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Attacking WPA3 Wi-Fi Networks

Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 improves upon WPA2 by offering stronger encryption, SAE for personal networks, OWE for open networks, and mandatory Protected Management Frames. However, it is not immune to compromise. In this module, we’ll explore practical attack techniques against WPA3 implementations, including OWE, SAE, and Enterprise networks (EAP-PWD), highlighting how vulnerabilities and misconfigurations can be exploited in real-world scenarios.

4.71

Created by Sentinal
Co-Authors: N1tr0x

Medium Offensive

Summary

Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) was introduced as the next-generation security standard to improve upon WPA2, promising stronger encryption, protection against offline dictionary attacks, and enhanced privacy for open networks. While WPA3 brings meaningful improvements such as Simultaneous Authentication of Equals, Opportunistic Wireless Encryption, and mandatory Protected Management Frames, it is not invulnerable. In this module, we will delve deeper into WPA3 OWE, SAE, and Enterprise networks (EAP-PWD), demonstrating various attack vectors and methods to compromise them.

In this module, we will cover:

  • Introduction
  • Attacks on OWE, such as:
    • Evil Twin Attack
    • Collider Evil Twin Attack
    • Transition Mode Evil Twin
  • Attacks on SAE, such as:
    • Downgrade Attack
    • Online Brute-Forcing
    • Collider Evil Twin Attack
    • Evil Twin Attack
    • DOS Attacks
  • WPA3 Enterprise Overview & Attacks
  • Skills Assessment

This module is broken down into sections with accompanying hands-on exercises to practice each of the tools, tactics, and techniques we cover. There are no specific WiFi hardware requirements for this module, as Hack The Box manages all necessary resources. You will need to RDP into the provided attacker VM to perform the exercises.

As you work through the module, you will see example commands and command outputs for the various tools and topics introduced. Reproducing as many examples as possible is recommended to reinforce the concepts presented in each section.

You can start and stop the module at any time and pick up where you left off. There is no time limit or grading, but you must complete all of the exercises and the skills assessments to receive the maximum number of cubes and have this module marked as complete in any paths you have chosen.

This module is classified as "Medium" and assumes a working knowledge of Wi-Fi fundamentals, Linux systems and network fundamentals. A firm grasp of the following modules can be considered a prerequisite for the successful completion of this module:

Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 Overview

Over the years, weaknesses in legacy wireless security protocols like WEP, WPA, and WPA2 led to the need for a more resilient standard. Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 (WPA3) was developed to address these concerns and provide stronger protections in modern wireless environments. The protocol was introduced by the Wi-Fi Alliance following years of research and collaboration aimed at improving network security.

As with any new standard, however, WPA3 introduced its own set of challenges. Since its release, researchers such as Mathy Vanhoef and Eyal Ronen have uncovered several vulnerabilities in the protocol. Some of these can be exploited over-the-air without association, requiring a shift in how WPA3 networks are assessed and targeted compared to earlier generations.

WPA3 Authentication Methods

WPA3 authentication comes in three main types, each designed for different use cases.

  1. WPA3-Open (OWE)
  2. WPA3-Personal (SAE)
  3. WPA3-Enterprise

Flowchart of WiFi Security: WiFi Authentication Types include WEP, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3. WPA3 branches into WPA3-Open (Opportunistic Wireless Encryption), WPA3-Personal (Simultaneous Authentication of Equals), and WPA3-Enterprise.

WPA3-OWE (Opportunistic Wireless Encryption) is a protocol introduced as part of the WPA3 standard. Aimed at improving the security of open Wi-Fi networks, it uses Diffie-Hellman key exchange to generate unique session keys and enables encrypted connections without requiring a password.

WPA3-SAE (WPA3-Personal) replaces WPA2's Pre-Shared Key (PSK) with a more secure handshake that's resistant offline attacks. It dynamically generates session-specifc encryption keys, preventing attackers from deriving passwords through captured data.

WPA3-Enterprise does not bring significant advancements for the enterprise sector, aside from an optional 192-bit security mode. In its mandatory configuration, it's essentially an extension of WPA2-Enterprise with the primary addition being support for Protected Management Frames (PMF). Beyond that, there are no major changes.

