Wi-Fi Honeypot Trap for Network Attackers

 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