WEP-OPEN

  • In this section, you are going to learn

  • How to run wpa_supplicant and hostapd in wep-open mode

#

Version

Supplicant

wpa_supplicant 2.10

Hostapd

hostapd 2.10

   == Scanning ==

   STA -> AP: **Probe Request**
   AP -> STA: **Probe Response**

   == Authentication ==

   STA -> AP: **Authentication Request**
   AP --> STA: ACK
   AP -> STA: **Authentication Response**
   STA --> AP: ACK

   == Association ==

   STA -> AP: **Association Request**
   AP --> STA: ACK
   AP -> STA: **Association Response**
   STA --> AP: ACK

   == PING AP from STA ==

   STA -> AP: **ARP Request**
   AP --> STA: ACK
   AP -> STA: **ARP Reply**
   STA --> AP: ACK
   STA -> AP: **ICMP Echo Request**
   AP --> STA: ACK
   AP -> STA: **ICMP Echo Reply**
   STA --> AP: ACK
   STA -> AP: **ICMP Echo Request**
   AP --> STA: ACK
   AP -> STA: **ICMP Echo Reply**
   STA --> AP: ACK
   STA -> AP: **ICMP Echo Request**
   AP --> STA: ACK
   AP -> STA: **ICMP Echo Reply**
   STA --> AP: ACK

  • Run AP mode operation with hostapd

AP : Download hostapd

Note

  • Make sure internet is available in laptop to download hostapd package

test:~$ sudo wget http://w1.fi/releases/hostapd-2.10.tar.gz

AP : Extract hostapd

test:~$ sudo tar -xvf hostapd-2.10.tar.gz

AP : Change directory to hostapd

test:~$ cd hostapd-2.10/hostapd/

AP : Check the current working directory using pwd command

Note

  • Make sure your current working directory is hostapd

test:~$ pwd
/home/test/hostapd-2.10/hostapd

AP : Add CONFIG_WEP=y in defconfig file

test:~$ sudo vim defconfig

CONFIG_WEP=y

AP : Copy the contents of defconfig file to .config file

Note

  • .config file is required for make to start compilation of hostapd

test:~$ sudo cp defconfig .config

AP : Complile hostapd

Note

  • Compile hostapd by running make command

test:~$ sudo make

AP : Check for the binaries created

Note

  • Make sure hostapd and hostapd_cli are present

test:~$ ls
hostapd
hostapd_cli

AP : Create run_hostapd.conf

test:~$ sudo vim ./run_hostapd.conf

ctrl_interface=/run/hostapd
interface=wlp0s20f3
driver=nl80211
ssid=test_wep_open_g
hw_mode=g
channel=6
macaddr_acl=0
auth_algs=1
ignore_broadcast_ssid=0
# A key may be a quoted string or unquoted hexadecimal digits.
# The key length should be 5, 13, or 16 characters, or 10, 26, or 32
# digits, depending on whether 40-bit (64-bit), 104-bit (128-bit), or
# 128-bit (152-bit) WEP is used.
# Only the default key must be supplied; the others are optional.
# default: not set
wep_key0=123456789a
wep_key1="vwxyz"
wep_key2=0102030405060708090a0b0c0d
wep_key3=".2.4.6.8.0.23"
wep_default_key=0

AP : Run hostapd

test:~$ sudo ./hostapd ./run_hostapd.conf
wlan0: interface state UNINITIALIZED->ENABLED
wlan0: AP-ENABLED 

