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Towards Improving IDS Using CTF Events

Manuel Kern, Florian Skopik, Max Landauer, Edgar Weippl

TL;DR

The paper tackles the challenge of evaluating Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) beyond static, signature-based benchmarks. It proposes using IDS-focused Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges, embedded in Jeopardy-style live competitions, to reveal weaknesses while educating participants. A concrete methodology is presented, including challenge design, a per-team, containerized hosting model, and a dynamic alert-severity scoring system, demonstrated through a PoC at the ACSC with Wazuh, mod_security, and OFBiz. Findings indicate that CTF-based evaluation can effectively surface IDS vulnerabilities and generate actionable insights for IDS improvements and practitioner training, though practical challenges such as participant engagement and event logistics remain, guiding future refinements.

Abstract

In cybersecurity, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) serve as a vital defensive layer against adversarial threats. Accurate benchmarking is critical to evaluate and improve IDS effectiveness, yet traditional methodologies face limitations due to their reliance on previously known attack signatures and lack of creativity of automated tests. This paper introduces a novel approach to evaluating IDS through Capture the Flag (CTF) events, specifically designed to uncover weaknesses within IDS. CTFs, known for engaging a diverse community in tackling complex security challenges, offer a dynamic platform for this purpose. Our research investigates the effectiveness of using tailored CTF challenges to identify weaknesses in IDS by integrating them into live CTF competitions. This approach leverages the creativity and technical skills of the CTF community, enhancing both the benchmarking process and the participants' practical security skills. We present a methodology that supports the development of IDS-specific challenges, a scoring system that fosters learning and engagement, and the insights of running such a challenge in a real Jeopardy-style CTF event. Our findings highlight the potential of CTFs as a tool for IDS evaluation, demonstrating the ability to effectively expose vulnerabilities while also providing insights into necessary improvements for future implementations.

Towards Improving IDS Using CTF Events

TL;DR

The paper tackles the challenge of evaluating Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) beyond static, signature-based benchmarks. It proposes using IDS-focused Capture the Flag (CTF) challenges, embedded in Jeopardy-style live competitions, to reveal weaknesses while educating participants. A concrete methodology is presented, including challenge design, a per-team, containerized hosting model, and a dynamic alert-severity scoring system, demonstrated through a PoC at the ACSC with Wazuh, mod_security, and OFBiz. Findings indicate that CTF-based evaluation can effectively surface IDS vulnerabilities and generate actionable insights for IDS improvements and practitioner training, though practical challenges such as participant engagement and event logistics remain, guiding future refinements.

Abstract

In cybersecurity, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) serve as a vital defensive layer against adversarial threats. Accurate benchmarking is critical to evaluate and improve IDS effectiveness, yet traditional methodologies face limitations due to their reliance on previously known attack signatures and lack of creativity of automated tests. This paper introduces a novel approach to evaluating IDS through Capture the Flag (CTF) events, specifically designed to uncover weaknesses within IDS. CTFs, known for engaging a diverse community in tackling complex security challenges, offer a dynamic platform for this purpose. Our research investigates the effectiveness of using tailored CTF challenges to identify weaknesses in IDS by integrating them into live CTF competitions. This approach leverages the creativity and technical skills of the CTF community, enhancing both the benchmarking process and the participants' practical security skills. We present a methodology that supports the development of IDS-specific challenges, a scoring system that fosters learning and engagement, and the insights of running such a challenge in a real Jeopardy-style CTF event. Our findings highlight the potential of CTFs as a tool for IDS evaluation, demonstrating the ability to effectively expose vulnerabilities while also providing insights into necessary improvements for future implementations.
Paper Structure (21 sections, 2 equations, 3 figures, 1 table)

This paper contains 21 sections, 2 equations, 3 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Background & Related Work
  3. Methodology
  4. Challenge Design
  5. Challenge Format
  6. Challenge Delivery
  7. Scoring System
  8. Challenge Design Implementation Requirements
  9. Challenge Design Methodology
  10. Limitations
  11. Proof of Concept
  12. Technical Setup
  13. Challenge Outline
  14. Testing and Validation
  15. Event Day
  16. ...and 6 more sections

Figures (3)

  • Figure 1: Overview of research methodology.
  • Figure 2: Outline of design and challenges solves at the ACSC ACSC.
  • Figure 3: Light blue segments represent each container’s runtime. Red segments show alerts captured during manual log downloads, indicating unsolved challenges. Green segments depict scores for correct “FlagCheck” script submissions.