Common attacks: MITM, Sniffing

Common Attacks: MITM And Sniffing

In computer networking and cybersecurity, two very common types of attacks are Man-In-The-Middle (MITM) and Sniffing. These attacks focus on intercepting communication between systems.

What Is Network Communication?

When you browse a website, send an email, or log in to an application:

• Your computer sends data
• The server receives it
• The server sends a response back

This communication travels through networks using packets (small chunks of data).

If the communication is not properly secured, an attacker can intercept or manipulate it.

What Is Sniffing?

Definition

Sniffing is the act of capturing and analyzing network traffic.

A person performing this attack uses a tool called a packet sniffer to monitor data flowing through a network.

Think of it like wiretapping a phone call — except it is digital.

How Sniffing Works

1. Devices communicate over a network.
2. The attacker connects to the same network.
3. The attacker uses software to capture packets.
4. If the data is not encrypted, it can be read directly.

If passwords or sensitive data are sent without encryption, they can be stolen.

Types Of Sniffing

Passive Sniffing

• The attacker only listens.
• No modification of traffic.
• Harder to detect.

Active Sniffing

• The attacker manipulates the network to capture more traffic.
• Often used in switched networks.
• May involve ARP spoofing.

Example Of Sniffing Using Python (Educational Purpose Only)

The following example shows how packet sniffing can be done using Python and the Scapy library.

from scapy.all import sniff

def packet_callback(packet):
    print(packet.summary())

sniff(prn=packet_callback, count=10)

Explanation:

• sniff() captures packets.
• prn specifies the function to call for each packet.
• count=10 captures 10 packets.
• packet.summary() prints basic information.

Important: This code must only be used in controlled lab environments.

What Is MITM (Man-In-The-Middle) Attack?

Definition

A Man-In-The-Middle attack occurs when an attacker secretly intercepts and possibly alters communication between two parties who believe they are communicating directly.

The attacker places themselves in the middle of the communication.

How MITM Works

Imagine:

User <----> Attacker <----> Server

Instead of:

User <----> Server

The attacker can:

• Read messages
• Modify messages
• Inject malicious data
• Steal credentials

Common Techniques Used In MITM

ARP Spoofing

ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) maps IP addresses to MAC addresses.

An attacker sends fake ARP messages to trick devices into sending traffic to them.

DNS Spoofing

The attacker redirects users to fake websites by manipulating DNS responses.

SSL Stripping

The attacker downgrades HTTPS connections to HTTP to read traffic in plain text.

Simple ARP Spoofing Example (Educational Only)

Below is a simplified educational example using Scapy.

from scapy.all import ARP, send

target_ip = "192.168.1.5"
gateway_ip = "192.168.1.1"

arp_response = ARP(op=2, pdst=target_ip, psrc=gateway_ip)

send(arp_response, count=5)

Explanation:

• ARP(op=2) means ARP reply.
• pdst is the target.
• psrc is the spoofed source.
• This tricks the target into thinking the attacker is the gateway.

Again, this must only be used in ethical and controlled environments.

Difference Between MITM And Sniffing

| Feature      | Sniffing            | MITM                              |
|--------------|---------------------|------------------------------------|
| Purpose      | Capture traffic     | Intercept and manipulate traffic   |
| Modification | No (passive)        | Yes (often modifies data)          |
| Complexity   | Lower               | Higher                             |
| Risk         | Data exposure       | Data theft and manipulation        |

Why These Attacks Are Dangerous

They can lead to:

• Stolen passwords
• Identity theft
• Financial fraud
• Data breaches
• Session hijacking

If traffic is not encrypted, attackers can see everything.

How To Prevent Sniffing And MITM

Use HTTPS

HTTPS encrypts communication using SSL/TLS.

Use VPN

VPN encrypts network traffic.

Enable Network Encryption

Use WPA3 instead of open Wi-Fi.

Use Certificate Validation

Prevents fake websites.

Use ARP Inspection

Enterprise switches can detect ARP spoofing.

Keep Systems Updated

Security patches fix vulnerabilities.