There are also different flavors of the main authentication types.

Variant Purpose Backward Compatibility
WPA3-Open (OWE) Provides encryption for open (passwordless) networks without authentication. None
WPA3-Open Transition Mode Allows clients without WPA3 support to still connect to open networks (unencrypted). Legacy open (unencrypted) networks
WPA3-Personal (SAE) Replaces WPA2-PSK with SAE for stronger password-based authentication. None
WPA3-Personal Transition Mode Enables WPA2-Personal (PSK) devices to connect while gradually moving to WPA3-SAE. WPA2-Personal
WPA3-Enterprise Provides stronger enterprise-grade security with 802.1X/EAP. None
WPA3-Enterprise Transition Mode Allows WPA2-Enterprise clients to connect alongside WPA3-Enterprise. WPA2-Enterprise
WPA3-Enterprise 192-bit Security Mode High-assurance mode using 192-bit cryptographic strength (for government/industry). None

As we delve into the various WPA3 attacks, these subcategories will be discussed in further detail.

The Backing Standards of WPA3

WPA3, including its enterprise variants, builds upon several IEEE standards to improve both security and performance. One key requirement is IEEE 802.11w, also known as Protected Management Frames (PMF), which helps prevent deauthentication and disassociation attacks by encrypting and authenticating management frames.

WPA3 networks can also incorporate optional roaming enhancements defined in IEEE 802.11k, 802.11v, and 802.11r, which aim to improve client handoffs between access points. These features aren't always enabled, but during reconnaissance, it's possible to detect their presence through beacon or probe response analysis

  • 802.11k (Radio Resource Management): Provides clients with a list of neighboring APs for more efficient roaming decisions.
  • 802.11v (Power-Saving Features and BSS Transitions): Allows the network to manage client connections and suggest optimal APs.
  • 802.11r (Fast transition roaming): Speeds up authentication during handoffs, reducing delays and preventing connection drops, which are crucial for real-time applications like voice over Wi-Fi.

In the upcoming sections, we will explore the vulnerabilities in WPA3 implementations and the ways to exploit them. To be successful, however, it's important we understand WPA3's core mechanisms at a deeper level: OWE, SAE, and the Dragonfly handshake.

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Sections

Relevant Paths

This module progresses you towards the following Paths

Wi-Fi Penetration Tester

Wi-Fi Penetration Tester

The Wi-Fi Penetration Tester Job Role Path is designed for professionals and aspiring security practitioners who want to build expertise in assessing and securing corporate wireless networks. The course provides hands-on training in evaluating the security of Wi-Fi environments, from attacking modern authentication and encryption protocols to simulating real-world attack scenarios such as rogue access points, man-in-the-middle attacks, and credential harvesting. Students will gain practical experience with industry-standard tools and methodologies, learning how to identify vulnerabilities, exploit misconfigurations, and recommend effective countermeasures. By the end of this Path the participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to perform authorized Wi-Fi penetration tests and strengthen the wireless security posture of enterprise corporate environments.

