CAPEC-326: TCP Initial Window Size Probe
Description
This OS fingerprinting probe checks the initial TCP Window size. TCP stacks limit the range of sequence numbers allowable within a session to maintain the connected state within TCP protocol logic. The initial window size specifies a range of acceptable sequence numbers that will qualify as a response to an ACK packet within a session. Various operating systems use different Initial window sizes. The initial window size can be sampled by establishing an ordinary TCP connection.
- Likelihood of attack
- Medium
- Typical severity
- Low
- Abstraction
- DetailedA low-level, detailed pattern, often for a particular technology.
Mechanism of attack: Collect and Analyze Information
Prerequisites
- The ability to monitor and interact with network communications.Access to at least one host, and the privileges to interface with the network interface card.
Consequences
- Confidentiality
Read Data
- ConfidentialityAccess ControlAuthorization
Bypass Protection Mechanism; Hide Activities
Mitigations
CAPEC 3.9 lists no mitigation for this pattern; see its child patterns or related weaknesses.