Blockchain Science Popularization: Eclipse Attacks

Eclipse Attack is a network-layer attack targeting blockchain networks. In this attack, the attacker manipulates all communication connections between the victim node and other nodes, isolating the victim from the entire network and preventing it from receiving accurate blockchain data. By controlling this communication, the attacker can manipulate the victim’s inputs and outputs, interfere with or alter its transactions and block data, thus disrupting the network’s consensus mechanism and security.

In simple terms, the attacker “shields” the victim, cutting off its communication with other nodes, thereby gaining control over the victim node’s actions. This type of attack is particularly dangerous because it doesn’t rely on breaking into the node’s security protections, but instead exploits control over the network connections to indirectly manipulate the node.

What are the Dangers of an Eclipse Attack?

An Eclipse Attack can lead to several harmful consequences:

• Information Isolation and Lag: The victim node cannot receive the latest block and transaction data from the network, causing it to be “disconnected” from the blockchain. This may lead to the victim validating transactions based on outdated blocks, impacting the accuracy of the consensus.
• Transaction Delays or Failures: The victim might not receive transactions from other nodes in time, leading to transaction delays or failures. This means transactions could be tampered with or fail to execute on time, without the victim’s knowledge.
• Replay Attacks: The attacker can use control over the victim’s node to initiate a replay attack, broadcasting outdated transactions to the network, which may cause issues like double-spending.
• Exploiting Smart Contract Vulnerabilities: If the attacker can control the victim’s communication with the outside world, they might trigger failures or exploit vulnerabilities in smart contracts or decentralized applications (DApps), potentially resulting in financial losses.

How Does an Eclipse Attack Work?

The core of an Eclipse Attack lies in network isolation. The attacker first deploys a large number of malicious nodes within the network, forcing the victim node to connect only to these malicious nodes. These malicious nodes then send fake block or transaction data to the victim, ensuring that the victim cannot synchronize with other legitimate nodes.

Once the attacker has successfully controlled all inbound and outbound connections of the victim node, it becomes “isolated”, unable to receive the latest blockchain data or validate transactions correctly. By controlling this information flow, the attacker can directly influence the victim’s behavior, manipulate transaction data, or make the node execute harmful actions without its knowledge.

How to Prevent an Eclipse Attack?

To defend against Eclipse Attacks, blockchain networks must be designed to minimize the impact of malicious nodes and improve the robustness of connections between nodes. Below are several effective preventive measures:

• Avoid Transactions Over Public Wi-Fi

Public Wi-Fi environments are often insecure and can become targets of man-in-the-middle attacks, allowing attackers to intercept your transactions or data. It’s advisable to avoid transacting or interacting with the blockchain network while connected to public Wi-Fi.

• Use Multiple Node Connections

If you’re using your own full-node wallet or participating in decentralized exchanges (DEX), ensure your node connects to multiple diverse nodes. This way, even if some connections are compromised, you can still receive blocks and transaction information from other healthy nodes.

• Regularly Check Transaction History

regularly review your wallet’s transaction history and account balances to identify any suspicious transactions or operations. This helps detect potential security issues early. If abnormalities are found, you can take immediate action, such as changing wallet keys, freezing accounts, or contacting exchanges.

• Use Multi-Signature Wallets

Adopting a multi-signature wallet increases transaction security. Even if a connection is hijacked by a malicious node, multiple keys would still be required to initiate a transaction, making it harder for attackers to succeed.

• Use Tools to Prevent IP Address Leakage

Use a VPN or proxy server to hide your real IP address, preventing attackers from identifying and targeting you based on your IP. Even when engaging with decentralized exchanges or performing on-chain operations, safeguarding your IP address is crucial.

• Maintain Good Online Practices

When transacting, always interact with trusted nodes or platforms and avoid exposing your transaction details. Additionally, when joining a new blockchain network or testing a new platform, conduct thorough verification to ensure its trustworthiness.

Conclusion

An Eclipse Attack, as a network-layer attack, primarily targets nodes themselves, but traders must also pay attention to network security and take necessary precautions to avoid being affected. The most important measure is to stay vigilant, choose secure and stable network environments, and ensure that each transaction is conducted within a trustworthy blockchain network.

🦉Source: https://qitmeer.io/blogs/288