New Wi-Fi Attack Disables VPNs, Puts Users at Risk of Traffic Interception
A recent discovery by security researcher Professor Mathy Vanhoef has revealed a new Wi-Fi attack that has the potential to disable VPNs and intercept users’ traffic. The vulnerability, known as CVE-2023-52424, allows for a service set identifier confusion attack on various Wi-Fi networks, including enterprise, mesh, and some home networks.
The flaw in the design of the IEEE 802.11 Wi-Fi standard enables attackers to divert connections to less secure networks, tricking users into connecting to networks they believe to be secure. This could leave users vulnerable to traffic interception, especially if credential reuse is involved. Additionally, the exploit can force VPNs with auto-disable modes for trusted networks to turn off, further exposing users’ traffic.
The vulnerability impacts all Wi-Fi clients and operating systems, with the root cause being the lack of authentication for network names or SSIDs in beacon frames. The attack specifically targets networks using the WPA3 security protocol, requiring the victim to connect to a trusted network, have a second network with the same credentials available, and be in close proximity to the attacker for a man-in-the-middle exploit to occur.
Cybersecurity experts have highlighted the potential impact of this vulnerability, emphasizing the need for users to be cautious about the networks they connect to and to avoid credential reuse. While the real-world exploitation of this attack may be challenging due to proximity requirements, the implications on IoT devices and covert surveillance are concerning.
In light of this discovery, experts advise users to be vigilant about network security, avoid credential reuse, and disable auto-disable features on their VPNs. The importance of thorough analysis and security measures in the face of evolving cyber threats is underscored by this exploit, emphasizing the need for continuous vigilance and proactive security measures in an increasingly digital world.