Hard Path Sections 170 Sections
Required: 3400
Reward: +680
Path Modules
Wi-Fi Penetration Testing Basics
Medium
Path Sections 16 Sections
Reward: +20
In today's digital age, wireless networks are ubiquitous, connecting countless devices in homes, businesses, and public spaces. With this widespread connectivity comes an increased risk of security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors. As such, understanding and securing Wi-Fi networks has become a crucial aspect of cybersecurity. Whether you are an aspiring ethical hacker, a network administrator, or simply a tech enthusiast, gaining a solid foundation in Wi-Fi penetration testing is essential for safeguarding your digital environment.
Attacking Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)
Medium
Path Sections 13 Sections
Reward: +20
In this module, we delve into the intricacies of WPS, uncovering the common vulnerabilities that plague this technology. From brute-force attacks to more sophisticated exploitation techniques, we will explore how attackers compromise WPS-enabled networks. By understanding these vulnerabilities and their related attacks, you will gain the knowledge necessary to protect your networks and mitigate the risks associated with WPS.
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) Attacks
Medium
Path Sections 13 Sections
Reward: +20
In this module, we delve into Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP) and the various attacks that can compromise it. We'll explore how to identify access points configured with WEP and demonstrate different methods to exploit its vulnerabilities. As WEP is an outdated and insecure protocol, understanding its weaknesses is crucial for recognizing the need to upgrade to more secure protocols. This module aims to provide insights into WEP’s vulnerabilities and practical techniques for testing its security.
Attacking WPA/WPA2 Wi-Fi Networks
Medium
Path Sections 15 Sections
Reward: +100
This module explores the security challenges of WPA and WPA2 Wi-Fi networks, focusing on WPA/WPA2-Personal and WPA/WPA2-Enterprise. Although these protocols aim to secure wireless communication, attackers can exploit various weaknesses in home and enterprise environments. This module will delve deeper into WPA-Personal and WPA-Enterprise, demonstrating multiple attack vectors to compromise each. Understanding these attack vectors will give you insight into the vulnerabilities that could compromise WPA/WPA2 networks and how to secure them.
Wi-Fi Evil Twin Attacks
Medium
Path Sections 16 Sections
Reward: +100
This module explores the concept of evil twin attacks on Wi-Fi networks, focusing on WPA2, WPA3, and WPA-Enterprise. Despite these protocols being designed with strong security measures, they remain vulnerable to social engineering and rogue access point attacks. We will delve into both manual and automated methods for executing evil twin attacks, demonstrating practical approaches for each network type. Additionally, we will cover advanced MiTM techniques, including DNS spoofing and SSL interception, to highlight how attackers can exploit compromised connections for data interception.
Attacking WPA3 Wi-Fi Networks
Medium
Path Sections 16 Sections
Reward: +100
Wi-Fi Protected Access 3 improves upon WPA2 by offering stronger encryption, SAE for personal networks, OWE for open networks, and mandatory Protected Management Frames. However, it is not immune to compromise. In this module, we’ll explore practical attack techniques against WPA3 implementations, including OWE, SAE, and Enterprise networks (EAP-PWD), highlighting how vulnerabilities and misconfigurations can be exploited in real-world scenarios.
Bypassing Wi-Fi Captive Portals
Medium
Path Sections 17 Sections
Reward: +100
In this module, we delve into a range of methods for identifying and bypassing captive portals, employing both indirect and direct exploitation techniques. We cover tactics such as MAC spoofing, ARP poisoning, DNS tunneling, and credential interception, alongside direct attack vectors like Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), file upload vulnerabilities, file inclusion, and brute force attacks. Additionally, we will examine client hijacking strategies to extract credentials and circumvent portal restrictions. By understanding these attack methods, we can evaluate and enhance the security of captive portal implementations.
Wi-Fi Password Cracking Techniques
Medium
Path Sections 16 Sections
Reward: +20
Password cracking is a cornerstone of wireless penetration testing, as many real-world assessments hinge on the strength of the Wi-Fi password and our ability to break it. Despite its importance, many testers continue to rely solely on dictionary attacks with basic tools and minimal customization. In this module, we’ll go beyond the basics and explore the full spectrum of practical techniques, targeted strategies, and performance-driven optimizations for cracking Wi-Fi passwords.
Wi-Fi Penetration Testing Tools and Techniques
Medium
Path Sections 30 Sections
Reward: +100 NEW
Wireless network penetration testing presents a unique challenge due to the wide variety of technologies, protocols, and security configurations encountered in the field. This module introduces learners to a range of Wi-Fi pentesting tools, each selected to demonstrate techniques suited for different environments and stages of an engagement. By working through practical examples, learners will gain hands-on experience in choosing and applying the right tool for the task.
Attacking Corporate Wi-Fi Networks
Medium
Path Sections 18 Sections
Reward: +100 NEW
This module incorporates a simulated Wi-Fi penetration test from start to finish, emphasizing hands-on techniques that reflect real-world engagements. It involves conducting scoped reconnaissance, assessing wireless configurations, and evaluating common attack surfaces across WPA2, WPA3, and Enterprise deployments. The environment culminates in a demonstration of internal network pivoting, including Active Directory access, all performed within a controlled, simulated environment and in adherence to strict legal and ethical boundaries.