• Home
  • Archive
  • Tools
  • Contact Us

The Customize Windows

Technology Journal

  • Cloud Computing
  • Computer
  • Digital Photography
  • Windows 7
  • Archive
  • Cloud Computing
  • Virtualization
  • Computer and Internet
  • Digital Photography
  • Android
  • Sysadmin
  • Electronics
  • Big Data
  • Virtualization
  • Downloads
  • Web Development
  • Apple
  • Android
Advertisement
You are here: Home » Effectiveness of Flushing DNS Cache to Prevent DNS Cache Poisoning and Spoofing

By Abhishek Ghosh April 30, 2018 7:13 pm Updated on April 30, 2018

Effectiveness of Flushing DNS Cache to Prevent DNS Cache Poisoning and Spoofing

Advertisement

Situation arises when one new developer self-host DNS and use own computer for temporary or permanent hosting DNS. It is mostly a misconception that flushing DNS of localhost provide good immunity. In This Article, We Will Clarify Whether Regular Flushing DNS Cache to Prevent DNS Cache Poisoning and Spoofing is Sufficient to Provide Them an Acceptable Level of Security. The DNS vulnerabilities unfortunately reaching zenith with wider adaption of Docker by relatively new developers with feeble idea around Container Security and DNS Security. In order to make this article useful resource to wider audience, we will discuss the basics, share resources to flush DNS cache, describe the available mythologies for protection from the vulnerabilities Domain Name System (DNS) protocol and finally come reach a conclusion.

 

Table of Contents

  • 1 Introduction
  • 2 Basics of Flushing DNS Cache
  • 3 Theoretical Background
  • 4 Methods of Flushing DNS Cache
  • 5 Methods to Prevent DNS Cache Poisoning and Spoofing
  • 6 Conclusion

 

Basics of Flushing DNS Cache

 

Cache poisoning really need involving the cache of server which is part of the domain name system. DNS Cache poisoning is possibly one of the most prominent and dangerous attack on DNS resulting in a DNS resolver caching of invalid or malicious mappings of IP addresses. Cache poisoning is dangerous because they enable the attacker to add false mappings to the cache of vulnerable DNS resolvers, overwrite existing mappings, which can be enough bad for a new developer. If host, user, administrator is same person, situation becomes complex. The methods large operators and administrators can use for network protections and attack identification of the Domain Name System (DNS) protocol often not suitable for the relatively new developers or an average user to implement.

 

Needed Theoretical Background to Understand Flushing DNS Cache Mechanism

 

Advertisement

---

Browsers need IP address of a domain or URL, either IPv4 or IPv6 so that it can connect and complete the task. Each time a user visits a domain or URL via browser, the browser checks local file(s) named DNS Cache to find any entry against the IP address of the URL. If the record is present, the browser will use it. If the record is not present, then browsers will query to DNS server to procure the IP address. This process is known as DNS lookup. The DNS cache is created on localhost and also ISP’s DNS server. The goal of this process is to decrease the amount of time spent in querying. Computers on a network gives priority to the local file to check entry. Depending on the operating systems, refreshing with new IP against a domain or URL. Also, this process depends on the accuracy of DNS resolution.
Domain Name System (DNS) is a globally distributed dynamic database which provides a way to map between the domain names and corresponding IPv4 and IPv6 addresses. It also serves the similar purpose for the mail exchange information (MX records), name server information (NS records) etc which are defined in Resource Records (RRs). The Resource Record information is divided into zones and arranged for retrieval through the global DNS architecture. DNS can use UDP or TCP.

If for the domain example.com, the legitimate IP is 100.11.12.13, then on localhost the DNS cache will hold record kind of in this manner:

Vim
1
example.com 100.11.12.13

Within a limited time span, in two scenario –

  • If example.com changes the IP address from 100.11.12.13 to 100.11.12.14 for reasons in planned manner as part of system administration
  • If someone deliberately manipulates the legitimate IP against example.com to own desired IP
    then the localhost will return undesired or non-updated result from DNS Cache. Question of DNS Cache Poisoning and Spoofing arises in second scenario.

