Mangled packet

Mangled packet

In computer networking, a mangled or invalid packet is a packet — especially IP packet — that either lacks order or self-coherence, or contains code aimed to confuse or disrupt computers, firewalls, routers, or any service present on the network.

Mangled packets can be generated by dedicated software such as nmap or Nessus. Their usage is associated with a type of network attack called a denial-of-service (DoS) attack. It aims to destabilize the network and sometimes to reveal its available services – when network operators must restart the disabled ones.[1]

As of 2008, most invalid packets are easily filtered by modern stateful firewalls.

References

  1. ^ Javvin Www Networkdictionary Com (1 March 2007). Network Dictionary. Javvin Technologies Inc.. p. 300. ISBN 9781602670006. http://books.google.com/books?id=On_Hh23IXDUC&pg=PA300. Retrieved 21 April 2011.