AP : Check ps status and confirm hostapd process is running

test:~$ ps -N | grep -i hostapd
36261 pts/3    00:00:00 hostapd

STA : Download wpa_supplicant

Note

  • Make sure internet is available in laptop to download supplicant package

test:~$ sudo wget https://w1.fi/releases/wpa_supplicant-2.10.tar.gz

STA : Extract wpa_supplicant

test:~$ sudo tar -xvf wpa_supplicant-2.10.tar.gz

STA : Change directory to wpa_supplicant

test:~$ cd wpa_supplicant-2.10/wpa_supplicant/

STA : Check the current working directory using pwd command

Note

  • Make sure your current working directory is wpa_supplicant

test:~$ pwd
/home/test/wpa_supplicant-2.10/wpa_supplicant

STA : Add CONFIG_WEP=y in defconfig file

test:~$ sudo vim defconfig

CONFIG_WEP=y

STA : Copy the contents of defconfig file to .config file

Note

  • .config file is required for make to start compilation of supplicant

test:~$ sudo cp defconfig .config

STA : Compile wpa_supplicant

Note

  • Compile supplicant by running make command

test:~$ sudo make

STA : Check for the binaries created

Note

  • Make sure wpa_supplicant and wpa_cli are present

test:~$ ls
wpa_supplicant
wpa_cli

STA : Create run_supplicant.conf

test:~$ sudo vim ./run_supplicant.conf

ctrl_interface=/run/wpa_supplicant
update_config=1

# A key may be a quoted string or unquoted hexadecimal digits.
# The key length should be 5, 13, or 16 characters, or 10, 26, or 32
# digits, depending on whether 40-bit (64-bit), 104-bit (128-bit), or
# 128-bit (152-bit) WEP is used.
# Only the default key must be supplied; the others are optional.
# default: not set

network={
        ssid="test_wep_open_g"
        key_mgmt=NONE
        wep_key0=123456789a
        wep_key1="vwxyz"
        wep_key2=0102030405060708090a0b0c0d
        wep_key3=".2.4.6.8.0.23"
        wep_tx_keyidx=0
        priority=5
        auth_alg=OPEN
        }

STA : Run wpa_supplicant

test:~$ sudo ./wpa_supplicant -Dnl80211 -i wlp2s0 -c ./run_supplicant.conf
Successfully initialized wpa_supplicant
wlp2s0: SME: Trying to authenticate with 0c:9a:3c:9f:17:71 (SSID='test_wep_open_g' freq=2437 MHz)
nl80211: kernel reports: key not allowed
nl80211: kernel reports: key not allowed
nl80211: kernel reports: key not allowed
nl80211: kernel reports: key not allowed
wlp2s0: Trying to associate with 0c:9a:3c:9f:17:71 (SSID='test_wep_open_g' freq=2437 MHz)
wlp2s0: Associated with 0c:9a:3c:9f:17:71
wlp2s0: CTRL-EVENT-CONNECTED - Connection to 0c:9a:3c:9f:17:71 completed [id=0 id_str=]
wlp2s0: CTRL-EVENT-SUBNET-STATUS-UPDATE status=0

STA : Check ps status and confirm wpa_supplicant process is running

test:~/wpa_supplicant$ ps -N | grep -i wpa
36164 pts/2    00:00:00 wpa_supplicant

STA : Check connection status using wpa_cli

Note

  • wpa_state=COMPLETED indicates successful connection. Check output of status

test:~$ sudo ./wpa_cli -i wlp2s0
> status
bssid=0c:9a:3c:9f:17:71
freq=2437
ssid=test_wep_open_b
id=0
mode=station
pairwise_cipher=WEP-40
group_cipher=WEP-40
key_mgmt=NONE
wpa_state=COMPLETED
address=e8:6f:38:71:f1:e3
uuid=49ac8387-e84f-504d-8bec-48a71ee136d2
  • Download file to check wireshark output

Packet capture in WEP-OPEN mode

  • In this section- To analyze ARP and ICMP packets captured in a WEP/Open 802.11g network, you must decrypt the frames in Wireshark.

  • This allows you to view the actual payload (ARP and ICMP data) instead of only seeing encrypted bytes.

  • The decryption process is the same as in 802.11b, but the frames in 802.11g may be transmitted at higher data rates.

Decrypting WEP-Encrypted Frames in Wireshark

  1. Open the Capture File

    • Launch Wireshark and open your .pcap or .pcapng file containing the captured 802.11g frames.

    • Ensure your capture includes management, control, and data frames.

    • WEP encryption applies to data frames, so you must have data traffic (like ARP or ICMP) in your capture.

  2. Enable Decryption

    • Go to Edit → Preferences → Protocols → IEEE 802.11.

    • Check “Enable decryption”.

    • Click “Edit” under Decryption Keys.

