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Martian Address
Last Updated: August 18, 2011
Definition - What does Martian Address mean?
A martian address is an invalid IP address. Such an IP address is either spoofed by a hacker or not allocated to a network node. Martian addresses cannot be routed. Thus, such packets are dropped whenever a router discovers them in either the source or the destination address.
Techopedia explains Martian Address
Different types of martian addresses include:
- Reserved Category Addresses: The Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) is the central body managing the assignment of IP Addresses. IANA has divided the entire range of possible available IPv4 addresses into several categories. There is a category of addresses reserved by the IANA. These addresses cannot be used by any entity over a network operating on default or typical configurations.
- Bogon IPs: Martian addresses can be part of the address pool not yet been assigned by IANA to any node, which are known as Bogon IPs. These are part of what is called the Bogon space or unreserved IP set.
- Hacking Ploys: Martian addresses are also used as a hacker’s ploy to spoof the receiver that the address belongs to a legitimate pool. Successful trespassing can result in attacks such as denial of service. Routers employ techniques such as martian address filtering to avoid any such packet pass through.
- Misconfiguration: Sometimes misconfigured systems can also result in the creation of a martian address.
