Security Scenario Generator (SecGen): A Framework for Generating Randomly Vulnerable Rich-scenario VMs for Learning Computer Security and Hosting CTF Events

Authors: 

Z. Cliffe Schreuders, Thomas Shaw, Mohammad Shan-A-Khuda, Gajendra Ravichandran, and Jason Keighley, Leeds Beckett University; Mihai Ordean, University of Birmingham

Abstract: 

Computer security students benefit from hands-on experience applying security tools and techniques to attack and defend vulnerable systems. Virtual machines (VMs) provide an effective way of sharing targets for hacking. However, developing these hacking challenges is time consuming, and once created, essentially static. That is, once the challenge has been "solved" there is no remaining challenge for the student, and if the challenge is created for a competition or assessment, the challenge cannot be reused without risking plagiarism, and collusion.

Security Scenario Generator (SecGen) can build complex VMs based on randomised scenarios, with a number of diverse use-cases, including: building networks of VMs with randomised services and in-thewild vulnerabilities and with themed content, which can form the basis of penetration testing activities; VMs for educational lab use; and VMs with randomised CTF challenges. SecGen has a modular architecture which can dynamically generate challenges by nesting modules, and a hints generation system, which is designed to provide scaffolding for novice security students to make progress on complex challenges. SecGen has been used for teaching at universities, and hosting a recent UK-wide CTF event.

Open Access Media

USENIX is committed to Open Access to the research presented at our events. Papers and proceedings are freely available to everyone once the event begins. Any video, audio, and/or slides that are posted after the event are also free and open to everyone. Support USENIX and our commitment to Open Access.

BibTeX
@inproceedings {205221,
author = {Z. Cliffe Schreuders and Thomas Shaw and Mohammad Shan-A-Khuda and Gajendra Ravichandran and Jason Keighley and Mihai Ordean},
title = {Security Scenario Generator ({{{{{SecGen)}}}}}: A Framework for Generating Randomly Vulnerable Rich-scenario {VMs} for Learning Computer Security and Hosting {CTF} Events},
booktitle = {2017 USENIX Workshop on Advances in Security Education (ASE 17)},
year = {2017},
address = {Vancouver, BC},
url = {https://www.usenix.org/conference/ase17/workshop-program/presentation/schreuders},
publisher = {USENIX Association},
month = aug
}