CyGym: A Simulation-Based Game-Theoretic Analysis Framework for Cybersecurity

Abstract: We introduce a novel cybersecurity encounter simulator between a network defender and an attacker designed to facilitate game-theoretic modeling and analysis while maintaining many significant features of real cyber defense. Our simulator, built within the OpenAI Gym framework, incorporates realistic network topologies, vulnerabilities, exploits (including-zero-days), and defensive mechanisms. Additionally, we provide a formal simulation-based game-theoretic model of cyberdefense using this simulator, which features a novel approach to modeling zero-days exploits, and a PSRO-style approach for approximately computing equilibria in this game. We use our simulator and associated game-theoretic framework to analyze the Volt Typhoon advanced persistent threat (APT). Volt Typhoon represents a sophisticated cyber attack strategy employed by state-sponsored actors, characterized by stealthy, prolonged infiltration and exploitation of network vulnerabilities. Our experimental results demonstrate the efficacy of game-theoretic strategies in understanding network resilience against APTs and zero-days, such as Volt Typhoon, providing valuable insight into optimal defensive posture and proactive threat mitigation.