Hamachi, developed by LogMeIn, is a software-based VPN (Virtual Private Network) solution that implements a tunneling engine to create zero-configuration virtual networks over the Internet. This paper examines the internal architecture of the Hamachi tunneling engine, focusing on its peer-to-peer (P2P) mediation, NAT traversal techniques (including UDP hole punching), encrypted tunneling protocols, and the role of the central mediation server. Security strengths and known vulnerabilities are also evaluated.
| Feature | Implementation | |---------|----------------| | Encryption | AES-256-CBC or GCM (configurable) | | Key exchange | RSA-2048 (authenticated via mediation server) | | Authentication | Network membership password + client ID | | Replay protection | Sequence numbers + sliding window | | Forward secrecy | Ephemeral session keys (renegotiated periodically) | hamachi tunneling engine
Upon startup, the engine creates a virtual network interface. Each client receives a IP address (Hamachi’s private range) or a 5.x.x.x address in newer versions. The engine intercepts outgoing packets destined for the Hamachi subnet. Hamachi, developed by LogMeIn, is a software-based VPN