KisMAC
Encyclopedia
KisMAC is a wireless network
discovery tool for Mac OS X
. It has a wide range of features, similar to those of Kismet (its Linux
/BSD
namesake). The program is geared toward network security professionals, and is not as novice-friendly as similar applications.
Distributed under the GNU General Public License
, KisMAC is free software
.
KisMAC will scan for networks passively on supported cards - including Apple's AirPort, and AirPort Extreme, and many third-party cards, and actively on any card supported by Mac OS X itself.
Cracking of WEP
and WPA
keys, both by brute force
, and exploiting flaws such as weak scheduling and badly generated keys is supported when a card capable of monitor mode is used, and packet reinjection can be done with a supported card (Prism2 and some Ralink
cards). GPS
mapping can be performed when an NMEA
compatible GPS receiver is attached.
Data can also be saved in pcap format and loaded into programs such as Wireshark
.
Section 202c) that "prohibits the production and distribution of security software". On this date, project lead was passed on to Geoffrey Kruse, maintainer of KisMAC since 2003, and
active developer since 2001. KisMAC is actively being developed. Primary development, and the relocated KisMAC web site are now based in the United States
. The KisMAC project can be found at http://kismac-ng.org/ .
As of August 6, 2007, the former homepage now denounces the new German law.
Wireless network
Wireless network refers to any type of computer network that is not connected by cables of any kind. It is a method by which homes, telecommunications networks and enterprise installations avoid the costly process of introducing cables into a building, or as a connection between various equipment...
discovery tool for Mac OS X
Mac OS X
Mac OS X is a series of Unix-based operating systems and graphical user interfaces developed, marketed, and sold by Apple Inc. Since 2002, has been included with all new Macintosh computer systems...
. It has a wide range of features, similar to those of Kismet (its Linux
Linux
Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...
/BSD
Berkeley Software Distribution
Berkeley Software Distribution is a Unix operating system derivative developed and distributed by the Computer Systems Research Group of the University of California, Berkeley, from 1977 to 1995...
namesake). The program is geared toward network security professionals, and is not as novice-friendly as similar applications.
Distributed under the GNU General Public License
GNU General Public License
The GNU General Public License is the most widely used free software license, originally written by Richard Stallman for the GNU Project....
, KisMAC is free software
Free software
Free software, software libre or libre software is software that can be used, studied, and modified without restriction, and which can be copied and redistributed in modified or unmodified form either without restriction, or with restrictions that only ensure that further recipients can also do...
.
KisMAC will scan for networks passively on supported cards - including Apple's AirPort, and AirPort Extreme, and many third-party cards, and actively on any card supported by Mac OS X itself.
Cracking of WEP
Wired Equivalent Privacy
Wired Equivalent Privacy is a weak security algorithm for IEEE 802.11 wireless networks. Introduced as part of the original 802.11 standard ratified in September 1999, its intention was to provide data confidentiality comparable to that of a traditional wired network...
and WPA
Wi-Fi Protected Access
Wi-Fi Protected Access and Wi-Fi Protected Access II are two security protocols and security certification programs developed by the Wi-Fi Alliance to secure wireless computer networks...
keys, both by brute force
Brute force attack
In cryptography, a brute-force attack, or exhaustive key search, is a strategy that can, in theory, be used against any encrypted data. Such an attack might be utilized when it is not possible to take advantage of other weaknesses in an encryption system that would make the task easier...
, and exploiting flaws such as weak scheduling and badly generated keys is supported when a card capable of monitor mode is used, and packet reinjection can be done with a supported card (Prism2 and some Ralink
Ralink
Ralink Technology, Corp. is a Wi-Fi chipset manufacturer which is mainly known for their WLAN chipsets. Now headquartered in Hsinchu, Taiwan, Ralink was founded in 2001 in Cupertino, California and it was bought in 2009 by the taiwanese company MediaTek....
cards). GPS
Global Positioning System
The Global Positioning System is a space-based global navigation satellite system that provides location and time information in all weather, anywhere on or near the Earth, where there is an unobstructed line of sight to four or more GPS satellites...
mapping can be performed when an NMEA
NMEA
NMEA 0183 is a combined electrical and data specification for communication between marine electronic devices such as echo sounder, sonars, anemometer, gyrocompass, autopilot, GPS receivers and many other types of instruments. It has been defined by,...
compatible GPS receiver is attached.
Data can also be saved in pcap format and loaded into programs such as Wireshark
Wireshark
Wireshark is a free and open-source packet analyzer. It is used for network troubleshooting, analysis, software and communications protocol development, and education...
.
KisMAC Features
- Reveals hidden / cloaked / closed SSIDs
- Shows logged in clients (with MAC Addresses, IP addresses and signal strengths)
- Mapping and GPS support
- Can draw area maps of network coverage
- PCAP import and export
- Support for 802.11b/g
- Different attacks against encrypted networks
- Deauthentication attacks
- AppleScript-able
- Kismet drone support (capture from a Kismet drone)
KisMAC and Germany
The project was created and led by Michael Rossberg until July 27, 2007, when he removed himself from the project due to changes in German law (specifically, StGBStrafgesetzbuch
Strafgesetzbuch is the German name for Penal Code and is abbreviated to StGB.- History :In Germany the Strafgesetzbuch goes back to the Penal Code of the German Empire passed in the year 1871 which was largely identical to the Penal Code of the North German Confederation.This Reichsstrafgesetzbuch ...
Section 202c) that "prohibits the production and distribution of security software". On this date, project lead was passed on to Geoffrey Kruse, maintainer of KisMAC since 2003, and
active developer since 2001. KisMAC is actively being developed. Primary development, and the relocated KisMAC web site are now based in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. The KisMAC project can be found at http://kismac-ng.org/ .
As of August 6, 2007, the former homepage now denounces the new German law.
See also
- Aircrack-ngAircrack-ngAircrack-ng is a network software suite consisting of a detector, packet sniffer, WEP and WPA/WPA2-PSK cracker and analysis tool for 802.11 wireless LANs. It works with any wireless network interface controller whose driver supports raw monitoring mode and can sniff 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g...
- iStumblerIStumbleriStumbler is an open source utility for finding wireless networks and devices with AirPort- or Bluetooth-enabled Macintosh computers.iStumbler was originally based on MacStumbler source code...
- Kismet
- Netspot