Laptops can be controlled via Wi-Fi drivers

Security researchers have discovered a new trick that allows them to control the entire laptop system by installing an error code into a wireless Internet-connected device driver. narrow.

Details of the attack process will be described by analyst David Maynor of Internet security company ISS at the Black Hat Forum 2006, which will take place next month in Las Vegas, USA.

Exploiting device drivers is not an easy task, but recently it has become more feasible due to the emergence of some new software tools, which support even non-real hackers. understand the technology (also known as the kiddie script - who doesn't know much about technology but accidentally get information about device weaknesses via the Internet and gain control of the system).

Expert Maynor tried using the open source 802.11 attack tool, LORCON, to spread a large number of wireless data packets to various wireless cards. Hackers often use this method to check if the program is malfunctioning or can give them the opportunity to handle dangerous software on the victim's laptop.

Thanks to LORCON, Maynor also found a driver error that allowed him to control the entire system. Mayor is also repeating this experiment on other network technologies such as Bluetooth, EvDO and HSDPA.

" Hacker just sits at a public connection and waits for the 'prey' to appear in sight, " Mayor warned. " The user's system will be attacked even if the new driver is turned on and has not completed the network connection process ."

According to Mayor, the main reason for this is that current wireless device driver developers don't think about security.