DNS suddenly broken [on some VLANs]
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That was my thoughts. I can't imagine any issue like this taking weeks never mind months to fix either. So I came to the same conclusion.
I would have thought it was an easy setting to make as well. Chose our DNS servers, use your own or build your own using the root servers.
Everyone is looking for ways to increase their income. It would be stupid of them to sell this data as it would have a big knock on effect.
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I wrote the following to Nord. Lets see how it goes.
I don't understand how this issue has taken as long as it has never mind a further 2 months never mind 5 days more. Networking may be a black art but it follows very simple rules. Can you clarify what the issue you are working on is.
From my understanding the issue I am having can only be caused by Nord intercepting my DNS queries as you say on your website. 'NordVPN native applications automatically use NordVPN's DNS servers when connected to VPN.' I read this as you intercept my DNS and direct it to your DNS servers. Can you confirm if this is true or not.
This makes me concerned that Nord are collecting this data as it is valuable to marketing people. Can you confirm that you are not collecting any DNS data.
I look forward to hearing from you.
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@DaveP-0 if they say they are not intercepting, ask them why when you query 1.2.3.4 through their network you get an answer.. When 1.2.3.4 doesn't answer dns..
Do a simple test dig @1.2.3.4 www.google.com if you get an answer you were intercepted. Now it could be your own interception? Or redirection if you will.. But from the other thread(s) about this pretty sure someone did that test and got an answer, which is a smoking gun that dns was redirect somewhere, and if your not doing it and your routing your traffic through a vpn.. This screams they are doing it, unless the ISP of their exit IPs are doing it??
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@johnpoz Thanks for that. I'll use that if they deny it. I'll keep everyone informed.
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@johnpoz said in DNS suddenly broken [on some VLANs]:
if they say they are not intercepting, ask them why when you query 1.2.3.4 through their network you get an answer.. When 1.2.3.4 doesn't answer dns..
Do a simple test dig @1.2.3.4 www.google.com if you get an answer you were intercepted. Now it could be your own interception? Or redirection if you will..
While doing the dig @1.2.3.4, join a full packet capture on the VPN client interface, the one connected to Nord ?
This should dhow the DNS to 1.2.3.4 going out, and info coming back that 'someone' is answering ... -
Just got this reply ignoring all but one of my questions. I'll be replying to this one.
Thank you for your reply.
NordVPN strictly keeps no logs of your activity online.
That means we do not track the time or duration of the online session, and neither do we keep logs of IP addresses or servers used, websites visited or files downloaded.
In other words, none of your private data is logged or saved at any time.
Unfortunately, we are still experiencing some issues with custom DNS addresses, our developers are aware of the issue and are working to resolve it.
We would rather not give you an estimation when we do not actually have one for certain.
Let us know if you have any further questions in the mean time.
Please note that our support is available 24/7, you can always contact us via email or chat here!
Do not hesitate to drop us a message in case of any inquiries!
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As per their last sentence I dropped them this.
Thank you for your response. I understood that Nord were not selling any data so it is good that you have confirmed that and I understand you do not want to give an eta on fixes.
I did note that you had not responded to my other questions so let me ask them slightly differently.
1 - Is Nord redirecting my DNS queries to the root servers and stopping me from performing my own root DNS searches?
2 - What exactly is issue with custom DNS addresses that you are taking so long to resolve?
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I wrote to them again
I was expecting the security response for the issue so I'll let that go to save time.
You didn't answer all my questions though. I also asked if Nord is intercepting my DNS queries. All the tests I have done point to that
happening.Can you confirm if Nord intercepts my DNS queries or not.
They have just responded with;
Thank you for your reply.
To clarify, when you connect to the VPN server, our DNS are automatically assigned.
Feel free to contact us if there is anything else we can assist you with!
We offer customer support twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
The ticket will be re-opened automatically if you reply to this email.
Which is the best I'm going to get although it didn't answer the question. So they have an issue that they won't tell us about for security reasons. They kind of say they are assigning my DNS. They also say there is an issue with DNS and I can't do anything about it and have no idea when they will fix it. If they ever do.
So next question. I have PfSense set up to automagically send everything through Nord as per their configuration guide for PfSense.
How can I send my DNS queries through to my ISP instead who does allow me to use the root servers for resolving queries. I have no idea where to start. According to my system all items on port 53 are forwarded through the VPN.
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@DaveP-0 Just go to Services > DNS Resolver and set the outgoing network interface(s) for unbound to only your WAN, and tick the
Strict Outgoing Network Interface Binding
check box:A shame that they're punting on a real explanation, but also rather expected as you say. Although it is somewhat curious that they seem to acknowledge that there is as issue as opposed to just saying everything's working as it should. It will be interesting to see whether there are any further developments. I plan to periodically attempt to turn off forwarding mode and check whether it starts working again at some point. I'll be sure to report back here if it does.
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@DaveP-0 said in DNS suddenly broken [on some VLANs]:
To clarify, when you connect to the VPN server, our DNS are automatically assigned.
Nope that is not what they are doing - they are intercepting.. And the big brains running that outfit didn't think it through that interception is easy to spot and will break shit like dnssec, which is one of the things dnssec is suppose to do, validate your talking to the actual authoritative ns.. Which when your intercepting clearly your not..
Using their "app" ok assign your dns away.. But if I am routing traffic through your vpn - you shouldn't freaking touch it..
Why anyone sends their traffic through these money grabbing scare mongers is beyond me.. The whole VPN service scam that blew up over night is just horse shit all the way down.. They don't give too shits about your privacy or your security.. All they are after is a drop dead simple way to get people to send them money for doing nothing..
The only value they provide is the ability to circumvent geo IP restrictions.. And most of the services are starting to block the big boys.. So that money tree is going away..
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Hi Everyone, It looks like I also have the same issue.
I have setup multiple VPN clients on my pfsense firewall. Using DNS Resolver as a resolver, and only selected the "VPN Interface" in the "Outgoing Network Interfaces". This setup has been working fine for years (Since I have set this up, for more than 6 years). The DNS issue started on 3rd March, 2024. I was scratching my head.
Got the DNS temporary fixed by selecting "WAS" in "Outgoing Network Interfaces".
Hopefully they fix this issue soon. -
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