up:: [[Network Hacking]] # WPA and WPA2 Cracking **[[Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)|WPA]] and [[Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2)|WPA2]] Cracking** refers to the techniques used to breach the security of networks protected by [[Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)]] and [[Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2)]]. These security protocols were designed to provide stronger protection than [[Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)|WEP]], incorporating elements such as the [[Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP)]] for [[Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)|WPA]] and the [[Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)]] for [[Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2)|WPA2]]. Cracking these networks involves exploiting vulnerabilities in the way these security protocols implement authentication and [[encryption]]. ## Key Features - **Enhanced [[Encryption]]:** [[Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)|WPA]] uses [[Temporal Key Integrity Protocol (TKIP)]], and [[Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2)|WPA2]] uses [[Advanced Encryption Standard (AES)|AES]], both of which are significant improvements over [[Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP)|WEP]]'s [[encryption]] methods. - **Robust Authentication:** Both protocols use a four-way [[WPA handshake|handshake]] to confirm that both the client and access point possess the correct credentials (pre-shared key). - **Vulnerability to Attacks:** Despite their robustness, these protocols can still be vulnerable to brute force attacks if weak passwords are used. ## Problem Addressed [[Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)|WPA]] and [[Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2)|WPA2]] cracking techniques address: - **[[Network Security]] Assessment:** Testing the strength and resilience of [[network security]] to prevent unauthorized access. - **[[Encryption]] Weaknesses:** Identifying weaknesses in [[encryption]] methods and password strength. ## Implications - **Privacy and Security Risks:** Unauthorized access to a network can lead to data theft, eavesdropping, and other security breaches. - **Credential Compromise:** Once an attacker cracks a network's password, they can gain extensive access to network resources and traffic. - **Regulatory and Compliance Issues:** Security breaches may lead to non-compliance with data protection regulations, resulting in penalties and damage to reputation. ## Impact - **Increased Security Measures:** Awareness of the potential for cracking encourages stronger security practices, including the use of complex passwords and advanced [[encryption]] settings. - **Enhanced Security Protocols:** Drives the development and implementation of more secure wireless protection protocols like WPA3. - **Security Audits and Improvements:** Prompts organizations to conduct regular security audits and update their security infrastructure. ## Defense Mechanisms - **Use of Strong Passwords:** Implementing strong, complex passwords that are resistant to brute force attacks. - **Regular Updates:** Keeping firmware and devices updated to protect against known vulnerabilities. - **Network Monitoring:** Actively monitoring network traffic for signs of unauthorized access or unusual activities. ## Exploitable Mechanisms/Weaknesses - **Password Strength:** The strength of the network password greatly influences the susceptibility to cracking. Weak passwords can be cracked using brute force or dictionary attacks. - **Protocol Flaws:** Certain implementations of [[Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)|WPA]] and [[Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2)|WPA2]] have been found vulnerable to specific attack vectors, such as the KRACK (Key Reinstallation Attack) in [[Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2)|WPA2]]. ## Common Tools/Software - **[[Aircrack-ng]]:** A suite of tools for assessing Wi-Fi [[network security]], including capabilities for cracking [[Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)|WPA]] and [[Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2)|WPA2]]. - **Hashcat:** Advanced password recovery tool capable of executing brute force and dictionary attacks on captured network hashes. - **[[Wireshark]]:** To analyze network traffic and capture the data necessary for initiating a crack. - [[Wifite]]: a versatile, automated tool designed to attack multiple WEP and WPA encrypted networks simultaneously ## Current Status - **Continued Relevance:** [[Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)|WPA]] and [[Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2)|WPA2]] remain widely used, though with recommendations for strong security practices to mitigate vulnerabilities. - **Adoption of WPA3:** Introduction of WPA3 aims to address the vulnerabilities inherent in [[Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)|WPA]] and [[Wi-Fi Protected Access II (WPA2)|WPA2]], offering enhanced security features. ## Revision History - **2024-05-10:** Initial entry created to explain the principles, implications, and methods of cracking WPA and WPA2. # [[Hacking WPA & WPA2]] Try this first! It's the easiest way in, and you might luck out an d someone has misconfigured their router with this setting. It's unlikely but encouraged to try this first. ![[Hacking WPA & WPA2#Hacking WPA & WPA2]] # [[Capturing the Handshake]] ![[Capturing the Handshake#Steps to Capture the Handshake]] I will create a future lesson about cracking this # [[Generating a Wordlist & Cracking the Password]] ![[Generating a Wordlist & Cracking the Password#Generating a Wordlist & Cracking the Password]]