A Modeling-Driven Threat Analysis and Risk Assessment for Software-Defined Network Architecture

Abstract

In recent years, the networking field has been marked by the emergence of a new technology that seems set to revolutionize everything in our infrastructure. Software-Defined Networks (SDN), which present a new approach to networking with a different architectural philosophy. These changes in network infrastructure simplify equipment and make it independent. SDN is not a single solution or product, but rather a collection of innovative technologies that enable centralized control of network resources, improved programmability and orchestration of these resources, and virtualization by decoupling them from the physical elements of the network. However, increasing centralization raises serious security and privacy concerns, exposing networks to vulnerabilities including unauthorized access, data breaches, and malware infections. This article examines security concerns in the deployment of SDN in a campus network environment using a structured Threat Modeling approach based on the STRIDE methodology. Following a methodical methodology, we describe the SDN use case and illustrate its architecture using a Data Flow Diagram (DFD) to identify essential assets and communication flows in each zone of the SDN architecture. We then examine potential hazards to each zone, assess the risks, and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies. Our method is to improve the security and dependability of SDN, a technology that provides substantial benefits in terms of flexibility, scalability, and network management but is vulnerable to a variety of cyber threats if not properly guarded. The combination of STRIDE threat modeling and CVSS scoring enables a comprehensive understanding of vulnerabilities in SDN environments, prioritizing mitigation efforts based on exploitability and impact. Specific outcomes include T11, rated as a Critical risk with a CVSS score of 9.8, and T5 and T4 reaching Extreme levels in the 5x5 matrix. This approach helps to address high-risk threats while ensuring a balanced security strategy across varying threat levels.