Hacking Wireless Networks For Dummies (For Dummies (Computer/Tech))

379 Pages·2005·8.08 MB·English

by  Kevin Beaver

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Hacking
Wireless Networks
FOR
DUMmIES
‰
by Kevin Beaver and Peter T.Davis
Foreword by Devin K.Akin
Chief Technology Officer,
The Certified Wireless Network Professional (CWNP) Program
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Hacking Wireless Networks For Dummies®
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Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
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About the Authors
Kevin Beaver is founder and information security advisor with Principle
Logic, LLC, an Atlanta-based information-security services firm. He has over
17 years of experience in the IT industry and specializes in information
security assessments for those who take security seriously — and incident
response for those who don’t. Before starting his own information-security
services business, Kevin served in various information-technology and secu-
rity roles for several healthcare, e-commerce, financial, and educational
institutions.
Kevin is author of Hacking For Dummiesas well as the e-book The Definitive
Guide to Email Management and Security(Realtimepublishers.com). In addi-
tion, Kevin co-authored The Practical Guide to HIPAA Privacy and Security
Compliance(Auerbach Publications). He was also a contributing author and
editor of Healthcare Information Systems, 2nd ed., (Auerbach Publications),
and technical editor of Network Security For Dummies.
Kevin is a regular columnist and information-security expert for SearchSecurity.
com, SearchWindowsSecurity.com, SearchNetworking.com, SearchExchange.
com, and SearchSmallBizIT.com. He also serves as a contributing editor
for HCPro’s Briefings on HIPAA newsletter and is a Security Clinic Expert
for ITsecurity.com. In addition, Kevin’s information-security work has
been published in Information Security Magazine, SecurityFocus.com,
and Computerworld.com. Kevin is an information-security instructor for
the Southeast Cybercrime Institute, and frequently speaks on information
security at various conferences for CSI, TechTarget, IIA, SecureWorld Expo,
and the Cybercrime Summit.
Kevin earned his bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering Technology from
Southern Polytechnic State University and his master’s degree in Management
of Technology from Georgia Tech. He also holds MCSE, Master CNE, and IT
Project+ certifications. Kevin can be reached at [email protected].
Peter T. Davis (CISA, CMA, CISSP, CWNA,CCNA, CMC, CISM) founded Peter
Davis+Associates (a very original name) as a firm specializing in the security,
audit, and control of information. A 30-year information-systems veteran,
Mr. Davis’s career includes positions as programmer, systems analyst, security
administrator, security planner, information-systems auditor, and consultant.
Peter is also the founder (and past President) of the Toronto ISSA chapter,
past Recording Secretary of the ISSA’s International Board, and past Computer
Security Institute Advisory Committee member. Mr. Davis has written or
co-written numerous articles and 10 books, including Wireless Networks For
Dummiesand Securing and Controlling Cisco Routers. In addition, Peter was
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the technical editor for Hacking For Dummiesand Norton Internet Security
For Dummies. Peter is listed in the International Who’s Who of Professionals.
In addition, he was only the third editor in the three-decade history of
EDPACS, a publication in the field of security, audit, and control. He finds
time to be a part-time lecturer in data communications at Seneca College
(http://cs.senecac.on.ca). He lives with his wife Janet, daughter Kelly,
two cats, and a dog in Toronto, Ontario.
Dedication
Little G — this one’s for you. You’re such a great motivator and inspiration to
me — more than words can say. Thanks for reminding me of what’s really
important. Thanks for being you.
—Kevin
To all my friends and enemies. Hopefully, the first group is bigger than the
second.
—Peter
Authors’ Acknowledgments
Kevin:
Thanks to Melody Layne, our acquisitions editor, for approaching me about
this project and getting the ball rolling.
I’d like to thank our project editor, Chris Morris, as well as Kevin Kirschner
and all the behind-the-scenes copy editors for pulling this thing together.
Many thanks to my co-author Peter T. Davis for working with me on this
book. It has been an honor and a pleasure.
I’d also like to thank Hugh Pepper, our technical editor, for the feedback and
insight he gave us during the technical editing process.
Also, many thanks to Devin Akin with Planet3 Wireless for writing the fore-
word. Major kudos too for all the positive things you’ve done for the industry
with the CWNP program. You’re a true wireless network pioneer.
Many thanks to Ronnie Holland with WildPackets, Chia Chee Kuan with
AirMagnet, Michael Berg with TamoSoft, Matt Foster with BLADE Software,
Ashish Mistry with AirDefense, and Wayne Burkan with Interlink Networks
for helping out with my requests.
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Thanks, appreciation, and lots of love to Mom and Dad for all the values and
common sense you instilled in me long ago. I wouldn’t be where I’m at today
without it.
Finally, to my dear wife Amy for all her support during this book. Yet another
one I couldn’t have done without you! You’re the best.
