Security Implications of Dual-Stack Deployments in Cloud Services

Abstract

The coexistence of IPv4 and IPv6 protocols in
cloud environments through dual-stack deployments presents
significant security challenges that require careful consideration.
While dual-stack implementations offer a practical solution to
IPv4 address exhaustion and enable backward compatibility, they
also introduce an expanded attack surface and increased manage-
ment complexity. This paper examines the security implications
of dual-stack deployments in cloud environments, focusing on
protocol-specific vulnerabilities, security tool disparities, and
management challenges. We analyze key security concerns includ-
ing IPv6-specific threats such as extension header manipulation,
Neighbor Discovery Protocol attacks, and IPsec implementation
challenges in cloud infrastructures. The research demonstrates
that dual-stack environments face unique security challenges due
to the parallel operation of two distinct protocols, each with
its own vulnerability landscape. To address these challenges, we
propose comprehensive security best practices including unified
access control policies, advanced threat detection mechanisms,
and robust IPv6 address management strategies. Our findings
emphasize the importance of implementing consistent security
measures across both protocols while accounting for their distinct
characteristics. The paper concludes that successful security
implementation in dual-stack cloud environments requires a
balanced approach that addresses both protocol-specific vulner-
abilities and the complexities of managing dual protocol stacks
in dynamic cloud infrastructures.