Wi-Fi Honeypot Trap for Network Attackers - Technical & Engineering Guide
1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose
This guide outlines the design and implementation of a Wi-Fi Honeypot Trap to detect and analyze network attackers. A Wi-Fi honeypot simulates a vulnerable access point to lure potential attackers, capturing their activities for further investigation.
1.2 Scope
This project is intended for cybersecurity professionals and researchers aiming to study attack patterns, gather forensic evidence, and enhance network defenses against potential threats.
1.3 Definitions & Acronyms
|
Acronym |
Definition |
|
SSID |
Service Set Identifier |
|
WPA |
Wi-Fi Protected Access |
|
MAC |
Media Access Control |
|
DNS |
Domain Name System |
|
DHCP |
Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol |
|
API |
Application Programming Interface |
2. System Architecture
The architecture of the Wi-Fi Honeypot Trap includes:
- **Access Point Emulator**: Simulates a Wi-Fi network with an SSID and
encryption standards.
- **Packet Capturer**: Intercepts and logs packets exchanged between attackers
and the honeypot.
- **Data Storage**: Logs captured data for analysis.
- **Analysis Engine**: Identifies attack patterns, payloads, and other
malicious activities.
- **Alerting System**: Notifies administrators of potential threats.
3. Key Features
3.1 Network Emulation
Simulate open or poorly secured Wi-Fi networks to attract attackers.
3.2 Real-Time Packet Capturing
Capture data packets to analyze the behavior and methods used by attackers.
3.3 Attack Analysis and Reporting
Identify and log attacker IPs, MAC addresses, attempted exploits, and payloads.
4. Implementation Steps
1. **Set Up a Wireless Access Point**: Use tools like
hostapd or airbase-ng to create the honeypot network.
2. **Install Packet Capturing Tools**: Use Wireshark or tcpdump to log network
traffic.
3. **Data Storage**: Configure a database to store captured packets and
metadata.
4. **Analyze Traffic**: Use scripting (e.g., Python with Scapy) to parse and
analyze traffic logs.
5. **Develop Alerting Mechanism**: Set up email or SMS alerts for suspicious
activities.
5. Security Considerations
1. Isolate the honeypot network from production environments
to avoid compromising critical systems.
2. Use legal disclaimers and obtain permissions to operate honeypots in public
spaces.
3. Regularly update tools and software to prevent the honeypot from being
exploited.
6. Testing and Validation
1. Simulate attacks using tools like Metasploit or
Aircrack-ng to verify honeypot functionality.
2. Validate data capture and storage mechanisms.
3. Test alerting and reporting systems for accuracy and timeliness.
7. Tools and Technologies
- **Wi-Fi Tools**: hostapd, airbase-ng
- **Packet Capturing Tools**: Wireshark, tcpdump
- **Programming**: Python with Scapy and Pandas
- **Databases**: SQLite, MongoDB
- **Visualization**: Grafana, Kibana for traffic analysis