    Decryption1 in Wireshark
  3. Add the WEP Key

    • Add your WEP key in the format: * Set key type as WEP and key as 123456789a.

    Decryption2 in Wireshark
  4. Apply the Key and Refresh

    • Click OK to save the key.

    • Wireshark will automatically decrypt frames that match the key.

    • You should now see ARP and ICMP payloads in plain text instead of encrypted bytes.

  • In this section, you will verify connectivity and frame exchange using the Wireshark capture.

  • 802.11g operates in the 2.4 GHz band (same as 802.11b) but supports higher data rates using OFDM modulation while remaining backward compatible.

Beacon Packet Analysis

  1. Check if AP is Beaconing

    • The Beacon Frame is periodically broadcast by the AP (every ~100 ms) to announce the presence of a network.

    • In WEP-Open mode, the AP advertises WEP capability (Privacy bit = 1) while still allowing open authentication.

    • It includes parameters such as supported data rates, channel information, and capability info that STA uses to decide if it can join the network.

  2. Verify the Beacon Interval (100 ms).

    • Indicates how frequently the AP transmits Beacon frames (typically 100 TU ≈ 102.4 ms).

    • Consistent Beacon intervals confirm stable AP operation.

    Beacon interval (100ms) in Wireshark
  3. Check the Subtype field in the Beacon frame.

    • The Subtype identifies the frame as a Beacon (Subtype = 8).

    • Correct Subtype ensures Wireshark is recognizing the management frame correctly.

    Beacon frame subtype in Wireshark
  4. Verify that the Data Rate includes 1 Mbps (mandatory for 802.11g).

    • 802.11g supports both DSSS rates (1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps) and OFDM rates (6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps).

    • Confirms backward compatibility with 802.11b devices and higher throughput for 802.11g STAs.

    Beacon frame data rate check in Wireshark
  5. Check if the Receiver Address (RA) is Broadcast address.

    • Beacon frames are sent to the broadcast address FF:FF:FF:FF:FF:FF so that all nearby STAs can receive them.

    • This confirms that the beacon is not targeted to a specific STA but intended for all devices in range.

    • No ACK is sent for Beacon frames because they are broadcast.

    Receiver address in Beacon frame
  6. Verify Supported Rates.

    • The Supported Rates element shows data rates the AP supports for association.

    • Check for basic rates (1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps) and extended rates (if present).

    • Confirms the AP supports both legacy and modern devices.

    Supported rates in Beacon frame
  7. Check the Privacy bit in the Capability Information field.

    • Privacy bit = 1 indicates WEP is enabled.

    • This distinguishes WEP-Open mode from completely open (non-encrypted) mode.

    • Confirms that the AP is configured for encrypted data frames even though authentication is open.

    Privacy bit in Beacon frame
  8. Check the ERP Information Field

    • The ERP Information Element is unique to 802.11g.

    • It indicates whether non-ERP (802.11b) stations are present and if protection mechanisms are used.

    • Important bits:

      • Non-ERP Present (bit 0) → Shows if 802.11b stations exist.

      • Use Protection (bit 1) → Enables protection (RTS/CTS or CTS-to-Self).

      • Barker Preamble (bit 2) → Indicates use of Barker preamble for compatibility.

    ERP information in Beacon frame
  9. Check the DS Parameter Set (Channel Information)

    • The DS Parameter Set indicates the channel number (e.g., Channel 6 at 2437 MHz).

    • Ensures that both AP and STA operate on the same frequency band.

    DS Parameter Set in Beacon frame
  10. Check the SSID Tag

  • The SSID field must match the configured network name.

  • Helps verify that the AP is correctly advertising your WEP-enabled SSID.

SSID Parameter in Beacon frame

Probe Request Packet Analysis

  1. Check if STA is sending Probe Request packet

    • A Probe Request frame is sent by the STA to actively discover available networks.

    • It contains information about what the STA supports (SSID, data rates, and capabilities).

    • APs receiving this may respond with Probe Response frames if the SSID matches or if the request is broadcast.

  2. Check the Frame Subtype to confirm it is a Probe Request.

    • In Wireshark, the Frame Control field indicates the subtype.