In the first scenario, the user essentially not face security issues as the change is legitimate by owner or administrator of example.com. Flushing DNS Cache resets the localhost cache, thereby the operating system query on ISP DNS server. If ISPS DNS server is manipulated with malicious intention, then the scenario is complex. DNS Cache Spoofing and DNS Cache Poisoning are similar malicious but in case of spoofing different methods used to poison the DNS cache.

Effectiveness-of-Flushing-DNS-Cache-to-Prevent-DNS-Cache-Poisoning-and-Spoofing

 

Methods of Flushing DNS Cache in Different Operating Systems

 

Unfortunately, the problem in real life is inability to detect when one unused is under attack i.e. the record is manipulated by some malicious program. In such case, browsers may throw errors mimicking common networking error to the end user. For example, a Windows computer may throw error like we described in one previously published article with solution to completely reset the system to make it normal.

In normal situation, in order to flush DNS, the users of MacOS X, GNU/Linux and Windows need to follow official documentation of the respective operating system or may follow standard, well written guide like this one to find how to flush DNS in various operating systems, and their different versions. Such guides, methods are easier to perform by a regular user, it is expected that a developer should know them as part of work.

 

Available Methods to Prevent DNS Cache Poisoning and Spoofing

 

Unfortunately, the list of available preventive methodologies to the ordinary end user is too less:

  1. Flushing DNS
  2. DNS Cache Locking can be configured to >90%. Cache locking allows to control overwriting information in the DNS cache.
  3. Using DNS Socket Pool enables a DNS server to use source port randomization while issuing DNS queries.
  4. Regular update of firmware and software of security of the systems current

Most of the other common methods are either for the system administrators as user or administrator of the servers.
Server should be the one and only interface between the network and Internet behind a robust firewall, using Domain Name System Security Extensions (DNSSEC) to add more security to the DNS protocol. The period of each entry in DNS cache should be set to short allowing DNS records to be fetched more frequently to keep updated. This means setting shorter TTL and possibly longer time to connect to website by the users. DNSSEC introduced absolute time into DNS. Recursion is enabled by default for BIND versions 9.5 and older. The configuration need to be tweaked in the named.conf configuration file. UDP protocol as such, can be easily spoofed. It is practical to try to avoid wherever possible. Using recommended features of router and firewalls to ensure higher security. It is vital to ensure are protected by a DDoS mitigation service. Monitoring name servers for unexpected behavior, using PKI to server, using hardened operating system, implementing specialist DNS appliance are part of genuine efforts.

 

Conclusion

 

Our major concern in increasing usage IoT devices and container based solutions. DNS unfortunately has already known major security issues which needs to be addressed. Threats including Man in the middle attacks, DNS cache poisoning usually take place because of fault within the authentication system and also deficit in integrity in the DNS transaction process. Flushing DNS only addresses issues with local DNS cache. DNS cache poisoning is difficult to detect, can last until the TTL, or till administrator realizes. Definitely, flushing DNS addresses some common issues but it is a toy to mitigate the risk of a DDoS attack.

As such, usage of flushing DNS remains within few known applications including while initially pointing domain towards host or changing host. Even if flushing DNS temporarily solves the issue, the system needs to be checked for possible presence of malicious code.

Tagged With dns cache poisoning 2018 , if we clear dns cache can spoofing be avoided , one way to eliminate local dns cache poisoning is to disable the caching feature research the steps to disable this feature for windows 10 explain how to do this , local host files to prevent DNS poisoning , https://thecustomizewindows com/2018/04/effectiveness-of-flushing-dns-cache-to-prevent-dns-cache-poisoning-and-spoofing/ , how to clear dns spoof , how to avoid flushdns , hostinger , dns spoofing flush cache , windows dns prevent cache poisioning cache locking

This Article Has Been Shared 567 Times!

