DNS Hijacking Explained: How To Detect, Prevent, And Fix Attacks

DNS hijacking is a cyberattack where attackers manipulate Domain Name System (DNS) queries to redirect users to malicious websites. This tactic enables phishing attacks, identity theft, and malware distribution. Understanding how DNS hijacking works and implementing security measures can help individuals and organizations prevent such attacks.

Key Takeaways

DNS hijacking manipulates DNS queries to redirect users to malicious websites, leading to data theft and security breaches.
Common attack methods include malware deployment, router hijacking, and man-in-the-middle attacks, all designed to intercept and alter DNS responses.
DNS spoofing and DNS hijacking are not the same, with hijacking having more persistent and long-term impacts.
Detection techniques include monitoring slow-loading websites, checking router DNS settings, and using an online DNS checker and command-line tools.
Preventive measures include securing routers, using registry locks, implementing anti-malware tools, and strengthening passwords.

How Does DNS Hijacking Work?

The DNS translates domain names into IP addresses, allowing users to access websites. In a DNS hijacking attack, hackers compromise DNS settings by modifying records, infecting devices, or intercepting communications. This manipulation redirects users to fraudulent sites, where they may unknowingly share sensitive information.

Let’s say your domain name is HelloWorld.com. After a DNS hijacking attack, when someone types HelloWorld.com into a given browser (e.g. Chrome), they will not be directed to your website anymore. Instead of being directed to your legitimate site, they will now be routed to a potentially malicious website that is under the control of the attacker. Those who visit this site might assume it’s your legitimate domain (since that’s what the name indicates) and might start entering their sensitive information. The result? Potential theft of the user’s data and lost reputation for your domain.

Types of DNS Hijacking Attacks

There are four main types of DNS hijacking attacks: local DNS hijacking, DNS hijacking over a router, MITM (Man-in-the-middle) hijacking attack, and rogue DNS server.

1. Local DNS Hijacking

In a local DNS hijacking attack, the hacker installs Trojan software on the victim’s PC. Then, the attacker makes changes to the local DNS settings. The purpose of these modifications is to reroute the target victim to malicious, dangerous websites.

2. Man-in-the-middle Attacks

During a Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack, the hackers may make use of man-in-the-middle attack techniques. The goal is to intercept and manipulate communications between a DNS server and its users. The last step is to direct the user towards fraudulent, potentially dangerous websites.

3. Router DNS Hijacking

When an attacker uses the DNS hijacking over a router method, they take advantage of the fact that the firmware of some routers is weak. Also, some routers choose not to change the default passwords that they were provided with initially. Because of these security gaps, the router can easily fall victim to an attack where the hackers modify its DNS settings.

4. Rogue DNS Server

Another common DNS hijacking attack type is the rogue DNS server. When using this method, hackers manage to change the DNS records on a DNS server. This enables hackers to reroute DNS requests to fake, potentially dangerous websites.

DNS Hijacking Examples

Surge in DNS Hijacking Threats

A recent article by Cloudflare highlighted the sudden rise in DNS hijacking attacks targeting major cybersecurity companies like Tripwire, FireEye, and Mandiant. The attacks targeted diverse industries and sectors, including government, telecom, and Internet entities, and spread across the Middle East, Europe, North Africa, and North America.

Sea Turtle DNS Hijacking

In 2019, Cisco Talos discovered a large-scale cyber espionage attack using DNS hijacking tactics to target government agencies. The attack hit over 40 organizations, including telecoms, internet service providers, and domain registrars, as well as governmental agencies like ministries of foreign affairs, intelligence agencies, the military, and the energy sector, based in the Middle East and North Africa.

Sitting Duck DNS Hijacking

A brand new DNS attack tactic known as “Sitting Ducks” was discovered in 2024. It targeted several registered domain by exploiting vulnerabilities in the Domain Name System and subsequently hijacking them. The attacks were carried out through a registrar or DNS provider without accessing the victim’s own account. This large-scale attack jeopardized more than a million registered domains, putting them at risk of takeover.

What is the Difference Between DNS Hijacking and DNS Poisoning?

DNS hijacking manipulates DNS records to redirect users, while DNS poisoning (or cache poisoning) involves injecting malicious data into a DNS cache to mislead users temporarily. Hijacking tends to be persistent, whereas poisoning relies on exploiting caching mechanisms.

	DNS Hijacking	DNS Poisoning
Attack Method	Directly compromises a DNS server, router, or device settings.	Inserts fake DNS responses into a resolver’s cache.
Impact	May have long-term impacts. These type of attacks redirects users to malicious websites, leading to phishing and data theft.	Effects are usually temporary.
Target	DNS servers, routers, or end-user devices.	DNS resolvers and caches.
Prevention	Secure routers, use DNSSEC, and monitor DNS settings.	Use DNSSEC, clear DNS cache, and use trusted resolvers.

How to Detect DNS Hijacking Attacks?

