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131.IX Title "GVPE.PROTOCOL 7" 134.IX Title "GVPE.PROTOCOL 7"
132.TH GVPE.PROTOCOL 7 "2005-03-26" "1.9" "GNU Virtual Private Ethernet" 135.TH GVPE.PROTOCOL 7 "2008-09-01" "2.2" "GNU Virtual Private Ethernet"
136.\" For nroff, turn off justification. Always turn off hyphenation; it makes
137.\" way too many mistakes in technical documents.
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139.nh
133.SH "The GNU-VPE Protocols" 140.SH "The GNU-VPE Protocols"
134.IX Header "The GNU-VPE Protocols" 141.IX Header "The GNU-VPE Protocols"
135.SH "Overview" 142.SH "Overview"
136.IX Header "Overview" 143.IX Header "Overview"
137\&\s-1GVPE\s0 can make use of a number of protocols. One of them is the \s-1GNU\s0 \s-1VPE\s0 144\&\s-1GVPE\s0 can make use of a number of protocols. One of them is the \s-1GNU\s0 \s-1VPE\s0
139packets. This protocol is described in more detail the second part of this 146packets. This protocol is described in more detail the second part of this
140document. 147document.
141.PP 148.PP
142The first part of this document describes the transport protocols which 149The first part of this document describes the transport protocols which
143are used by \s-1GVPE\s0 to send it's data packets over the network. 150are used by \s-1GVPE\s0 to send it's data packets over the network.
144.SH "PART 1: Tansport protocols" 151.SH "PART 1: Transport protocols"
145.IX Header "PART 1: Tansport protocols" 152.IX Header "PART 1: Transport protocols"
146\&\s-1GVPE\s0 offers a range of transport protocols that can be used to interchange 153\&\s-1GVPE\s0 offers a wide range of transport protocols that can be used to
147data between nodes. Protocols differ in their overhead, speed, 154interchange data between nodes. Protocols differ in their overhead, speed,
148reliability, and robustness. 155reliability, and robustness.
149.PP 156.PP
150The following sections describe each transport protocol in more 157The following sections describe each transport protocol in more
151detail. They are sorted by overhead/efficiency, the most efficient 158detail. They are sorted by overhead/efficiency, the most efficient
152transport is listed first: 159transport is listed first:
153.Sh "\s-1RAW\s0 \s-1IP\s0" 160.Sh "\s-1RAW\s0 \s-1IP\s0"
154.IX Subsection "RAW IP" 161.IX Subsection "RAW IP"
155This protocol is the best choice, performance\-wise, as the minimum 162This protocol is the best choice, performance-wise, as the minimum
156overhead per packet is only 38 bytes. 163overhead per packet is only 38 bytes.
157.PP 164.PP
158It works by sending the \s-1VPN\s0 payload using raw ip frames (using the 165It works by sending the \s-1VPN\s0 payload using raw \s-1IP\s0 frames (using the
159protocol set by \f(CW\*(C`ip\-proto\*(C'\fR). 166protocol set by \f(CW\*(C`ip\-proto\*(C'\fR).
160.PP 167.PP
161Using raw ip frames has the drawback that many firewalls block \*(L"unknown\*(R" 168Using raw \s-1IP\s0 frames has the drawback that many firewalls block \*(L"unknown\*(R"
162protocols, so this transport only works if you have full \s-1IP\s0 connectivity 169protocols, so this transport only works if you have full \s-1IP\s0 connectivity
163between nodes. 170between nodes.
164.Sh "\s-1ICMP\s0" 171.Sh "\s-1ICMP\s0"
165.IX Subsection "ICMP" 172.IX Subsection "ICMP"
166This protocol offers very low overhead (minimum 42 bytes), and can 173This protocol offers very low overhead (minimum 42 bytes), and can
167sometimes tunnel through firewalls when other protocols cannot. 174sometimes tunnel through firewalls when other protocols can not.
