Penetration Testing WiFi Networks
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Wireless networks (WiFi) have become ubiquitous, facilitating seamless internet connectivity across devices. However, this convenience comes with significant security challenges. Penetration testing (pentesting) WiFi networks is crucial for identifying vulnerabilities and strengthening network defenses. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive step-by-step approach to WiFi pentesting, targeted at both beginners and intermediate users. We’ll cover essential WiFi commands, tools available in Kali Linux, and a variety of attacks to help you get started.
Before diving into pentesting, it’s essential to understand some basic WiFi concepts and commands. WiFi networks operate on different channels within the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. Each WiFi network is identified by its Service Set Identifier (SSID). The primary security protocols used in WiFi networks include WEP, WPA/WPA2-PSK, and WPA3.
Here are some fundamental commands used in WiFi pentesting:
ifconfig: Displays network interfaces and their configurations.
iwconfig: Similar to ifconfig but specifically for wireless interfaces.
airmon-ng: Used to manage wireless interfaces.
airodump-ng: Captures raw 802.11 frames.
aireplay-ng: Injects frames into a network.
aircrack-ng: Cracks WEP and WPA-PSK keys.
Kali Linux is a go-to distribution for penetration testers due to its wide array of pre-installed tools. Here are some essential tools for WiFi pentesting:
Aircrack-ng Suite: A set of tools for auditing wireless networks.
Reaver: A tool for WPS brute force attacks.
Wireshark: A network protocol analyzer.
Wifite: An automated wireless attack tool.
Bettercap: A network attack and monitoring tool.
Kismet: A network detector, packet sniffer, and intrusion detection system.
DOS attacks aim to make a network unavailable to its intended users. One common method is by flooding the network with deauthentication packets.
Step-by-Step Guide for DOS Attack
Set Up Monitor Mode:
2. Capture Packets:
3. Send Deauthentication Packets:
A deauthentication attack forces clients to disconnect from a network, which can be useful for capturing handshakes.
Performing a Deauthentication Attack
Capture Handshake:
2. Send Deauth Packets:
WPS (WiFi Protected Setup) brute force attacks target the WPS PIN to gain access to the network.
Using Reaver for WPS Attack
Start Monitor Mode:
2. Scan for WPS-Enabled Networks:
3. Run Reaver:
WEP is outdated and insecure, but some networks still use it. Cracking WEP involves capturing enough data packets to retrieve the encryption key.
Cracking WEP Step-by-Step
Capture Data:
2. Inject ARP Packets:
3. Crack the Key:
Cracking WPA/WPA2-PSK involves capturing the handshake and using a dictionary attack to find the passphrase.
Capturing Handshake and Cracking WPA/WPA2-PSK
Capture Handshake:
2. Send Deauth Packets:
3. Crack Handshake:
The PMKID attack is a recent method that targets the RSN PMKID from a WPA2 handshake.
Executing a PMKID Attack
Capture PMKID:
2. Convert PMKID:
3. Crack PMKID:
WPA Enterprise uses a RADIUS server for authentication. Attacking this involves capturing EAP packets and attempting to crack them.
Capturing EAP Packets
Capture Packets:
2. Deauth Client:
3. Crack EAP:
Client attacks target the devices connected to a WiFi network rather than the access point itself. These can include exploiting vulnerabilities in the client devices or manipulating their connections.
Setting Up a Simple AP with Redirection to the Internet
Create a Hostapd Configuration File:
2. Start Hostapd:
3. Set Up NAT:
An Evil Twin attack involves setting up a rogue access point with the same SSID as the target network to trick clients into connecting to it.
Setting Up an Evil Twin
Create Fake AP:
2. Set Up NAT:
The KARMA attack exploits the tendency of devices to automatically connect to known networks. By broadcasting SSIDs that devices have previously connected to, an attacker can lure devices into connecting.
Performing a KARMA Attack
Set Up KARMA AP:
MANA is an enhanced version of the KARMA attack, with additional capabilities for capturing credentials.
Executing a MANA Attack
Start MANA:
2. Capture Traffic:
Loud MANA is an aggressive variant of the MANA attack, designed to forcefully deauthenticate clients from legitimate APs to connect to the rogue AP.
Performing a Loud MANA Attack
Start Loud MANA:
2. Capture Traffic:
In this attack, beacons of well-known networks are broadcasted to deceive clients into connecting.
Executing a Known Beacons Attack
Broadcast Known Beacons:
Wi-Fi Direct allows devices to connect directly without a router. Attacking Wi-Fi Direct involves exploiting vulnerabilities in the protocol or connected devices.
Wi-Fi Direct Pentesting
Discover Wi-Fi Direct Devices:
2. Connect to a Device:
Pentesting WiFi networks is an essential skill for identifying and mitigating security risks. By following the comprehensive steps and utilizing the tools outlined in this guide, beginners and intermediate users can effectively assess the security of wireless networks. Always ensure to have proper authorization before conducting any pentesting activities and use these skills responsibly to improve network security.
