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OSI LAYER 2 // Data Link Layer

DHCP Starvation

DHCP starvation exhausts available addresses in a DHCP scope by causing the server to see many apparently unique clients.

01 // HOW IT WORKS

Mechanism

The attacker generates many client identities, consuming leases and preventing legitimate clients from obtaining addresses.

02 // DETECTION

Indicators to watch

Rapid lease allocation, many short-lived client identifiers, scope exhaustion, and sudden DHCP request volume.

03 // ATTACK FLOW

Concept diagram

01DHCP clients↓
02Many client identities↓
03Lease pool consumed↓
04Legitimate client denied↓
05DHCP snooping + rate limits
04 // PREVENTION

Defensive controls

Use DHCP snooping, port security, rate limits, appropriately sized scopes, and monitoring of lease churn.

05 // SECURITY TOOL

Recommended security control

DHCP snooping / SIEM

Use a lab DHCP server with a small test scope.

06 // DEFENCE PRACTICE LAB

Defence practice lab

The administrator has not attached a tool link yet. This slot will show “Build Soon” until an external link is configured.

Build Soon
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DEFENCE PRACTICE LAB // BUILD SOONThe administrator can add or edit an external defence practice lab link from the private admin portal.
07 // DEFENCE TECHNIQUES

Defence techniques

Defence techniques for this attack will be added by the administrator.

AUTHORIZED LEARNING

All attack descriptions are for defensive education. Test scanning, traffic generation, interception, wireless testing, and vulnerable applications only on systems and networks you own or are explicitly authorized to assess.