dga maybe because the malware used an effective and interesting obfuscation. Mitre defines dga as the use of algorithms in malware to periodically generate a large number of domain names which function as rendezvous points for malware command and control servers.
What are domain generation algorithms dgas. A domain generation algorithm dga is a computer program that creates slightly different variations of a given domain name. In addition to the short.
Dga at its core generates domains by concatenating pseudo random strings and a tld e g. It is mainly used as a downloader for other malware such as ransomware but it later also started manipulating search results for click fraud. In this case the bots are using a domain generation algorithm dga to produce tens of thousands of random domain names one of which will actually be registered by the botnet operator.
Dga is triggered for an infected host bot to communicate with the command and control c c server.