168.PP 175.PP
169It works by prepending a \s-1ICMP\s0 header with type \f(CW\*(C`icmp\-type\*(C'\fR and a code 176It works by prepending an \s-1ICMP\s0 header with type \f(CW\*(C`icmp\-type\*(C'\fR and a code
170of \f(CW255\fR. The default \f(CW\*(C`icmp\-type\*(C'\fR is \f(CW\*(C`echo\-reply\*(C'\fR, so the resulting 177of \f(CW255\fR. The default \f(CW\*(C`icmp\-type\*(C'\fR is \f(CW\*(C`echo\-reply\*(C'\fR, so the resulting
171packets look like echo replies, which looks rather strange to network 178packets look like echo replies, which looks rather strange to network
172admins. 179administrators.
173.PP 180.PP
174This transport should only be used if other transports (i.e. raw ip) are 181This transport should only be used if other transports (i.e. raw \s-1IP\s0) are
175not available or undesirable (due to their overhead). 182not available or undesirable (due to their overhead).
176.Sh "\s-1UDP\s0" 183.Sh "\s-1UDP\s0"
177.IX Subsection "UDP" 184.IX Subsection "UDP"
178This is a good general choice for the transport protocol as \s-1UDP\s0 packets 185This is a good general choice for the transport protocol as \s-1UDP\s0 packets
179tunnel well through most firewalls and routers, and the overhead per 186tunnel well through most firewalls and routers, and the overhead per
195most proxies do not allow connections to other ports. 202most proxies do not allow connections to other ports.
196.PP 203.PP
197It is an abuse of the usage a proxy was designed for, so make sure you are 204It is an abuse of the usage a proxy was designed for, so make sure you are
198allowed to use it for \s-1GVPE\s0. 205allowed to use it for \s-1GVPE\s0.
199.PP 206.PP
200This protocol also has server and client sides. If the \f(CW\*(C`tcp\-port\*(C'\fR is set 207This protocol also has server and client sides. If the \f(CW\*(C`tcp\-port\*(C'\fR is
201to zero, other nodes cannot connect to this node directly (and \f(CW\*(C`tcp\-port\*(C'\fR 208set to zero, other nodes cannot connect to this node directly. If the
202zero cannot be used). If the \f(CW\*(C`tcp\-port\*(C'\fR is non\-zero, the node can act 209\&\f(CW\*(C`tcp\-port\*(C'\fR is non-zero, the node can act both as a client as well as a
203both as a client as well as a server. 210server.
204.Sh "\s-1DNS\s0" 211.Sh "\s-1DNS\s0"
205.IX Subsection "DNS" 212.IX Subsection "DNS"
206\&\fB\s-1WARNING:\s0\fR Parsing and generating \s-1DNS\s0 packets is rather tricky. The code 213\&\fB\s-1WARNING:\s0\fR Parsing and generating \s-1DNS\s0 packets is rather tricky. The code
207almost certainly contains buffer overflows and other, likely exploitable, 214almost certainly contains buffer overflows and other, likely exploitable,
208bugs. You have been warned. 215bugs. You have been warned.
215traffic even if it doesn't need to transport packets. 222traffic even if it doesn't need to transport packets.
216.PP 223.PP
217In addition, the same problems as the \s-1TCP\s0 transport also plague this 224In addition, the same problems as the \s-1TCP\s0 transport also plague this
218protocol. 225protocol.
219.PP 226.PP
220Most configuration needs to be done by editing \f(CW\*(C`src/vpn_dns.C\*(C'\fR directly.
221.PP
222It's only use is to tunnel through firewalls that do not allow direct 227It's only use is to tunnel through firewalls that do not allow direct
223internet access. Similar to using a \s-1HTTP\s0 proxy (as the \s-1TCP\s0 transport 228internet access. Similar to using a \s-1HTTP\s0 proxy (as the \s-1TCP\s0 transport
224does), it uses a local \s-1DNS\s0 server/forwarder (given by the \f(CW\*(C`dns\-forw\-host\*(C'\fR 229does), it uses a local \s-1DNS\s0 server/forwarder (given by the \f(CW\*(C`dns\-forw\-host\*(C'\fR
225configuration value) as a proxy to send and receive data as a client, 230configuration value) as a proxy to send and receive data as a client,
226and a \f(CW\*(C`NS\*(C'\fR record pointing to the \s-1GVPE\s0 server (as given by the 231and an \f(CW\*(C`NS\*(C'\fR record pointing to the \s-1GVPE\s0 server (as given by the
227\&\f(CW\*(C`dns\-hostname\*(C'\fR directive). 232\&\f(CW\*(C`dns\-hostname\*(C'\fR directive).
