Wireless Disassociation Attacks: A Type of Network Attack Quiz and Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What can you do if you experience constant disconnections on a wireless network?

Upgrade your mobile device's firmware

Change the wireless channel

Use a patch cable for a wired connection (correct)

Reboot the router

What is a possible reason for sudden inability to communicate on a wireless network?

Strong interference from microwave ovens

Router overheating

Wireless deauthentication attack (correct)

Wireless access point malfunction

Why would one need to switch to a wired ethernet connection during a network disruption?

To improve internet speed

To conserve mobile device battery

To avoid data breaches

To bypass the wireless deauthentication attack (correct)

What are devices required to send to the access point for connecting and disconnecting from a wireless network?

Management frames Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the situation where devices on a wireless network are prevented from communicating with the access point?

Wireless disassociation Signup and view all the answers

In what instances would you resort to using management frames in a wireless network?

To perform device authentication Signup and view all the answers

What type of conversations occur between the mobile device and the access point?

Management frames Signup and view all the answers

What is the main issue with the original 802.11 standard regarding management frames?

Lack of encryption for management frames Signup and view all the answers

What information can an attacker manipulate by sending unauthorized management frames to an access point?

Device's network connectivity Signup and view all the answers

What change did the IEEE implement in 2014 to address the vulnerability related to management frames?

Updated to 802.11w with encrypted management frames Signup and view all the answers

What utility was used to send deauthentication frames in the described attack?

Air Replay Signup and view all the answers

What component of a Wi-Fi network was targeted by the deauthentication attack?

Access Point Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to encrypt certain management frames in a wireless network?

To prevent unauthorized disruptions Signup and view all the answers

What specific action causes a device to disconnect from a Wi-Fi network during a deauthentication attack?

Sending deauthentication frames Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the management frames update made in 2014 is emphasized as encrypted?

'Disassociation' and 'Deauthentication' frames Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of an attacker sending unauthorized management frames to an access point?

Causing disruption in communication Signup and view all the answers

What type of attack may cause devices on a wireless network to lose connectivity to the access point?

Wireless deauthentication attack Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary for devices on a wireless network to send management frames to the access point?

To connect and disconnect from the network Signup and view all the answers

What action should you take if you experience frequent wireless disconnections according to the text?

Switch to a wired ethernet connection Signup and view all the answers

What could be a potential consequence of an attacker sending unauthorized management frames to an access point?

Disruption of communication Signup and view all the answers

In the context of wireless networks, what is the purpose of a wireless deauthentication attack?

To prevent devices from communicating with the access point Signup and view all the answers

Why might someone be unable to send any information over a wireless network during a deauthentication attack?

As a result of sudden disconnection from the access point Signup and view all the answers

What is the main vulnerability associated with management frames in the original 802.11 standard?

They are sent in clear text, making them susceptible to attacks. Signup and view all the answers

What key security enhancement was introduced in the 802.11w update in July 2014?

Encryption for all management frames. Signup and view all the answers

During a deauthentication attack, what happens when deauthentication frames are sent to a specific BSS ID and station address?

The targeted device disconnects from the Wi-Fi network. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the IEEE's update related to management frames in terms of unauthorized access?

It prevents attackers from manipulating frames. Signup and view all the answers

Which network component is vulnerable to being targeted by unauthorized deauthentication frames?

Access point Signup and view all the answers

What type of information was NOT encrypted in the 802.11w update related to management frames?

Receiver address Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Wireless Network Disconnection

A wireless network can suddenly disappear and then reappear repeatedly, causing devices to lose connectivity to the access point.
This is a denial of service attack known as a wireless disassociation or deauthentication attack.
The attack exploits a vulnerability in the original 802.11 standard, which did not provide protection for management frames.

Management Frames

Management frames are used for communication between devices and access points.
They manage quality of service, association, and disassociation with access points.
These frames are sent in the clear and can be sent by anyone, allowing an attacker to cause problems with communication.

Vulnerability Exploitation

An attacker can send deauthentication frames to an access point, causing devices to disconnect from the network.
This can be done using a utility like air replay, which can send deauthentication frames to a specific access point and station.

Protection Measures

The IEEE has updated the 802.11 standard to address this vulnerability in the 802.11w update (July 2014).
Some management frames are now encrypted, including disassociation, deauthentication, and channel switching.
However, not all management frames can be encrypted, as some need to be unencrypted for device connection.

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Description

Test your knowledge on troubleshooting wireless network connectivity problems including sudden disappearance and reconnection issues. Learn about common causes and potential solutions.

1_4_3 Section 1 – Attacks, Threats, and Vulnerabilities - 1.4 – Network Attacks - Wireless Disassociation Attacks