up:: [[Network Hacking]] # Deauthentication Attack A **deauthentication attack** is a type of denial-of-service (DoS) attack in wireless networks, specifically targeting Wi-Fi connections. This attack disrupts the normal communication between a device and the network by repeatedly sending [[deauth packets]] from an attacker to one or more clients connected to the network. These frames mimic the packets sent during a normal user-initiated disconnection process. ## Key Features - **Disruptive:** Intentionally disconnects devices from a Wi-Fi network. - **Wireless Specific:** Targets IEEE 802.11 protocols used in Wi-Fi networking. - **No Authentication Required:** The attacker does not need to be authenticated with the network to perform this attack. - **Ease of Execution:** Can be executed using simple tools and minimal technical knowledge. - **Packet Injection:** Involves injecting spoofed packets that appear as legitimate deauthentication commands from the router to the client. ## Problem Addressed Deauthentication attacks exploit the open nature of the Wi-Fi protocol, which does not require verification of deauthentication requests. This vulnerability is particularly problematic in: - **Public Wi-Fi Networks:** Where multiple users are frequently connecting and disconnecting. - **Corporate Environments:** Where connectivity is crucial for operational efficiency. - **Personal Networks:** Impacting users' personal internet access and smart home devices. ## Implications - **Network Disruption:** Immediate loss of network connectivity for affected devices. - **Security Breach:** Potentially used as a precursor to more serious attacks like session hijacking or network intrusion. - **Service Deterioration:** Impacts the quality of service, causing frustration and disruption in environments relying on continuous connectivity. ## Impact - **Operational Delays:** In corporate settings, frequent disconnections can lead to significant disruptions in workflow and productivity. - **Loss of Trust:** Users may perceive the network as unreliable, leading to dissatisfaction and potential loss of business. - **Increased Security Costs:** Organizations may need to invest more in advanced security measures to protect against such attacks. ## Defense Mechanisms - **MAC Address Filtering:** Restrict network access to known devices, though not foolproof. - **Use of WPA3:** The latest Wi-Fi Protected Access version improves security, including measures against deauthentication attacks. - **Continuous Monitoring:** Use of network monitoring tools to detect unusual patterns of deauthentication. - **Physical Security Measures:** Limit physical access to network infrastructure to prevent unauthorized device setup. ## Exploitable Mechanisms/Weaknesses - [[Exploiting Deauthentication Attacks]] - **Lack of Packet Authentication:** Wi-Fi protocol does not verify whether a deauthentication packet came from a legitimate source. - **Broadcast Nature of Wi-Fi:** Deauthentication packets can be sent to any device within the Wi-Fi signal range without needing direct connection. ## Common Tools/Software - **[[Aircrack-ng]]:** Popular suite of tools for Wi-Fi [[network security]] testing, including deauthentication attack capabilities. - **[[Wireshark]]:** Network protocol analyzer that can capture and analyze packets, including those used in deauthentication attacks. - **Kismet:** Wireless network detector, sniffer, and [[Intrusion Detection Systems|intrusion detection system]] that can be used to monitor network traffic for suspicious activities. ## Current Status - **Prevalence:** Still a common attack on Wi-Fi networks despite newer security protocols. - **Research:** Ongoing in developing more robust security protocols that can mitigate such vulnerabilities. ## Resources - [[Exploiting Deauthentication Attacks]] ## Revision History - **2024-05-10:** Initial entry created, discussing the nature, impact, and defenses against deauthentication attacks.