Denial of Service (DoS) attacks are a key part of advanced wireless network assessments, especially during red team operations or penetration tests conducted under authorized and controlled environments. In wireless security, DoS attacks are designed to disrupt network availability or temporarily degrade service performance by exploiting the behavior of client devices and access points. These simulations are vital in identifying how resilient a network is to real-world threats.
Airgeddon, a multi-functional wireless auditing tool, offers a range of automated DoS features. These are integrated into its modular architecture, enabling security professionals to execute disruptive testing in a safe and reproducible manner. This article outlines the step-by-step methods Airgeddon uses to implement and automate various forms of DoS attacks within ethical and legal boundaries.
Monitor Mode Initialization for Packet Injection
Before any active attack can occur, Airgeddon begins by enabling monitor mode on the selected wireless interface. Monitor mode allows the wireless adapter to capture all packets in the air, regardless of their intended destination. This capability is essential for both observing and injecting packets.
- Function: Starts monitor mode and disables interfering services like
NetworkManagerorwpa_supplicant. - Tool used:
airmon-ng
Scanning and Target Discovery
Once monitor mode is enabled, Airgeddon launches a network scan using airodump-ng. This module provides a list of all accessible Wi-Fi access points along with:
- SSIDs (network names)
- BSSIDs (MAC addresses)
- Encryption type
- Operating channel
- Connected clients (if any)
The user selects the target access point and, optionally, individual clients for precision targeting.
DoS Attack Options in Airgeddon
Airgeddon supports multiple forms of wireless DoS attacks, each tailored for different disruption goals. All options are executed via an intuitive menu with status indicators, reducing the need for manual input or complex configuration.
Deauthentication Attack Automation
This is the most common wireless DoS method. It involves sending crafted deauthentication frames to clients or to the access point.
Workflow:
- Target Selection: Choose a network and one or more connected clients.
- Attack Tool: Uses aireplay-ng or similar tools.
- Packet Flooding: Sends continuous spoofed deauth packets to:
- All clients (broadcast attack).
- A specific client (targeted disconnection).
- Loop Execution: The attack runs in a loop until manually stopped.
Purpose:
- Forces clients to disconnect repeatedly.
- Interrupts internet access.
- Triggers reauthentication, which can aid handshake capture.
Disassociation Attack Execution
While similar to deauth attacks, disassociation frames are used to remove clients without notifying them of why they are being dropped.
Key Differences:
- More subtle in certain environments.
- May bypass some detection systems.
- Works on clients that ignore deauth frames.
Airgeddon includes this option for use in environments where traditional deauth methods are ineffective.
Beacon Flooding Attack
This method involves broadcasting hundreds or thousands of fake SSIDs to confuse client devices and pollute the local wireless spectrum.
Implementation Steps:
- Airgeddon generates random or user-defined SSID names.
- Fake beacons are broadcast using tools like mdk3 or wifite.
- The frequency is saturated with phantom access points.
Effects:
- Overloads device SSID lists.
- Slows down wireless scans.
- Causes confusion during user attempts to connect.
Probe Request Flood Attack
Probe flooding simulates many devices actively searching for access points. This sends spoofed probe requests using randomized MAC addresses.
Execution Details:
- Airgeddon transmits numerous fake probe requests in quick succession.
- Access points respond, consuming processing power and bandwidth.
Results:
- Can overwhelm poorly configured APs.
- Creates false device entries in logs.
- Simulates IoT or large-scale client environments.
Automation and Execution Control
Looped Attack Execution
Airgeddon automatically loops attacks based on user parameters. Instead of launching individual packets manually, it manages timing, packet rates, and targets using scripting logic. This ensures:
- Consistent packet injection.
- Maximum disruption during tests.
- Reduced user involvement during prolonged assessments.
Real-Time Status Feedback
During execution, Airgeddon displays real-time data:
- Packet injection count.
- Attack progress percentage.
- Signal strength of target AP and clients.
- Users can adjust settings or terminate attacks instantly if needed.
Result Logging and Session Tracking
- All DoS-related operations are logged:
- Attack type and duration.
- Target SSIDs/BSSIDs.
- Adapter status and interface logs.
Logs are saved in time-stamped folders, useful for generating audit reports or validating testing scope.
Safety Controls and Ethical Prompts
Legality and Consent Confirmation
Before launching any active attack, Airgeddon prompts users with a legal warning. This includes:
- A reminder that DoS attacks are illegal without permission.
- Confirmation that the user is conducting testing in a lab or authorized environment.
- Users must accept these conditions to proceed, ensuring that ethical use is enforced.
Environment Protection Features
Airgeddon includes checks to prevent unintentional interference with critical networks:
- Refuses to attack known emergency or restricted SSIDs.
- Displays a final summary for user verification before sending packets.
Common Use Cases for DoS Testing
Security Appliance Stress Testing
Helps assess how firewalls and intrusion detection systems handle wireless disruption.
Red Team Simulations
Tests employee behavior when faced with real-world attacks like disconnections or evil twin setups.
Client Device Behavior Analysis
Monitors how smartphones, laptops, and IoT devices react to persistent network-level interruptions.
Conclusion
Airgeddon automates the execution of multiple Denial of Service attack strategies, making it a powerful tool for controlled wireless disruption testing. Its deauthentication floods, beacon spoofing, probe flooding, and disassociation attacks allow penetration testers to thoroughly evaluate the resilience of networks and client devices. These features are packaged within a legal and ethical framework, ensuring that testers follow proper procedures and guidelines during their engagements.
