Does your Machine have a Good or Bad Karma?

1. Introduction to the Karma Attack
2. The Basic Functionality of Wireless Devices
3. The Mechanics of the Karma Attack
4. Potential Risks and Exploits
5. View From a Victim
6. Why is the Karma Attack so Effective?
7. How to Protect Yourself
8. EVIL-M5Core2
9. Conclusion

Introduction to the Karma Attack

The Karma Attack represents a sophisticated yet alarmingly straightforward cyber exploitation technique. It banks on the commonplace and often overlooked behavior of wireless devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets, which are programmed for convenience but inadvertently create a security loophole.

The Basic Functionality of Wireless Devices

To understand the mechanics of the Karma Attack, it’s essential to understand how most wireless devices operate concerning Wi-Fi networks. These devices are designed to remember Wi-Fi networks they have previously connected to.

This feature, known as « automatic reconnection, » is meant to provide seamless internet access by automatically connecting to familiar networks without requiring user intervention each time. When you enter your home or office, for instance, your device automatically reconnects to the Wi-Fi network it recognizes because it connect to it before.

Here lies the fundamental flaw that the Karma Attack exploits:

When out of range of known networks, these devices broadcast ‘probe requests.’ These requests are essentially the device calling out for any familiar networks. They say, « Is ‘MyHomeNetwork’ available? » or « Can I connect to ‘CoffeeShopWifi’? » This automatic query is a standard process, intended to connect you to known networks swiftly.

The Mechanics of the Karma Attack

An attacker, equipped with the right tools, listens for these probe requests in public places. The attacker’s equipment is designed to detect the names of the networks these devices are searching for. Upon capturing a probe request, the attacker’s equipment then impersonates the requested network by creating a rogue Wi-Fi access point with the same name. To the unsuspecting device, this rogue network appears as the familiar, trusted network it was seeking.

In practice, for most equipment only the name of the SSID must correspond if the original network is open, if it is protected by WPA2 it is necessary to create a wifi network which has the same password.

When the device automatically connects to this rogue network, believing it to be the legitimate one, the attacker gains a significant foothold. The device is now on a network completely controlled by the attacker, who can then initiate a variety of malicious activities.

Potential Risks and Exploits

The risks here are manifold:

• The attacker can monitor all data passing through the network, potentially capturing sensitive information like passwords, credit card numbers, and personal messages.
• The attacker could manipulate your internet experience, redirecting you to fraudulent websites or injecting malware into your device.
• In more advanced scenarios, this could even lead to a deeper compromise of the device’s security.

View From a Victim

1. Bob is at the Park but get no network connexion.
2. Bob connects to the real public Wi-Fi network named « KarmaPark ». Bob has a phone that remembers Wi-Fi networks it has previously connected to by default.
3. Bob use the internet connexion normally.
4. When Bob leaves the park, his phone automatically starts searching by « screamming » probes for known Wi-Fi networks to connect to. In particular, it looks for « KarmaPark » previous connected network without Bob realizing it.
5. A malicious hacker nearby uses a special device to sniff probes that near to him. This device is capable of detecting that Bob’s phone is actively searching for the network « KarmaPark » and create a fake Wi-Fi access point with the same name.
6. The hacker’s device responds to Bob’s phone, pretending to be « KarmaPark. » Bob’s phone, thinking it is connecting to the previous network that he need to connect if it seen, automatically connects to it.
7. Now that Bob is connected to the fake network, the hacker can make network modifications. This includes spying on his communications, inserting malware, stealing passwords, and setting up a captive portal.

Why is the Karma Attack so Effective?

The effectiveness of the Karma Attack lies in its exploitation of a standard, user-friendly feature – the automatic reconnection to known Wi-Fi networks. This attack doesn’t rely on sophisticated hacking skills or deep technical flaws in the Wi-Fi protocol. Instead, it leverages the predictable, automated behaviors of most modern wireless devices.

In summary, the Karma Attack is a stark reminder of the trade-offs between convenience and security in the digital age. It underlines the importance of being aware of the potential vulnerabilities that come with everyday technologies and the need for diligent cyber hygiene practices.

How to protect yourself

To protect yourself from a Karma attack, it’s important to follow several key wireless network security practices. Here are the essential measures:

1. Disable Automatic Connections: On your devices, turn off the feature that automatically connects to Wi-Fi networks. This prevents your device from searching for and connecting to potentially dangerous networks automatically.
2. Forget Non-Essential Wi-Fi Networks: On your device, delete Wi-Fi networks you no longer need. For example, if you visited a hotel or café and connected to their network, forget this network once you leave. This reduces the number of networks your device actively searches for.
3. Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi Networks: Exercise extra caution when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. Verify the network’s name with the establishment’s staff to ensure it’s the official network.
4. Keep Your Devices Updated: Ensure that your devices’ operating systems and software are regularly updated. Security updates can help protect against vulnerabilities exploited by attacks like Karma.
5. Awareness and Education: Be aware of the risks associated with Wi-Fi networks and educate yourself on online security best practices. Awareness is one of the best defenses against cyber attacks.
6. Check Network Security Settings: Make sure that your home Wi-Fi network’s security settings are properly configured, including using strong encryption like WPA2 or more recent WPA3.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a Karma attack or any other form of Wi-Fi network exploitation. The key is to remain vigilant and aware of the potential risks associated with using both public and private wireless networks.

EVIL-M5Core2

As part of my job, I developed a tool to check if your equipment is sending information without your knowledge and to easily demonstrate to users the veracity of this attack and the need to pay attention when connecting to WIFI open networks during their professional or personal travel.

Disclaimer: The creator of Evil-M5Core2 is not responsible for any misuse of this tool. It is intended solely for ethical and educational purposes. Users are reminded to comply with all applicable laws and regulations in their jurisdiction. All files provided with Evil-M5Core2 are designed to be used in a controlled environment and must be used in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Misuse or illegal use of this tool is strictly prohibited and not supported by the creator

https://github.com/7h30th3r0n3/Evil-M5Core2

Conclusion

The Karma Attack serves as a poignant example of the ever-present tension between convenience and security in our increasingly connected world. By exploiting the automatic reconnection feature in wireless devices, this attack underscores a critical vulnerability that arises from everyday use of technology. The simplicity and effectiveness of the Karma Attack lie in its reliance on predictable, automated behaviors of devices seeking familiar networks, making it a formidable threat to unwary users.

However, it’s important to note that awareness and proactive measures can significantly mitigate the risks posed by such attacks. By understanding the nature of these threats and implementing the recommended security practices – such as disabling automatic connections, forgetting non-essential networks, exercising caution with public Wi-Fi, keeping devices updated, and ensuring robust network security settings – users can enhance their defenses against this and similar cyber threats.

Ultimately, the Karma Attack highlights the importance of balancing convenience with security. In an age where our reliance on technology is ever-increasing, vigilance and informed use of security measures are key to protecting our digital lives. By staying educated and cautious, we can navigate the digital landscape more safely, minimizing the risks while enjoying the benefits of our connected world.