Wi-Fi 'virus' could be used to attack wireless access points2014-02-27 10:13 by DanielaTags: Wireless, access point, virus
Researchers at the University of Liverpool have demonstrated that WiFi networks can be infected with a virus that can move through densely populated areas as efficiently as the common cold spreads between humans. In the experiment conducted by Jonny Milliken, Valerio Selis and Professor Alan Marshall, a specially-crafted virus called "Chameleon" was pitted against a range of common access points with poorly-secured management interfaces (i.e. using default passwords). Once access had been achieved, Chameleon then attempted to take control of the device by re-flashing its firmware with a replacement, open source OpenWrt.
WiFi access points have long been known to be potentially weak spots onto networks, often left unprotected by passwords or encryption, or still using the manufacturer's or telecoms operator's default security codes. But up until now, there hasn't been a virus that could attack a WiFi network. "Chameleon" was able to avoid detection as current virus detection systems look for viruses that are present on the Internet or computers, but Chameleon is only ever present in the WiFi network, researchers said. Read more -here-
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