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Wireshark question

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Hi,

I am a beginner learning to use Wireshark to detect network vulnerabilities. Once I capture a packet, can anybody tell me one way I can detect unusual traffic in the captured data?

Thanks, James

asked 27 Mar '14, 12:50

koel26's gravatar image

koel26
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accept rate: 0%


One Answer:

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can anybody tell me one way I can detect unusual traffic in the captured data?

well, unusual means different things in different networks. If you only have Windows hosts on your network, SSH (Secure Shell traffic) or X11 could be 'unusual'. If you have only Linux, Unix or *BSD systems on your network, Netbios could be 'unusual'.

As you see, it depends on the definition of 'unusual' and the environment you are looking at.

To answer your question: You will be able to detect unusual traffic in networks, if you have a lot of experience with networking in general and typical networking protocols. With that kind of knowledge you will sometimes spot things in a capture file that shouldn't be there. Unfortunately, there is no 'simple' method or best practice what to look for.

So, here is how you will get that experience:

  • read
  • practice
  • read
  • practice
  • read
  • practice
  • etc

To be honest: I would not use Wireshark to detect 'network vulnerabilities' (can you please define what that means for you). There are better tools for that, like IPS/IDS, anomaly detection tools, etc. Just google/bing those terms and you should find some information.

Regards
Kurt

answered 27 Mar '14, 13:22

Kurt%20Knochner's gravatar image

Kurt Knochner ♦
24.8k1039237
accept rate: 15%

edited 27 Mar '14, 14:40