In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, a novel approach has emerged that combines cutting-edge technology with traditional penetration testing methods. Researchers from iTrust, a Center for Research in Cyber Security at the Singapore University of Technology and Design, have developed a drone-based system that exposes vulnerabilities in office networks, particularly focusing on unsecured wireless printers.

The Drone Pen Test Scenario

Imagine this: you’re working in your office, sending a routine print job to the shared printer. Suddenly, you notice a drone hovering outside your window. Moments later, the printer springs to life, producing not only your intended documents but also additional pages containing crucial security instructions. These unexpected printouts detail how to encrypt the printer’s wireless access, highlighting a significant security flaw that could potentially allow malicious actors to intercept sensitive business information.

The Technology Behind It

The researchers equipped a flying drone with an Android smartphone running a custom application called "Cybersecurity Patrol." This innovative app is designed to:

- Scan for unsecured wireless printers within the target organization.

- Capture photos of the devices (when possible).

- Alert the organization’s CIO via email about potential security risks.

- Send print jobs with security instructions directly to vulnerable printers.

Demonstrating the Threat

To illustrate the severity of the threat, the research team developed another application that takes a more aggressive approach. This app:

- Intercepts print jobs sent to unsecured printers.

- Uploads the intercepted data to a cloud storage account (simulating how an attacker might steal information).

- Forwards the print job to its intended destination to avoid raising suspicion.

Versatility of the Attack

The researchers didn't stop at drones. To showcase the adaptability of this penetration testing method, they also mounted the smartphone on an autonomous vacuum cleaner, achieving similar results. This demonstration underscores that the attack vector isn’t limited to aerial devices—any inconspicuous mobile platform could potentially be used to carry out such security assessments.

Why Printers?

The team chose wireless printers as their primary target for two main reasons:

- They represent a common weak link in office network security.

- It’s relatively straightforward to generate specific security instructions for different printer brands based on their SSIDs.

Implications and Future Applications

While this research focused on printers, the same approach could be applied to detect other unsecured wireless connections within an organization. The proliferation of affordable personal drones has opened up new possibilities for attackers to access wireless networks unobtrusively, making this type of security assessment increasingly relevant.

Expanded Applications of Drone-Based Pen Testing

Beyond printers, drone-based penetration testing could be applied to:

- Wi-Fi Network Scanning: Identifying unsecured or poorly secured wireless networks across large areas or multiple floors of a building.

- Bluetooth Vulnerability Assessment: Detecting unsecured Bluetooth devices or those susceptible to Bluetooth-based attacks.

- Physical Security Audits: Testing the effectiveness of physical security measures, such as identifying blind spots in CCTV coverage or testing the response to unauthorized aerial presence.

- IoT Device Detection: Locating and assessing the security of Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

- Signal Leakage Detection: Detecting electromagnetic emissions that might be leaking sensitive data.

- Social Engineering Tests: Testing how employees react to unexpected situations or unauthorized devices.

Guidance for Implementing Drone-Based Pen Testing

For organizations interested in incorporating drone-based techniques into their security assessments, consider the following steps:

Legal and Regulatory Compliance:

- Ensure all drone operations comply with local, state, and federal regulations.

- Obtain necessary permits and certifications for drone operation.

- Be aware of restricted airspace and privacy laws.

Hardware Selection:

- Choose drones with appropriate flight time, payload capacity, and stability.

- Select or develop specialized payloads based on testing objectives.

Software Development:

- Create or adapt applications for specific testing scenarios.

- Develop secure data collection and transmission protocols.

Training and Skill Development:

- Ensure operators are proficient in both drone piloting and cybersecurity principles.

- Conduct regular training sessions to stay updated on new techniques.

Integration with Existing Security Practices:

- Incorporate drone-based testing into your overall penetration testing methodology.

- Develop standard operating procedures for different types of drone-based assessments.

Ethical Considerations:

- Clearly define the scope and limitations of drone-based testing to avoid privacy violations.

- Obtain proper authorization from all relevant stakeholders before conducting tests.

Data Management and Reporting:

- Establish secure protocols for handling and storing data collected during drone-based assessments.

- Develop comprehensive reporting templates to communicate findings and recommendations effectively.

Continuous Improvement:

- Regularly review and update your drone-based testing methodologies.

- Stay informed about advancements in both drone technology and cybersecurity threats.

Challenges and Limitations

While drone-based pen testing offers exciting possibilities, it’s important to be aware of its limitations:

Physical Constraints: Battery life, payload capacity, and weather conditions can limit effectiveness.

Signal Interference: Various signals might interfere with drone operations or data collection.

Detection and Countermeasures: Organizations may implement anti-drone technologies.

Overreliance on Technology: Drone-based testing is just one tool in a comprehensive security strategy and should not replace other essential security practices.

Conclusion

Drone-based penetration testing represents an innovative approach to identifying and addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities. By combining the mobility and versatility of drones with sophisticated security assessment tools, organizations can uncover weaknesses that might otherwise go unnoticed. However, like any security methodology, it must be implemented thoughtfully, ethically, and in compliance with all relevant regulations. As this field continues to evolve, we can expect to see more creative applications of drone technology in cybersecurity, further enhancing our ability to protect critical information assets in an increasingly connected world.

References:

Help Net Security (2015) 'Pen testing drone searches for unsecured devices', available at: https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2015/10/08/pen-testing-drone-searches-for-unsecured-devices/ 

DroneLife (2016) 'Cybersecurity firm unleashes tiny hacking drone', available at: https://dronelife.com/2016/08/16/cybersecurity-firm-unleashes-tiny-hacking-drone/ 

Spiceworks (n.d.) 'WiFi cyberattack using drones', available at: https://www.spiceworks.com/it-security/network-security/news/wifi-cyberattack-using-drones/