Signs of DNS Hijacking

Unexpected website redirects: If the website URL doesn’t match the website you are redirected you, it may be a tell-tale sign of DNS hijacking.
Phishing login pages: Suspicious landing page that look poorly made and ask for sensitive information like login credentials is a sign of malicious intent.
Slow-loading web pages: Poorly designed or slow-loading website pages may be malicious or fake.
Unexpected pop-up advertisements: Coming across unexpected pop-up ads while browsing through an apparently reliable website may be a sign of DNS hijacking.
Alerts about malware infections: Sudden alerts about malware infections of viruses may be a sign of fraudulent fear-mongering.

Tools to Check DNS Settings and Test for DNS Hijacking

PowerDMARC’s Free DNS Record Checker

This free tool checks email authentication DNS records such as SPF, DKIM, DMARC, MTA-STS, TLS-RPT, and BIMI along with various other DNS entries. It’s best suited for DNS record management and monitoring and automating email authentication configurations.

Google Admin Toolbox Dig

The Google Admin Toolbox Dig runs DNS queries for A, MX, CNAME, TXT, and other records.

It works in a similar fashion to the command-line dig tool but in a browser and fetches results directly from Google’s DNS servers.

Command-Line DNS Tools

Several command-line DNS tools like NSlookup, Dig, Host, and Whois require a terminal but offer detailed insights into DNS settings. These tools can be used for various tasks such as:

Querying DNS servers to uncover different record types
Tracing DNS resolution across multiple mail servers
Resolving domain names to IP addresses
Retrieving domain registration details

How to Prevent DNS Hijacking

Mitigation for Name Servers and Resolvers

Disable unnecessary DNS resolvers on your network.
Restrict access to name servers with multi-factor authentication and firewalls.
Use randomized source ports and query IDs to prevent cache poisoning.
Regularly update and patch known vulnerabilities.
Separate authoritative name servers from resolvers.
Restrict zone transfers to prevent unauthorized modifications.

Mitigation for End Users

Change default router passwords to prevent unauthorized access.
Install antivirus and anti-malware software to detect threats.
Use encrypted VPN connections when browsing.
Switch to alternative DNS services like Google Public DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cisco OpenDNS.

Mitigation for Site Owners

Secure DNS registrar accounts with two-factor authentication.
Utilize domain lock features to prevent unauthorized DNS changes.
Enable DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) to authenticate DNS responses.
Use PowerDMARC to enforce DMARC, SPF, and DKIM, preventing domain spoofing and phishing attempts.

How to Avoid DNS Hijacking While Using Public Wi-Fi?

Avoid connecting to unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
Use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic.
Disable automatic connection to unknown networks.
Verify DNS settings before accessing sensitive information.

How to Fix DNS Hijacking

1. Identify the Signs of DNS Hijacking

It’s important to establish whether you are a victim of DNS hijacking in the first place. You can go through the signs of identifying DNS hijacking discussed in the previous section for this step. Once it’s confirmed, you can move on to the next steps.

2. Reset Your Router’s DNS Settings

Your next step is to log in to your router and check your DNS settings, usually under “WAN” or “Internet Settings”. If your DNS is set to a provider with an unfamiliar IP you need to immediately change to a secure one like Cloudflare or Google DNS to prevent hijacking. Once you change the settings, you must save your new DNS settings and restart the router.

3. Configure DNSSEC

DNSSEC can be a useful defense against some types of DNS hijacking attacks, though not all. The protocol helps authenticate DNS responses and prevents DNS spoofing. However, it is important to note that DNSSEC cannot mitigate Direct DNS Server Hijacking and requires proper implementation. After configuring the protocol, make sure you check your record using PowerDMARC’s DNSSEC checker to ensure correct implementation.

4. Remove Malicious Software & Files

To protect your DNS against fraud, make sure you use anti-malware that will help detect and remove malware. It also a good move to review your browser extensions and any new installations. If you find anything suspicious that may be making changes to your DNS settings, you can promptly remove it.

5. Clear DNS Cache

Clearing the DNS cache is important in preventing DNS hijacking because it removes any corrupted or malicious DNS entries stored on your device.

6. Enable Security Features

Make sure you enable security features for your router by changing your password. Enable a firewall for added security and disable remote management to prevent hackers from remotely accessing your router. You can also use secure DNS services like DoH or DoT if supported.

7. Monitor & Prevent Future Attacks

You can regularly review and monitor your router’s DNS settings to prevent and detect any future attacks. PowerDMARC’s predictive threat intelligence analysis feature is an excellent monitoring tool that predicts attack patterns and trends to trigger alerts for existing and future cyber attacks.

Summing Up

DNS hijacking is a serious cybersecurity threat that can lead to data theft, phishing, and malware infections. By monitoring your DNS settings, using secure DNS services, and implementing security measures, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to these attacks.

Ensure your domain’s security with PowerDMARC’s real-time monitoring and enforcement of DMARC, SPF, and DKIM to detect and prevent DNS anomalies. Check your DNS security today!

About
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Ahona Rudra

Domain & Email Security Expert at PowerDMARC

Ahona is the Marketing Manager at PowerDMARC, with 5+ years of experience in writing about cybersecurity topics, specializing in domain and email security. Ahona holds a post-graduation degree in Journalism and Communications, solidifying her career in the security sector since 2019.

What is DNS Hijacking: Detection, Prevention, and Mitigation