A language-theoretic view on network protocols

DOI10.1007/978-3-319-68167-2_24MaRDI QIDQ5096096zbMATH OpenOpenAlexFDO

Authors Pierre Ganty, Boris Köpf, Pedro Valero

Publication date 12 August 2022

Published in Automated Technology for Verification and Analysis (Search for Journal in Brave)

Full work available at URL https://arxiv.org/abs/1610.07198, http://oa.upm.es/48270/

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

Network protocols (68M12) Formal languages and automata (68Q45)

Abstract: Input validation is the first line of defense against malformed or malicious inputs. It is therefore critical that the validator (which is often part of the parser) is free of bugs. To build dependable input validators, we propose using parser generators for context-free languages. In the context of network protocols, various works have pointed at context-free languages as falling short to specify precisely or concisely common idioms found in protocols. We review those assessments and perform a rigorous, language-theoretic analysis of several common protocol idioms. We then demonstrate the practical value of our findings by developing a modular, robust, and efficient input validator for HTTP relying on context-free grammars and regular expressions.

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(6)

• A network protocol stack in standard ML
• Peer-to-peer networks: a language theoretic approach
• Protocol Normalization Using Attribute Grammars
• Language Modeling and Encryption on Packet Switched Networks
• Versatile form validation using jSRML
• scientific article; zbMATH DE number 5222364 (Why is no real title available?)

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