228.PP 233.PP
229The only good side of this protocol is that it can tunnel through most 234The only good side of this protocol is that it can tunnel through most
230firewalls undetected, iff the local \s-1DNS\s0 server/forwarder is sane (which is 235firewalls mostly undetected, iff the local \s-1DNS\s0 server/forwarder is sane
231true for most routers, wlan gateways and nameservers). 236(which is true for most routers, wireless \s-1LAN\s0 gateways and nameservers).
237.PP
238Fine-tuning needs to be done by editing \f(CW\*(C`src/vpn_dns.C\*(C'\fR directly.
232.SH "PART 2: The GNU VPE protocol" 239.SH "PART 2: The GNU VPE protocol"
233.IX Header "PART 2: The GNU VPE protocol" 240.IX Header "PART 2: The GNU VPE protocol"
234This section, unfortunately, is not yet finished, although the protocol 241This section, unfortunately, is not yet finished, although the protocol
235is stable (until bugs in the cryptography are found, which will likely 242is stable (until bugs in the cryptography are found, which will likely
236completely change the following description). Nevertheless, it should give 243completely change the following description). Nevertheless, it should give
237you some overview over the protocol. 244you some overview over the protocol.
238.Sh "Anatomy of a \s-1VPN\s0 packet" 245.Sh "Anatomy of a \s-1VPN\s0 packet"
239.IX Subsection "Anatomy of a VPN packet" 246.IX Subsection "Anatomy of a VPN packet"
240The exact layout and field lengths of a \s-1VPN\s0 packet is determined at 247The exact layout and field lengths of a \s-1VPN\s0 packet is determined at
241compiletime and doesn't change. The same structure is used for all 248compile time and doesn't change. The same structure is used for all
242transort protocols, be it \s-1RAWIP\s0 or \s-1TCP\s0. 249transport protocols, be it \s-1RAWIP\s0 or \s-1TCP\s0.
243.PP 250.PP
244.Vb 3 251.Vb 3
245\& +------+------+--------+------+ 252\& +\-\-\-\-\-\-+\-\-\-\-\-\-+\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-+\-\-\-\-\-\-+
246\& | HMAC | TYPE | SRCDST | DATA | 253\& | HMAC | TYPE | SRCDST | DATA |
247\& +------+------+--------+------+ 254\& +\-\-\-\-\-\-+\-\-\-\-\-\-+\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-+\-\-\-\-\-\-+
248.Ve 255.Ve
249.PP 256.PP
250The \s-1HMAC\s0 field is present in all packets, even if not used (e.g. in auth 257The \s-1HMAC\s0 field is present in all packets, even if not used (e.g. in auth
251request packets), in which case it is set to all zeroes. The checksum 258request packets), in which case it is set to all zeroes. The checksum
252itself is calculated over the \s-1TYPE\s0, \s-1SRCDST\s0 and \s-1DATA\s0 fields in all cases. 259itself is calculated over the \s-1TYPE\s0, \s-1SRCDST\s0 and \s-1DATA\s0 fields in all cases.
254The \s-1TYPE\s0 field is a single byte and determines the purpose of the packet 261The \s-1TYPE\s0 field is a single byte and determines the purpose of the packet
255(e.g. \s-1RESET\s0, \s-1COMPRESSED/UNCOMPRESSED\s0 \s-1DATA\s0, \s-1PING\s0, \s-1AUTH\s0 \s-1REQUEST/RESPONSE\s0, 262(e.g. \s-1RESET\s0, \s-1COMPRESSED/UNCOMPRESSED\s0 \s-1DATA\s0, \s-1PING\s0, \s-1AUTH\s0 \s-1REQUEST/RESPONSE\s0,
256\&\s-1CONNECT\s0 \s-1REQUEST/INFO\s0 etc.). 263\&\s-1CONNECT\s0 \s-1REQUEST/INFO\s0 etc.).
