Blocking protocols at Layer 7 with the L7 patch
BEYOND THE PORT
If you need a tool for filtering protocols that doesn’t depend on the port, try L7, an IPTables patch that operates through regular expressions.
Traditional firewalls decide whether to allow or reject packets based on IP addresses, TCP flags, MAC addresses, ports, and other criteria that reside in OSI layers two through four. Experienced admins can probably type commands like iptables -A FORWARD -i $IF -o $OF -p tcp --dport 80 --syn -j ACCEPT standing on their heads. But what if the web server listens on port 8500 rather than port 80? Or if a gaming server misuses this port? Peer-to-peer applications are even worse, as there is no way of predicting the ports they will use. And VoIP makes the chaos complete with Real Time Protocol (RTP), which definitely takes liberties when assigning UDP ports.
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
News
-
Mozilla VPN Now Available for Linux
The promised subscription-based VPN service from Mozilla is now available for the Linux platform.
-
Wayland and New App Menu Coming to KDE
The 2021 roadmap for the KDE desktop environment includes some exciting features and improvements.
-
Deepin 20.1 has Arrived
Debian-based Deepin 20.1 has been released with some interesting new features.
-
CloudLinux Commits Over 1 Million Dollars to CentOS Replacement
An open source, drop-in replacement for CentOS is on its way.
-
Linux Mint 20.1 Beta has Been Released
The first beta of Linux Mint, Ulyssa, is now available for downloading.
-
Manjaro Linux 20.2 has Been Unleashed
The latest iteration of Manjaro Linux has been released with a few interesting new features.
-
Patreon Project Looks to Bring Linux to Apple Silicon
Developer Hector Martin has created a patreon page to fund his work on developing a port of Linux for Apple Silicon Macs.
-
A New Chrome OS-Like Ubuntu Remix is Now Available
Ubuntu Web looks to be your Chrome OS alternative.
-
System76 Refreshes the Galago Pro Laptop
Linux hardware maker has revamped one of their most popular laptops.
-
Dell Will Soon Enable Privacy Controls for Linux Hardware
Dell makes it possible for Linux users to disable webcams and microphones.