(Ab-)Using DSR Route Information for Node Localization in MANETs

Abstract:
Unlike in conventional networks, nodes in mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) usually take part in network maintenance and perform routing and diagnostics functions. Not only do they forward payload data but also send and receive topology information for routing purposes. This information may be used by malicious parties to intrude the location privacy of other participants. In our previous work [Chapkin, S., Bako, B., Kargl, F., Schoch, E.: Location tracking attack in ad hoc networks based on topology information] we analyzed a scenario where an external party obtains complete topology information in a MANET. The results shown that such an attacker could achieve rather good results in localizing every node on the network. In this following work we analyze more realistic scenarios where attackers try to abuse the DSR routing protocol, to obtain topology information and derive position estimations of other nodes from that. We present a localization approach that is based on a ”hop to route length ratio” heuristic and show how these results compare to our previous findings. As a result we conclude that the accuracy that can be gained by only using DSR protocol information is rather restricted and only poses a minimal privacy threat.