257.PP 264.PP
258\&\s-1SRCDST\s0 is a three byte field which contains the source and destination 265\&\s-1SRCDST\s0 is a three byte field which contains the source and destination
259node ids (12 bits each). The protocol does not yet scale well beyond 30+ 266node IDs (12 bits each).
260hosts, since all hosts must connect to each other once on startup. But if
261restarts are rare or tolerable and most connections are on demand, much
262larger networks are feasible.
263.PP 267.PP
264The \s-1DATA\s0 portion differs between each packet type, naturally, and is the 268The \s-1DATA\s0 portion differs between each packet type, naturally, and is the
265only part that can be encrypted. Data packets contain more fields, as 269only part that can be encrypted. Data packets contain more fields, as
266shown: 270shown:
267.PP 271.PP
268.Vb 3 272.Vb 3
269\& +------+------+--------+------+-------+------+ 273\& +\-\-\-\-\-\-+\-\-\-\-\-\-+\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-+\-\-\-\-\-\-+\-\-\-\-\-\-\-+\-\-\-\-\-\-+
270\& | HMAC | TYPE | SRCDST | RAND | SEQNO | DATA | 274\& | HMAC | TYPE | SRCDST | RAND | SEQNO | DATA |
271\& +------+------+--------+------+-------+------+ 275\& +\-\-\-\-\-\-+\-\-\-\-\-\-+\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-+\-\-\-\-\-\-+\-\-\-\-\-\-\-+\-\-\-\-\-\-+
272.Ve 276.Ve
273.PP 277.PP
274\&\s-1RAND\s0 is a sequence of fully random bytes, used to increase the entropy of 278\&\s-1RAND\s0 is a sequence of fully random bytes, used to increase the entropy of
275the data for encryption purposes. 279the data for encryption purposes.
276.PP 280.PP
277\&\s-1SEQNO\s0 is a 32\-bit sequence number. It is negotiated at every connection 281\&\s-1SEQNO\s0 is a 32\-bit sequence number. It is negotiated at every connection
278initialization and starts at some random 31 bit value. \s-1VPE\s0 currently uses 282initialization and starts at some random 31 bit value. \s-1VPE\s0 currently uses
279a sliding window of 512 packets/sequence numbers to detect reordering, 283a sliding window of 512 packets/sequence numbers to detect reordering,
280duplication and reply attacks. 284duplication and replay attacks.
281.Sh "The authentification protocol" 285.Sh "The authentication protocol"
282.IX Subsection "The authentification protocol" 286.IX Subsection "The authentication protocol"
283Before hosts can exchange packets, they need to establish authenticity of 287Before nodes can exchange packets, they need to establish authenticity of
284the other side and a key. Every host has a private \s-1RSA\s0 key and the public 288the other side and a key. Every node has a private \s-1RSA\s0 key and the public
285\&\s-1RSA\s0 keys of all other hosts. 289\&\s-1RSA\s0 keys of all other nodes.
286.PP 290.PP
287A host establishes a simplex connection by sending the other host a 291A host establishes a simplex connection by sending the other node an
288\&\s-1RSA\s0 encrypted challenge containing a random challenge (consisting of 292\&\s-1RSA\s0 encrypted challenge containing a random challenge (consisting of
289the encryption key to use when sending packets, more random data and 293the encryption key to use when sending packets, more random data and
290\&\s-1PKCS1_OAEP\s0 padding) and a random 16 byte \*(L"challenge\-id\*(R" (used to detect 294\&\s-1PKCS1_OAEP\s0 padding) and a random 16 byte \*(L"challenge-id\*(R" (used to detect
291duplicate auth packets). The destination host will respond by replying 295duplicate auth packets). The destination node will respond by replying
292with an (unencrypted) \s-1RIPEMD160\s0 hash of the decrypted challenge, which 296with an (unencrypted) \s-1RIPEMD160\s0 hash of the decrypted challenge, which
293will authentify that host. The destination host will also set the outgoing 297will authenticate that node. The destination node will also set the
294encryption parameters as given in the packet. 298outgoing encryption parameters as given in the packet.