Peter:
Melody Layne (our acquisitions editor) for pitching the book to the editorial
committee and getting us a contract. As always, much appreciated.
Chris Morris for helping us bring this project to fruition. Kudos, Chris.
Hugh Pepper, tech editor, for his diligence in reviewing the material. Thanks,
Hugh, for stepping in and stepping up.
Peter would like to thank Kevin Beaver for suggesting we write this together.
Thanks Kevin. Peter would also like to thank Ken Cutler, Gerry Grindler,
Ronnie Holland, Carl Jackson, Ray Kaplan, Kevin Kobelsky, Carrie Liddie,
Dexter Mills Jr. and Larry Simon for responding to a request for wireless infor-
mation. Thanks for answering the call for help. And a really big shout-out to
John Selmys and Danny Roy for their efforts. Thanks, guys. The provided
information shows in this book. Peter would be remiss should he not thank
the NHL and NHLPA for canceling the hockey season. Thanks for freeing up
his time to write this book. But the book is done, so get it together so he has
something to watch this fall! (Come on guys, the Raptors don’t quite fill the
void.) A special thanks to Janet and Kelly for allowing Peter to work on the
book as they painted the family room. Now he can kick back and enjoy the
room!
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Publisher’s Acknowledgments
We’re proud of this book; please send us your comments through our online registration form
located at www.dummies.com/register/.
Some of the people who helped bring this book to market include the following:
Acquisitions, Editorial, Composition Services
and Media Development
Project Coordinator: Adrienne Martinez
Project Editor:Christopher Morris
Layout and Graphics: Carl Byers, Andrea Dahl,
Acquisitions Editor:Melody Layne Mary Gillot Virgin
Copy Editors:Barry Childs-Helton, Proofreaders: Jessica Kramer, Joe Niesen,
Andy Hollandbeck, Beth Taylor Carl William Pierce, Dwight Ramsey,
TECHBOOKS Production Services
Technical Editor:Hugh Pepper
Indexer: TECHBOOKS Production Services
Editorial Manager:Kevin Kirschner
Editorial Assistant:Amanda Foxworth
Cartoons:Rich Tennant (www.the5thwave.com)
Publishing and Editorial for Technology Dummies
Richard Swadley,Vice President and Executive Group Publisher
Andy Cummings,Vice President and Publisher
Mary Bednarek,Executive Acquisitions Director
Mary C. Corder,Editorial Director
Publishing for Consumer Dummies
Diane Graves Steele,Vice President and Publisher
Joyce Pepple,Acquisitions Director
Composition Services
Gerry Fahey,Vice President of Production Services
Debbie Stailey,Director of Composition Services
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Contents at a Glance
Foreword ..................................................................xvii
Introduction ................................................................1
Part I: Building the Foundation
for Testing Wireless Networks .......................................7
Chapter 1: Introduction to Wireless Hacking .................................................................9
Chapter 2: The Wireless Hacking Process ....................................................................19
Chapter 3: Implementing a Testing Methodology .......................................................31
Chapter 4: Amassing Your War Chest ...........................................................................43
Part II: Getting Rolling with Common Wi-Fi Hacks .......65
Chapter 5: Human (In)Security ......................................................................................67
Chapter 6: Containing the Airwaves .............................................................................81
Chapter 7: Hacking Wireless Clients .............................................................................97
Chapter 8: Discovering Default Settings .....................................................................113
Chapter 9: Wardriving ...................................................................................................131
Part III: Advanced Wi-Fi Hacks ................................153
Chapter 10: Still at War .................................................................................................155
Chapter 11: Unauthorized Wireless Devices ..............................................................177
Chapter 12: Network Attacks .......................................................................................195
Chapter 13: Denial-of-Service Attacks .........................................................................225
Chapter 14: Cracking Encryption ................................................................................255
Chapter 15: Authenticating Users ...............................................................................281
Part IV: The Part of Tens ..........................................301
Chapter 16: Ten Essential Tools for Hacking Wireless Networks ............................303
Chapter 17: Ten Wireless Security-Testing Mistakes ................................................307
Chapter 18: Ten Tips for Following Up after Your Testing .......................................321
Part V: Appendixes ..................................................325
Appendix A: Wireless Hacking Resources ..................................................................327
Appendix B: Glossary of Acronyms ............................................................................341
Index.......................................................................347
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Table of Contents
Foreword ..................................................................xvii
Introduction .................................................................1
Who Should Read This Book? ........................................................................2
About This Book ..............................................................................................2
How to Use This Book ....................................................................................2
Foolish Assumptions ......................................................................................3
How This Book Is Organized ..........................................................................3
Part I: Building the Foundation for Testing Wireless Networks ......4
Part II: Getting Rolling with Common Wi-Fi Hacks ............................4
Part III: Advanced Wi-Fi Hacks .............................................................4
Part IV: The Part of Tens .......................................................................5
Part V: Appendixes ................................................................................5
Icons Used in This Book .................................................................................5
Where to Go from Here ...................................................................................6
Part I: Building the Foundation
for Testing Wireless Networks .......................................7
Chapter 1: Introduction to Wireless Hacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Why You Need to Test Your Wireless Systems ..........................................10
Knowing the dangers your systems face ..........................................11
Understanding the enemy ..................................................................12
Wireless-network complexities ..........................................................14
Getting Your Ducks in a Row .......................................................................15
Gathering the Right Tools ............................................................................16
To Protect, You Must Inspect ......................................................................17
Non-technical attacks .........................................................................17
Network attacks ...................................................................................18
Software attacks ..................................................................................18
Chapter 2: The Wireless Hacking Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Obeying the Ten Commandments of Ethical Hacking ..............................19
Thou shalt set thy goals .....................................................................20
Thou shalt plan thy work, lest thou go off course ..........................21
Thou shalt obtain permission ............................................................21
Thou shalt work ethically ...................................................................22
Thou shalt keep records .....................................................................22