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

Abhishek Ghosh

About Abhishek Ghosh

Abhishek Ghosh is a Businessman, Surgeon, Author and Blogger. You can keep touch with him on Twitter - @AbhishekCTRL.

Here’s what we’ve got for you which might like :

Articles Related to Effectiveness of Flushing DNS Cache to Prevent DNS Cache Poisoning and Spoofing

  • SELinux and Security in the Context of Cloud Servers

    SELinux Was Developed By United States National Security Agency (NSA). SELinux and Security in the Context of Cloud Servers Can Be Questionable.

  • Explained : This site works only in browsers with SNI support

    We have explained the implication of the error message “This site works only in browsers with SNI support”. It is a thing related to IPv4.

  • Brute Force SSH Test Own Server With ncrack, hydra, medusa

    Here is Real Life Way to Brute Force SSH Test Own Server With ncrack, hydra, medusa. These will give you idea why odd log entries appear too.

  • Can Cloud Check Ransomware Attacks?

    Can ‘Cloud’ Check Ransomware Attacks? Antivirus Like Softwares Are Designed to Block Attempts By Ransomware From Encrypting Data & Ask Money.

  • Configure and Setup SSHFP : SSH Fingerprint in the DNS

    Here is How to Configure and Setup SSHFP. SSHFP is SSH Fingerprint in the DNS. This Tutorial Must Be Tested on Development Server to Learn Before Deploying on Production Server.

Additionally, performing a search on this website can help you. Also, we have YouTube Videos.

Take The Conversation Further ...

We'd love to know your thoughts on this article.
Meet the Author over on Twitter to join the conversation right now!

If you want to Advertise on our Article or want a Sponsored Article, you are invited to Contact us.

Contact Us

Subscribe To Our Free Newsletter

Get new posts by email:

Please Confirm the Subscription When Approval Email Will Arrive in Your Email Inbox as Second Step.

Search this website…

 

Popular Articles

Our Homepage is best place to find popular articles!

Here Are Some Good to Read Articles :

  • Cloud Computing Service Models
  • What is Cloud Computing?
  • Cloud Computing and Social Networks in Mobile Space
  • ARM Processor Architecture
  • What Camera Mode to Choose
  • Indispensable MySQL queries for custom fields in WordPress
  • Windows 7 Speech Recognition Scripting Related Tutorials

Social Networks

  • Pinterest (24.3K Followers)
  • Twitter (5.8k Followers)
  • Facebook (5.7k Followers)
  • LinkedIn (3.7k Followers)
  • YouTube (1.3k Followers)
  • GitHub (Repository)
  • GitHub (Gists)
Looking to publish sponsored article on our website?

Contact us

Recent Posts

  • What Online Casinos Have No Deposit Bonus in Australia March 30, 2023
  • Four Foolproof Tips To Never Run Out Of Blog Ideas For Your Website March 28, 2023
  • The Interactive Entertainment Serving as a Tech Proving Ground March 28, 2023
  • Is it Good to Run Apache Web server and MySQL Database on Separate Cloud Servers? March 27, 2023
  • Advantages of Cloud Server Over Dedicated Server for Hosting WordPress March 26, 2023

About This Article

Cite this article as: Abhishek Ghosh, "Effectiveness of Flushing DNS Cache to Prevent DNS Cache Poisoning and Spoofing," in The Customize Windows, April 30, 2018, March 30, 2023, https://thecustomizewindows.com/2018/04/effectiveness-of-flushing-dns-cache-to-prevent-dns-cache-poisoning-and-spoofing/.

Source:The Customize Windows, JiMA.in

PC users can consult Corrine Chorney for Security.

Want to know more about us? Read Notability and Mentions & Our Setup.

Copyright © 2023 - The Customize Windows | dESIGNed by The Customize Windows

Copyright  · Privacy Policy  · Advertising Policy  · Terms of Service  · Refund Policy

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie SettingsAccept
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT