What is Chargen

Chargen

Vulnerable computer systems and applications:

Service Stations.

Description:

CHARGEN (Character Generator Protocol) is a service in the Internet Protocol Suite. CHARGEN is designed for testing, removing errors and performing measurements. This protocol is rarely used because its architecture allows for abuse.
UDP CHARGEN is used for preparing DoS attacks. Using a fake source address, the attacker can send traffic to the victim. UDP CHARGEN sends 200 – 1000 times more data than it receives (the so-called DDoS attack). Also, the attackers are able to hide the malicious IP address from the victim.

Recommendations:

Disable CHARGEN protocol support in service stations.