A security testing mechanism for detecting attacks in distributed software applications using blockchain

Abstract

Distributed software applications are one of the most important applications currently used. Rising demand has led to a rapid increase in the number and complexity of distributed software applications. Such applications are also more vulnerable to different types of attacks due to their distributed nature. Detecting and addressing attacks is an open issue concerning distributed software applications. This paper proposes a new mechanism that uses blockchain technology to devise a security testing mechanism to detect attacks on distributed software applications. The proposed mechanism can detect several categories of attacks, such as denial-of-service attacks, malware and others. The process starts by creating a static blockchain (Blockchain Level 1) that stores the software application sequence obtained using software testing techniques. This sequence information exposes weaknesses in the application code. When the application is executed, a dynamic blockchain (Blockchain Level 2) helps create a static blockchain for recording the responses expected from the application. Every response should be validated using the proposed consensus mechanism associated with static and dynamic blockchains. Valid responses indicate the absence of attacks, while invalid responses denote attacks.