What type of threat involves cache poisoning where forged data is inserted into the cache of the name server?

Cache poisoning is a specific type of attack that targets the Domain Name System (DNS). In this attack, malicious actors inject false data into the DNS cache of the name server. The result is that when users attempt to resolve a domain name, they are directed to a malicious or unintended IP address rather than the legitimate one. This misdirection allows attackers to control or monitor the connection, potentially leading to data theft or further compromise.

The term "spoofing" refers to the act of masquerading as another entity to deceive systems or individuals. In the context of cache poisoning, attackers are effectively "spoofing" the information that the name server caches, injecting forged DNS records. This matches the essence of spoofing, as the integrity of the DNS responses is compromised through deceitful means, leading users to interact with potentially harmful sites.

Understanding this type of threat is crucial in the realm of cloud security, as DNS manipulation can have severe implications for users and organizations. Security measures, such as DNSSEC (DNS Security Extensions), are often employed to mitigate such risks by ensuring that the data returned by name servers is authentic and has not been tampered with.