Title

The system must be configured to use TCP syncookies when experiencing a TCP SYN flood. (Cat II impact)

Discussion

A TCP SYN flood attack can cause Denial of Service by filling a system's TCP connection table with connections in the SYN_RCVD state. Syncookies are a mechanism used to only track a connection when a subsequent ACK is received, verifying the initiator is attempting a valid connection and is not a flood source. This technique does not operate in a fully standards-compliant manner, but is only activated when a flood condition is detected, and allows defense of the system while continuing to service valid requests.

Check Content

Verify the system configured to use TCP syncookies when experiencing a TCP SYN flood. # cat /proc/sys/net/ipv4/tcp_syncookies If the result is not "1", this is a finding.

Fix Text

Configure the system to use TCP syncookies when experiencing a TCP SYN flood. Edit /etc/sysctl.conf and add a setting for "net.ipv4.tcp_syncookies=1". # sysctl -p

Additional Identifiers

Rule ID: SV-46277r1_rule

Vulnerability ID: V-22419

Group Title: GEN003612

Expert Comments

CCIs tied to check.

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