Step By Step Kali Linux And Wireless Hacking Basics Reaver Part 4

Julian Assange

2 min read

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09-12-2024

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This is the fourth installment in our series exploring wireless hacking basics using Kali Linux and the Reaver tool. Previous parts covered installing Kali, identifying target networks, and understanding WPS vulnerabilities. This part focuses on the practical application of Reaver and interpreting its output. Remember: All activities described here should be conducted only on networks you have explicit permission to test. Unauthorized access is illegal and carries severe consequences.

Launching Reaver and Understanding the Output

Once you've identified a target network vulnerable to WPS attacks (as discussed in Part 3), you're ready to launch Reaver. The basic syntax is:

reaver -i <interface> -b <BSSID> -c <channel> -vv

• <interface>: Your wireless interface (e.g., wlan0).
• <BSSID>: The MAC address of the target access point.
• <channel>: The channel the access point is using.
• -vv: Enables verbose output for detailed progress updates.

Reaver will begin attempting to brute-force the WPS PIN. The output will provide real-time updates on the process, including:

• Current PIN attempts: Reaver will display the number of PINs it has tried so far.
• Progress updates: The percentage completion of each stage of the attack.
• Status messages: Reaver will provide informative messages about the progress and any potential issues encountered.
• Error messages: These are crucial for troubleshooting. Pay close attention to them.

Interpreting Reaver's Output: Success and Failure

A successful attack will result in Reaver displaying a message indicating the WPS PIN has been cracked, followed by the passphrase for the Wi-Fi network. This passphrase can then be used to connect to the network.

However, several factors can lead to Reaver failing to crack the WPS PIN:

• Strong WPS PIN: Some routers have strong, randomly generated WPS PINs that are computationally difficult to crack.
• WPS Disabled: If WPS is disabled on the router, Reaver will be unable to connect.
• Network Interference: Interference from other wireless networks can disrupt the attack.
• Router Firmware: Certain router firmware versions may have implemented countermeasures against WPS attacks.
• Lockout Mechanisms: Some routers have lockout mechanisms that temporarily disable WPS after multiple failed attempts.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If Reaver is not producing results or encountering errors, consider the following:

• Verify Target: Double-check that the target network's BSSID and channel are accurate.
• Interface Selection: Ensure you are using the correct wireless interface.
• Driver Issues: Problems with your wireless driver can significantly impact Reaver's performance.
• Root Privileges: Reaver requires root privileges to function correctly.

This part has focused on the practical execution and interpretation of Reaver. The next part will delve into more advanced techniques and considerations for using Reaver effectively and ethically. Remember, always obtain explicit permission before testing your skills on any network. Unauthorized activity is illegal.