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Cracking WPA2 PSK
I am not a lawyer. I am definitely not your lawyer.
Only apply the techniques described below to networks you own or have explicit (written) permission to perform WiFi security assessment techniques upon.
It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with applicable laws before performing any/all of the techniques below. I am not responsible for your actions.
WPA2 PSK is probably the most commonly deployed security protocols used to secure wireless networks. It was designed and intended for use in homes and small offices. PSK stands for Pre-Shared Key. The pre-shared key is a shared secret that everyone who connects to the network must use. The pre-shared key is usually between 8 and 63 characters in length.
WPA2 PSK is vulnerable to password cracking attacks if default or weak passwords/pass phrases are used. The techniques described below are an example of exploiting this common weakness.
We will be using the following tools during the course of this exercise:
- iwconfig (Used to inspect the available wireless network interfaces)
- iwlist (Used to obtain a list the available wireless networks [and their associated details] in your area)
- aircrack-ng (Used to capture and crack the pre-shared key)
I recommend using Kali Linux because all of these tools are pre-installed.
In order to capture (and crack) the pre-shared key you will need a WiFi adapter that can be placed in 'monitor' mode. Most WiFi adapters operate in 'managed' mode, this means that it acts as a client that connects to an access point (which operates in 'master' mode). 'Monitor' mode enables a WiFi adapter to capture packets without first associating with a network. Not all drivers for WiFi adapters support placing them into 'monitor' mode. Chances are that it is unlikely that your preinstalled WiFi adapter cannot be easily placed into 'monitor' mode. Look here to find WiFi adapters whose drivers support 'monitor' mode.
Note: You must run the following commands with root privileges.
# iwconfig