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Hacking Wireless Networks For Dummies
Thou shalt respect the privacy of others .........................................23
Thou shalt do no harm .......................................................................23
Thou shalt use a “scientific” process ...............................................24
Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor’s tools .......................................24
Thou shalt report all thy findings .....................................................25
Understanding Standards ............................................................................26
Using ISO 17799 ...................................................................................26
Using CobiT ..........................................................................................27
Using SSE-CMM ....................................................................................27
Using ISSAF ...........................................................................................27
Using OSSTMM ....................................................................................28
Chapter 3: Implementing a Testing Methodology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Determining What Others Know .................................................................32
What you should look for ...................................................................32
Footprinting: Gathering what’s in the public eye ............................33
Mapping Your Network .................................................................................35
Scanning Your Systems ................................................................................37
Determining More about What’s Running ..................................................39
Performing a Vulnerability Assessment .....................................................39
Manual assessment .............................................................................40
Automatic assessment ........................................................................40
Finding more information ...................................................................41
Penetrating the System ................................................................................41
Chapter 4: Amassing Your War Chest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Choosing Your Hardware .............................................................................44
The personal digital assistant ............................................................44
The portable or laptop .......................................................................44
Hacking Software ...........................................................................................45
Using software emulators ...................................................................45
Linux distributions on CD ..................................................................55
Stumbling tools ....................................................................................56
You got the sniffers? ............................................................................56
Picking Your Transceiver .............................................................................57
Determining your chipset ...................................................................57
Buying a wireless NIC ..........................................................................59
Extending Your Range ...................................................................................59
Using GPS .......................................................................................................62
Signal Jamming ..............................................................................................63
Part II: Getting Rolling with Common Wi-Fi Hacks .......65
Chapter 5: Human (In)Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67
What Can Happen .........................................................................................68
Ignoring the Issues ........................................................................................69
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Table of Contents
Social Engineering .........................................................................................70
Passive tests .........................................................................................71
Active tests ...........................................................................................73
Unauthorized Equipment .............................................................................74
Default Settings ..............................................................................................76
Weak Passwords ............................................................................................77
Human (In)Security Countermeasures .......................................................78
Enforce a wireless security policy .....................................................78
Train and educate ...............................................................................79
Keep people in the know ....................................................................79
Scan for unauthorized equipment .....................................................80
Secure your systems from the start ..................................................80
Chapter 6: Containing the Airwaves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Signal Strength ...............................................................................................81
Using Linux Wireless Extension and Wireless Tools .......................81
Using Wavemon ...................................................................................87
Using Wscan .........................................................................................88
Using Wmap .........................................................................................88
Using XNetworkStrength ....................................................................88
Using Wimon ........................................................................................88
Other link monitors .............................................................................88
Network Physical Security Countermeasures ...........................................90
Checking for unauthorized users ......................................................90
Antenna type ........................................................................................91
Adjusting your signal strength ..........................................................94
Chapter 7: Hacking Wireless Clients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
What Can Happen .........................................................................................98
Probing for Pleasure .....................................................................................99
Port scanning .......................................................................................99
Using VPNMonitor .............................................................................102
Looking for General Client Vulnerabilities ...............................................103
Common AP weaknesses ..................................................................104
Linux application mapping ...............................................................105
Windows null sessions ......................................................................106
Ferreting Out WEP Keys .............................................................................109
Wireless Client Countermeasures .............................................................111
Chapter 8: Discovering Default Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Collecting Information ................................................................................113
Are you for Ethereal? ........................................................................113
This is AirTraf control, you are cleared to sniff ............................114
Let me AiroPeek at your data ..........................................................114
Another CommView of your data ....................................................115
Gulpit ...................................................................................................117
That’s Mognet not magnet ...............................................................119
Other analyzers .................................................................................119