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CableTap: Wirelessly Tapping Home Networks

Marc Newlin, Logan Lamb, Chris Grayson

Critical vulnerabilities in ISP-provided gateways enabling wireless interception of all network traffic.

Summary

ISP Gateway Vulnerabilities

Critical vulnerabilities in RDK-based wireless gateways and set-top boxes from vendors including Cisco, Arris, Technicolor, and Motorola impact millions of ISP customers.

Remote Exploitation

Research shows that it was possible to remotely and wirelessly tap all Internet and voice traffic passing through affected gateways. Without direct Internet access, attackers can impersonate legitimate ISP customers and access public hotspots.

Multiple Attack Vectors

Root shell access can be gained through methods beyond traditional web vulnerabilities. Options include generating hidden Wi-Fi network passphrases and logging into web UIs with hard-coded credentials.

Vendor Response

The presentation covers technical specifics of exploits discovered. Remediation actions taken by affected vendors and guidance for users is provided. Attack chain examples demonstrate real-world exploitation impact.

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