295.PP 299.PP
296When the source host receives a correct auth reply (by verifying the 300When the source node receives a correct auth reply (by verifying the
297hash and the id, which will expire after 120 seconds), it will start to 301hash and the id, which will expire after 120 seconds), it will start to
298accept data packets from the destination host. 302accept data packets from the destination node.
299.PP 303.PP
300This means that a host can only initate a simplex connection, telling the 304This means that a node can only initiate a simplex connection, telling the
301other side the key it has to use when it sends packets. The challenge 305other side the key it has to use when it sends packets. The challenge
302reply is only used to set the current \s-1IP\s0 address of the other side and 306reply is only used to set the current \s-1IP\s0 address of the other side and
303protocol parameters. 307protocol parameters.
304.PP 308.PP
305This protocol is completely symmetric, so to be able to send packets the 309This protocol is completely symmetric, so to be able to send packets the
306destination host must send a challenge in the exact same way as already 310destination node must send a challenge in the exact same way as already
307described (so, in essence, two simplex connections are created per host 311described (so, in essence, two simplex connections are created per node
308pair). 312pair).
309.Sh "Retrying" 313.Sh "Retrying"
310.IX Subsection "Retrying" 314.IX Subsection "Retrying"
311When there is no response to an auth request, the host will send auth 315When there is no response to an auth request, the node will send auth
312requests in bursts with an exponential backoff. After some time it will 316requests in bursts with an exponential back-off. After some time it will
313resort to \s-1PING\s0 packets, which are very small (8 bytes) and lightweight 317resort to \s-1PING\s0 packets, which are very small (8 bytes + protocol header)
314(no \s-1RSA\s0 operations required). A host that receives ping requests from an 318and lightweight (no \s-1RSA\s0 operations required). A node that receives ping
315unconnected peer will respond by trying to create a connection. 319requests from an unconnected peer will respond by trying to create a
320connection.
316.PP 321.PP
317In addition to the exponential backoff, there is a global rate-limit on 322In addition to the exponential back-off, there is a global rate-limit on
318a per-IP base. It allows long bursts but will limit total packet rate to 323a per-IP base. It allows long bursts but will limit total packet rate to
319something like one control packet every ten seconds, to avoid accidental 324something like one control packet every ten seconds, to avoid accidental
320floods due to protocol problems (like a \s-1RSA\s0 key file mismatch between two 325floods due to protocol problems (like a \s-1RSA\s0 key file mismatch between two
321hosts). 326nodes).
327.PP
328The intervals between retries are limited by the \f(CW\*(C`max\-retry\*(C'\fR
329configuration value. A node with \f(CW\*(C`connect\*(C'\fR = \f(CW\*(C`always\*(C'\fR will always retry,
330a node with \f(CW\*(C`connect\*(C'\fR = \f(CW\*(C`ondemand\*(C'\fR will only try (and re-try) to connect
331as long as there are packets in the queue, usually this limits the retry
332period to \f(CW\*(C`max\-ttl\*(C'\fR seconds.
333.PP
334Sending packets over the \s-1VPN\s0 will reset the retry intervals as well, which
335means as long as somebody is trying to send packets to a given node, \s-1GVPE\s0
336will try to connect every few seconds.
322.Sh "Routing and Protocol translation" 337.Sh "Routing and Protocol translation"
323.IX Subsection "Routing and Protocol translation" 338.IX Subsection "Routing and Protocol translation"
324The gvpe routing algorithm is easy: there isn't any routing. \s-1GVPE\s0 always 339The \s-1GVPE\s0 routing algorithm is easy: there isn't much routing to speak
325tries to establish direct connections, if the protocol abilities of the 340of: When routing packets to another node, \s-1GVPE\s0 trues the following
326two hosts allow it. 341options, in order:
327.PP 342.IP "If the two nodes should be able to reach each other directly (common protocol, port known), then \s-1GVPE\s0 will send the packet directly to the other node." 4
328If the two hosts should be able to reach each other (common protocol, ip 343.IX Item "If the two nodes should be able to reach each other directly (common protocol, port known), then GVPE will send the packet directly to the other node."