    • Probe Request frames should have subtype 0x0004.

    Probe Request subtype in Wireshark
  3. Verify the Source Address in the Probe Request.

    • Source Address should match the STA’s MAC address.

    • This ensures the frame is indeed coming from the correct STA.

    Probe Request source address
  4. Verify the Receiver Address in the Probe Request.

    • Receiver Address should be the broadcast address (FF:FF:FF:FF:FF:FF).

    • This allows all APs on the channel to receive the request.

    • No ACK is expected for broadcast Probe Requests.

    Probe Request receiver address
  5. Check the SSID field in the Probe Request.

    • For general network discovery, SSID should be set to Wildcard SSID(empty).

    • A specific SSID can limit scanning to only that AP.

    Probe Request SSID field
  6. Verify Supported Rates,Extended Supported Rates and Extended Capabilities.

    • Ensure all expected rates are advertised by the STA (1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps for 802.11g and 6, 9, 12, … Mbps for 802.11g/n).

    • Check additional parameters: Extended Supported Rates, HT Capabilities, VHT if STA is modern.

    • Confirms STA can support modern APs while maintaining backward compatibility.

    Supported Rates and capabilities in Probe Request

Probe Response Packet Analysis

  1. Check if AP is sending Probe Response packet

    • A Probe Response is sent by an AP in reply to a Probe Request received from a STA.

    • It contains detailed information about the AP’s capabilities, including SSID, supported rates, channel (DS Parameter), and whether the network is secure (Privacy bit)

    • It helps the STA decide which AP to associate with.

    • 802.11g supports both DSSS (802.11b) and OFDM (802.11a/g) physical layers.

    • It adds new fields such as ERP Information and Extended Supported Rates to signal these capabilities.

    • Note: Probe Responses are unicast to the requesting STA, so an ACK is expected from the STA.

  2. Check the Frame Subtype to confirm it is a Probe Response.

    • Subtype identifies the frame as a Probe Response (Subtype = 5).

    • Ensures Wireshark is correctly capturing AP responses.

    Probe Response subtype in Wireshark
  3. Verify the Source Address in the Probe Response.

    • Source Address should be the MAC of the AP.

    • Confirms the frame is coming from the correct AP.

    Source address in Probe Response
  4. Verify the Receiver Address in the Probe Response.

    • Receiver Address should be the MAC of the requesting STA.

    • Confirms the response is unicast and directed to the correct STA.

    • Probe Responses are unicast to the requesting STA, so an ACK is expected from the STA.

    Receiver address in Probe Response
  5. Check the SSID field in the Probe Response.

    • SSID must match the AP configuration.

    • Confirms the AP is broadcasting the expected network name.

    SSID in Probe Response
  6. Check Capability Information field for ESS=1 in the Probe Response.

    • ESS bit indicates the AP is part of an infrastructure BSS.

    • Must be set to 1 for proper STA-AP communication.

    ESS bit in Capability Information in Probe Response
  7. Check Capability Information field for Privacy=1 in the Probe Response.

    • Privacy bit (bit 4) = 1 indicates WEP is enabled on this AP.

    • Since this is WEP-Open mode, authentication is open but data frames will later be encrypted with WEP keys.

    • Confirms that security is configured at the AP level.

    Privacy bit in Capability Information in Probe Response
  8. Verify Supported Rates in the Probe Response.

    • The Supported Rates element indicates the rates supported by the AP.

    • For 802.11g, these must be 1 Mbps, 2 Mbps, 5.5 Mbps, and 11 Mbps.

    • Confirms that both the AP and STA are using compatible DSSS data rates.

    Supported Rates in Probe Response
  9. Verify Extended Supported Rates in the Probe Response.

    • Lists additional OFDM rates: 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps.

    • This field is not present in 802.11b, added only in 802.11g.

    • Confirms high-rate OFDM support.

    Extended Supported Rates in Probe Response
  10. Verify DS Parameter Set (channel assignment) in the Probe Response.

  • DS Parameter indicates the AP’s operating channel.

  • Confirms the STA knows which channel to use to associate with the AP.

DS Parameter Set (channel) in Probe Response
  1. Verify ERP Information Element in the Probe Response.

