2010/05/11 by Bartosz Jankowski, Jankowski, Bartosz, Wojciech Mazurczyk +3
Computer Science · #Advanced Steganography and Watermarking Techniques #Chaos-based Image/Signal Encryption #Cryptography and Security (cs.CR) #FOS: Computer and information sciences #Internet Traffic Analysis and Secure E-voting
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1005.1925
openalex publication_date 2010/05/11 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Hiding information in network traffic may lead to leakage of confidential information. In this paper we introduce a new steganographic system: the PadSteg (Padding Steganography). To authors' best knowledge it is the first information hiding solution which represents interprotocol steganography i.e. usage of relation between two or more protocols from the TCP/IP stack to enable secret communication. PadSteg utilizes ARP and TCP protocols together with an Etherleak vulnerability (improper Ethernet frame padding) to facilitate secret communication for hidden groups in LANs (Local Area Networks). Basing on real network traces we confirm that PadSteg is feasible in today's networks and we estimate what steganographic bandwidth is achievable while limiting the chance of disclosure. We also point at possible countermeasures against PadSteg.