Host Attack Graph for Botnet Propagation

2026-10-08

AI Summary

This study addresses the oversight in existing botnet propagation research regarding the synergistic effects of network topology and target selection by proposing a host attack graph-based modeling approach. Through multi-scenario simulations and benchmarking, we systematically evaluate the diffusion efficacy and temporal characteristics of two propagation strategies across diverse topological structures. The findings reveal the critical role of network topology and target selection in propagation dynamics, advancing beyond prior limitations that focused solely on propagation strategies and scale. Furthermore, the implementation code and benchmark datasets have been open-sourced to provide a reproducible experimental foundation for future research.

Abstract

Botnets represent the backbone of most modern cybersecurity attacks through which botmasters deploy distributed denial of service and advanced persistent threats against legitimate computer networks. In this paper we introduce the Host Attack Graph model and propose two botnet propagation strategies which we study across network topologies, target selection, and attack strategies together with their effectiveness in time. While strategy and botnet size are important for propagation, our study and simulations show that network topology and target selection should not be easily discarded. Implementation and benchmarks are available at https://codeberg.org/AndreiN/HAGP.

Problem

• Botnet Propagation
• Host Attack Graph
• Network Topology
• Target Selection
• Cybersecurity

Innovation

• Host Attack Graph
• Botnet Propagation
• Network Topology
• Target Selection
• Attack Strategies