Weakness in Wi-Fi routers exploited

2012-01-01

Helen Martin

Virus Bulletin, UK

Editor: Helen Martin

Abstract

Researchers demonstrate tools that exploit recently discovered WPS vulnerability.

Two security researchers have demonstrated tools that exploit a weakness in the configuration of most consumer Wi-Fi routers.

The vulnerability, which was first reported by independent researcher Stefan Viehbock, exists in the Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) – a protocol that makes it easier for non-technical users to set up a secure home Wi-Fi network. WPS is enabled by default on the vast majority of consumer Wi-Fi access points.

A few days after reporting the vulnerability, Viehbock demonstrated a tool that can crack a home Wi-Fi network within two hours, while Craig Heffner of Tactical Network Solutions (who had been working independently on the same vulnerability), has also developed a tool that will allow access to secure Wi-Fi networks within four to 10 hours.

Currently, most owners of reasonably modern Wi-Fi routers are at risk – it is hoped that the Wi-Fi Alliance and the manufacturers of Wi-Fi access points will work quickly to resolve the issue.

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