IPv6 Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks Security Vulnerabilities and Mitigation Techniques: A Survey

The proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT) has reshaped the way we interact with technology, propelling the Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks (RPL) into a critical role as a communication framework. Amid this transformative landscape, security vulnerabilities within RPL-based IoT networks emerge as a substantial concern. This survey delves into these vulnerabilities, offering insights into their intricacies, potential consequences, and robust mitigation strategies. Commencing with a foundational understanding of IoT networks and their real-world applications, the survey sets the stage for comprehending the significance of Routing Protocol for Low-Power and Lossy Networks (RPL). It unravels the unique characteristics of RPL networks, their Destination-Oriented Directed Acyclic Graph (DODAG) topologies, and their pivotal role in enabling seamless device communication. The survey then delves into the heart of RPL security vulnerabilities. It navigates through diverse attack vectors, such as rank attacks and version number attacks. Each vulnerability is scrutinized, unraveling its technical mechanisms and implications for network stability. Transitioning from vulnerabilities to resilience, the survey offers a panoramic view of mitigation strategies. It dissects the nuances of intrusion detection systems (IDS), exploring trust models, location-based approaches, and hybrid systems. Signature-based, anomaly-based, and specification-based detection mechanisms are evaluated for their potential to mitigate threats within RPL networks. As standards shape the IoT landscape, the survey underscores the pivotal role of RPL within this framework. It emphasizes the necessity of secure standards in mitigating vulnerabilities across interconnected IoT devices.