Author: Shaun Peapell (VP of Global Threat Services)
Throughout my career, I’ve dabbled with wireless burglar alarm systems, which led me down a path of intriguing discoveries, diverse opinions, and yes, a fair share of vulnerabilities.
In one instance, I armed myself with a budget and ventured to acquire three wireless burglar alarm systems, each with a spending cap of £200 (or around $260). The alarm systems, originating from well-recognized brands and widely available at most outlets, were my subjects of investigation.
As it turned out, each one had its Achilles’ heel. They were susceptible to specific attacks, and if encountered with the right adversarial strategy, their ability to detect unauthorized entry could be completely undermined.
In the main, wireless burglar alarm systems have become increasingly popular due to their ease of installation and flexibility. However, it is important to understand the potential security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by attackers. In this blog post, we will explore the weaknesses of wireless burglar alarms and the various attack techniques used to compromise their security, highlighting the need for robust countermeasures.
Wireless Signal Jamming:
Attackers can exploit the wireless communication used by burglar alarm systems by employing signal jamming techniques. By transmitting radio frequency signals on the same frequency band as the alarm system, the attacker can disrupt or block the communication between the alarm sensors and the control panel.
Of the systems tested, all fell victim to jamming attacks, utilizing off-the-shelf hobbyist RF technology such as the ‘YardStick_One’, ‘HackRF’ and of course general SDR kit for enumeration.
Mitigation Strategy:
- Use alarm systems that operate on multiple frequency bands or employ frequency hopping techniques to make jamming more challenging.
- Implement signal integrity checks to detect and alert against jamming attempts.
- Install backup communication channels, such as cellular or internet-based connectivity, to ensure alarm signals can still be transmitted in case of wireless jamming.
Replay Attacks:
Replay attacks involve capturing and later replaying valid wireless alarm signals to deceive the system into thinking an authorized event has occurred. Attackers can capture and replay the alarm signals to disarm the system or bypass detection.
Of the systems tested, all were susceptible to replay attacks.
Mitigation Strategy:
- Implement encryption and authentication mechanisms to ensure that alarm signals are securely transmitted and cannot be easily replayed.
- Utilize rolling codes or challenge-response protocols to prevent the reuse of captured alarm signals.
Device Tampering:
Attackers can physically tamper with the wireless alarm devices, such as door/window sensors or motion detectors, to disable or circumvent their functionality. Tampering can include removing, covering, or bypassing the sensors to prevent them from triggering an alarm.
Another would be to manually leverage magnets to manipulate contact switches.
Of the systems tested, two were susceptible to tampering attacks.
Mitigation Strategy:
- Install tamper-resistant sensors that are designed to detect and alert against physical tampering attempts.
- Use sensors with built-in tamper switches that trigger an alarm if the device is tampered with.
- Place sensors in hard-to-reach or inconspicuous locations to make tampering more difficult.
Sniffing and Intercepting Wireless Signals:
Dependant on the RF frequencies and standards, attackers can use specialized tools and equipment to intercept and analyse the wireless signals transmitted by the burglar alarm system. By capturing and analyzing these signals, attackers can gain insight into the system’s operation, vulnerabilities, and potentially identify weaknesses to exploit.
Mitigation Strategy:
- Where common Wi-Fi standards are implemented, wireless encryption protocols, such as WPA3, should be utilized to protect the communication between the alarm system components.
- Regularly update the firmware of the alarm system to address any known vulnerabilities or security issues.
- Use frequency hopping techniques or spread spectrum technologies to make it more difficult for attackers to intercept and analyse alarm signals.
Remote Control Exploitation:
Some wireless burglar alarm systems offer remote control capabilities through mobile apps or web interfaces. Attackers may attempt to exploit vulnerabilities in the remote control functionality to gain unauthorized access, disarm the system, or manipulate alarm settings.
Mitigation Strategy:
- Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for remote access to the alarm system.
- Regularly update the remote control software or mobile app to address any security vulnerabilities.
- Regularly review access logs and monitor for any suspicious activity or unauthorized access attempts.
Conclusion:
While wireless burglar alarm systems provide convenience and flexibility, it is crucial to be aware of their potential security vulnerabilities. By understanding the weaknesses and employing appropriate mitigation strategies, such as implementing encryption, authentication, tamper-resistant devices, and secure remote control practices, users can significantly enhance the security of their wireless burglar alarm systems. Regular updates, monitoring for suspicious activity, and staying informed about emerging security threats will ensure a more robust and reliable security system to protect against unauthorized access and provide peace of mind.
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