Domain Generation Algorithm

Created the Tuesday 23 April 2019. Updated 1 year, 1 month ago.

Domain generation algorithms (DGAs) are algorithms used by malware to generate a large number of domain names that can be used as communication channels with their command and control servers. These domain names are generated periodically, typically using a pseudorandom number generator.

The use of DGAs makes it difficult for law enforcement and other security actors to shut down botnets, as infected computers will attempt to contact some of these domain names every day to receive updates or commands. The use of public-key cryptography in the malware code also makes it difficult to mimic commands from the malware controllers.

DGAs are commonly used by malware families such as Zeus, Andromeda, and Necurs to establish communication channels that are hard to detect and disrupt. This allows the malware to receive instructions from the attackers and carry out various malicious activities, such as stealing sensitive information, spreading to other devices, or launching attacks on other systems.

Technique Identifiers

U0906 B0031

Technique Tags

Domain generation algorithms (DGAs) Domain names Command and control servers Rendez-vous points Botnets Zeus Andromeda Necurs Communication channels

Code Snippets

Description

This code uses the random and datetime modules to generate a random number using the current date and time as a seed. It then constructs a domain name by concatenating the base domain name with the generated number. Finally, it prints the generated domain name.

Note that this is just an example, and there are many different ways that a DGA could be implemented. In a real-world scenario, the malware would use the generated domain name to communicate with its command and control server, and the domain name would be generated periodically using a pseudorandom number generator.

import random
import datetime

# Replace with the base domain name that you control
base_domain = "example.com"

# Get the current date and time
date = datetime.datetime.now()

# Generate a random number using the date and time as a seed
random.seed(date)
number = random.randint(0, 1000000)

# Generate a domain name using the base domain and the random number
domain_name = str(number) + "." + base_domain

# Print the generated domain name
print(domain_name)

Additional Resources

External Links

The resources provided below are associated links that will give you even more detailed information and research on current evasion technique. It is important to note that, while these resources may be helpful, it is important to exercise caution when following external links. As always, be careful when clicking on links from unknown sources, as they may lead to malicious content.

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