TCP Window Scan |
| Attack Pattern ID: 306 (Detailed Attack Pattern Completeness: Stub) | Typical Severity: Low | Status: Draft |
DescriptionSummary
An attacker engages in TCP Window scanning to analyze port status and operating system type. TCP Window scanning uses the ACK scanning method but examine the TCP Window Size field of response RST packets to make certain inferences. This scanning method works against fewer TCP stack implementations than any other type of scan. Some operating systems return a positive TCP window size when a RST packet is sent from an open port, and a negative value when the RST originates from a closed port.
1. Speed: TCP Window scanning is fast compared to other types of scans
2. Stealth: TCP Window scanning is relatively stealthy, much like ACK scanning
3. Open Port: Can detect open ports based on Window size for a limited number of operating systems
4. Closed Port: Can detect closed ports based on Window size for limited number of operating systems
5. Filtered Port: Can identify filtered ports when combined with other methods
6. Unfiltered Port: Can identify unfiltered ports when combined with other methods
TCP Window scanning is one of the most complex scan types, and its results are difficult to interpret. Window scanning alone rarely yields useful information, but when combined with other types of scanning is more useful. TCP Window scanning is a more reliable means of making inference about operating system versions than port status.
Target Attack SurfaceTarget Attack Surface Description
Targeted OSI Layers: Transport Layer
Target Attack Surface Localities
Target Attack Surface Types: Host Service
Attack PrerequisitesTCP Window scanning requires the use of raw sockets, and thus cannot be performed from some Windows systems (Windows XP SP 2, for example). On Unix and Linux, raw socket manipulations require root privileges.
Resources RequiredThe ability to send TCP segments with a custom window size to a host during network reconnaissance. This can be achieved via the use of a network mapper or scanner, or via raw socket programming in a scripting language. Packet injection tools are also useful for this purpose. Depending upon the method used it may be necessary to sniff the network in order to see the response.
Related Attack Patterns| Nature | Type | ID | Name | Description | View(s) this relationship pertains to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ChildOf |  Attack Pattern | 300 | Port Scanning | Mechanism of Attack1000 |
References
