Mangled packet

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In computer networking, a mangled or invalid packet is a packet—especially IP packet—which lacks sound order, self-coherence or content to confuse computers, firewalls, routers or any service present on the network.

Notable software tools such as nmap or Nessus can generate mis-ordered or mangled packets to confuse and even disrupt network devices.

This is commonly associated with a type of network attack called a denial-of-service (DoS) attack. Inadequate networks can be flooded with these types of network packets.

Sometimes, a mangled packet is used to open the network ajar and to see what other services are available when operators need to restart disabled devices.

As of 2008, most invalid packets are easily filtered by using modern stateful firewalls.