329and port all known), but cannot (network down), then there will be no 344.PD 0
330connection, point. 345.ie n .IP "If this isn't possible (e.g. because the node doesn't have a \*(C`hostname\*(C' or known port), but the nodes speak a common protocol and a router is available, then \s-1GVPE\s0 will ask a router to ""mediate"" between both nodes (see below)." 4
346.el .IP "If this isn't possible (e.g. because the node doesn't have a \f(CW\*(C`hostname\*(C'\fR or known port), but the nodes speak a common protocol and a router is available, then \s-1GVPE\s0 will ask a router to ``mediate'' between both nodes (see below)." 4
347.IX Item "If this isn't possible (e.g. because the node doesn't have a hostname or known port), but the nodes speak a common protocol and a router is available, then GVPE will ask a router to mediate between both nodes (see below)."
348.ie n .IP "If a direct connection isn't possible (no common protocols) or forbidden (\*(C`deny\-direct\*(C'\fR) and there are any routers, then \s-1GVPE\s0 will try to send packets to the router with the highest priority that is connected already \fIand is able (as specified by the config file) to connect directly to the target node." 4
349.el .IP "If a direct connection isn't possible (no common protocols) or forbidden (\f(CW\*(C`deny\-direct\*(C'\fR) and there are any routers, then \s-1GVPE\s0 will try to send packets to the router with the highest priority that is connected already \fIand\fR is able (as specified by the config file) to connect directly to the target node." 4
350.IX Item "If a direct connection isn't possible (no common protocols) or forbidden (deny-direct) and there are any routers, then GVPE will try to send packets to the router with the highest priority that is connected already and is able (as specified by the config file) to connect directly to the target node."
351.IP "If no such router exists, then \s-1GVPE\s0 will simply send the packet to the node with the highest priority available." 4
352.IX Item "If no such router exists, then GVPE will simply send the packet to the node with the highest priority available."
353.IP "Failing all that, the packet will be dropped." 4
354.IX Item "Failing all that, the packet will be dropped."
355.PD
331.PP 356.PP
332A host can usually declare itself unreachable directly by setting it's 357A host can usually declare itself unreachable directly by setting it's
333port number(s) to zero. It can declare other hosts as unreachable by using 358port number(s) to zero. It can declare other hosts as unreachable by using
334a config-file that disables all protocols for these other hosts. 359a config-file that disables all protocols for these other hosts. Another
360option is to disable all protocols on that host in the other config files.
335.PP 361.PP
336If two hosts cannot connect to each other because their \s-1IP\s0 address(es) 362If two hosts cannot connect to each other because their \s-1IP\s0 address(es)
337are not known (such as dialup hosts), one side will send a connection 363are not known (such as dial-up hosts), one side will send a \fImediated\fR
338request to a router (routers must be configured to act as routers!), which 364connection request to a router (routers must be configured to act as
339will send both the originating and the destination host a connection info 365routers!), which will send both the originating and the destination host
340request with protocol information and \s-1IP\s0 address of the other host (if 366a connection info request with protocol information and \s-1IP\s0 address of the
341known). Both hosts will then try to establish a connection to the other 367other host (if known). Both hosts will then try to establish a direct
342peer, which is usually possible even when both hosts are behind a \s-1NAT\s0 368connection to the other peer, which is usually possible even when both
343gateway. 369hosts are behind a \s-1NAT\s0 gateway.
344.PP 370.PP
345If the hosts cannot reach each other because they have no common protocol, 371Routing via other nodes works because the \s-1SRCDST\s0 field is not encrypted,
346the originator instead use the router with highest priority and matching
347protocol as peer. Since the \s-1SRCDST\s0 field is not encrypted, the router host
348can just forward the packet to the destination host. Since each host uses 372so the router can just forward the packet to the destination host. Since
349it's own private key, the router will not be able to decrypt or encrypt 373each host uses it's own private key, the router will not be able to
350packets, it will just act as a simple router and protocol translator. 374decrypt or encrypt packets, it will just act as a simple router and
351.PP 375protocol translator.
352When no router is connected, the host will aggressively try to connect to
353all routers, and if a router is asked for an unconnected host it will try
354to ask another router to establish the connection.
355.PP
356\&... more not yet written about the details of the routing, please bug me
357\&...

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