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Wi-Fi Penetration Testing Basics

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.

4.79

Created by Sentinal
Co-Authors: N1tr0x

Medium Offensive

Summary

This module introduces fundamental techniques for enumerating, visualizing and attacking Wi-Fi networks. We will cover how to enumerate and map access points, exploit vulnerabilities in Wi-Fi networks, discover hidden networks, and bypass MAC filtering implemented by access points using aircrack-ng tools.

In this module, we will cover:

  • Wi-Fi Penetration Testing Basics Overview
  • 802.11 Fundamentals
    • 802.11 Frames and Types
    • Authentication Methods
  • Wi-Fi Interfaces and Interface Modes
  • Aircrack-ng Essentials
    • Airmon-ng
    • Airodump-ng
    • Airgraph-ng
    • Aireplay-ng
    • Airdecap-ng
    • Aircrack-ng
  • Connection Methods
    • Connecting to Wi-Fi Networks
  • Basic Control Bypass, such as:
    • Finding Hidden SSIDs
    • Bypassing Mac Filtering
  • 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 Linux systems and network fundamentals. Prior familiarity with the following topics is recommended for successful completion of this module:

Wi-Fi Penetration Testing Basics Overview

In today's interconnected world, WiFi networks have become ubiquitous, serving as the backbone of our digital connectivity. However, with this convenience comes the risk of security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by malicious actors. WiFi pentesting, or penetration testing, is a crucial process employed by cybersecurity professionals to assess the security posture of WiFi networks. By systematically evaluating passphrases, configurations, infrastructure, and client devices, WiFi pentesters uncover potential weaknesses and vulnerabilities that could compromise network security. In this module, we'll explore the fundamental principles of WiFi pentesting, covering key aspects of the process and highlighting essential techniques used to assess and enhance the security of WiFi networks.

Wi-Fi Authentication Types

WiFi authentication types are crucial for securing wireless networks and protecting data from unauthorized access. The main types include WEP, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3, each progressively enhancing security standards.

Flowchart of WiFi Security showing authentication types: WEP, WPA, WPA2, and WPA3. WPA2 splits into Personal and Enterprise, with Enterprise further dividing into EAP-TTLS/PAP and PEAP-MSCHAPv2. WPA3 splits into Personal and Enterprise, with Enterprise leading to EAP-TLS, culminating in Certificate-Based Authentication (CBA).

  • WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy): The original WiFi security protocol, WEP, provides basic encryption but is now considered outdated and insecure due to vulnerabilities that make it easy to breach.
  • WPA (WiFi Protected Access): Introduced as an interim improvement over WEP, WPA offers better encryption through TKIP (Temporal Key Integrity Protocol), but it is still less secure than newer standards.
  • WPA2 (WiFi Protected Access II): A significant advancement over WPA, WPA2 uses AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) for robust security. It has been the standard for many years, providing strong protection for most networks.
  • WPA3 (WiFi Protected Access III): The latest standard, WPA3, enhances security with features like individualized data encryption and more robust password-based authentication, making it the most secure option currently available.

When we look to get started on our path of becoming wireless penetration testers, we should always consider the fundamental skills required for us to be successful. Knowing these skills can ensure that we do not get lost along the way when we are exploring many different authentication mechanisms and protections. After all, although wi-fi is one of the most available areas of perimeter security for our exploitation, it presents difficulty to even some of the most seasoned veterans.

A WiFi penetration test comprises the following four key components:

  • Assessing passphrases for strength and security
  • Analyzing configuration settings to identify vulnerabilities
  • Probing the network infrastructure for weaknesses
  • Testing client devices for potential security flaws

Let's delve into a detailed discussion of these four crucial components.

  1. Evaluating Passphrases: This involves assessing the strength and security of WiFi network passwords or passphrases. Pentesters employ various techniques, such as dictionary attacks, brute force attacks, and password cracking tools, to evaluate the resilience of passphrases against unauthorized access.

  2. Evaluating Configuration: Pentesters analyze the configuration settings of WiFi routers and access points to identify potential security vulnerabilities. This includes scrutinizing encryption protocols, authentication methods, network segmentation, and other configuration parameters to ensure they adhere to best security practices.

  3. Testing the Infrastructure: This phase focuses on probing the robustness of the WiFi network infrastructure. Pentesters conduct comprehensive assessments to uncover weaknesses in network architecture, device configurations, firmware versions, and implementation flaws that could be exploited by attackers to compromise the network.

  4. Testing the Clients: Pentesters evaluate the security posture of WiFi clients, such as laptops, smartphones, and IoT devices, that connect to the network. This involves testing for vulnerabilities in client software, operating systems, wireless drivers, and network stack implementations to identify potential entry points for attackers.

By systematically evaluating these aspects, pentesters can identify and mitigate security risks, strengthen defenses, and enhance the overall security posture of WiFi networks.

Note: After spawning, please wait 3-4 minutes before connecting to the target(s).

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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.