  • Introduced in 802.11g to manage coexistence with 802.11b devices.

  • Important bits:

    • Non-ERP Present (bit 0) → Shows if 802.11b stations exist.

    • Use Protection (bit 1) → Enables protection (RTS/CTS or CTS-to-Self).

    • Barker Preamble (bit 2) → Indicates use of Barker preamble for compatibility.

  • Confirms mixed b/g environment handling.

ERP Information Element in Probe Response

Acknowledgement after Probe Response Packet Analysis

  • After the AP sends a Probe Response, the STA must acknowledge it with an Acknowledgement frame.

  • This ACK confirms successful reception of the Probe Response.

  • The ACK is a Control frame (not Management or Data).

  • It is transmitted immediately after a SIFS (Short Interframe Space) interval.

  1. Check the Acknowledgement - Frame Subtype

    • When the AP sends a unicast Probe Response, the STA sends an ACK frame

    • ACK frames have Subtype = 13 in 802.11.

    ACK frame subtype in Wireshark
  2. Check the Acknowledgement - Receiver Address

    • Receiver Address of the ACK is the AP’s MAC address (i.e., the source of the Probe Response).

    • Confirms that the ACK is directed to the correct transmitting AP.

    ACK receiver address in Wireshark

Authentication Request Packet Analysis

  1. Check if STA is sending Authentication Request packet

    • After receiving the Probe Response, the Station (STA) initiates authentication with the Access Point (AP).

    • In WEP-Open mode, the authentication is a two-step open system exchange: 1. STA → AP: Authentication Request 2. AP → STA: Authentication Response

    • Though the name says “WEP-Open,” the authentication phase itself is unencrypted.

    • WEP encryption applies later during data transmission after association.

    • ACK is expected from the AP after receiving this unicast frame.

  2. Check the Frame Subtype

    • The Subtype identifies the frame as an Authentication frame (Subtype = 11).

    • Confirms that this packet is part of the authentication management exchange.

    Authentication Request frame subtype
  3. Verify the Source Address in the Authentication Request packet.

    • The Source Address should be the STA’s MAC address.

    • Confirms the authentication initiation is coming from the STA.

    Authentication Request source address
  4. Verify the Receiver Address in the Authentication Request packet.

    • The Receiver Address should be the AP’s MAC address.

    • This confirms the STA is directly targeting the AP for authentication.

    Authentication Request receiver address
  5. Check the Authentication Algorithm field in the Authentication Request packet.

    • The Authentication Algorithm value should be 0 for Open System Authentication.

    • This indicates no encryption or challenge-response is used (unlike WEP-Shared mode).

    • This means any STA can authenticate without key validation at this stage.

    Authentication Algorithm in Authentication Request
  6. Check the Authentication Sequence Number in the Authentication Request packet.

    • Sequence number 1 indicates this is the first (request) message in the authentication exchange.

    • Helps verify proper ordering between Request (1) and Response (2).

    Authentication sequence number in Wireshark
  7. Verify the Status Code in the Authentication Request packet.

    • For the Authentication Request, the Status Code is typically 0 (Successful) or may be absent.

    • Confirms that the STA is requesting authentication without errors.

    • However, it’s important to note its position for decoding consistency.

    Authentication status code

Acknowledgement after Authentication Request Packet Analysis

  • After the STA sends an Authentication Request, the AP must acknowledge it with an ACK frame.

  • This ACK confirms successful reception of the Authentication Request before the AP sends the Authentication Response.

  • The ACK is a Control frame (not Management or Data).

  • It is transmitted immediately after a SIFS (Short Interframe Space) interval.

  1. Check the ACK Frame Subtype.

    • Since the Authentication Request is unicast, the AP responds with an ACK frame.

    • The ACK has Subtype = 13 in 802.11.

    • Confirms that the AP successfully received the Authentication Request.

    ACK frame subtype for Authentication Request
  2. Verify the ACK Receiver Address.

    • The ACK frame’s Receiver Address should match the STA’s MAC address (the source of the Authentication Request).

    • Confirms the AP has acknowledged the STA correctly.

    ACK receiver address for Authentication Request

Authentication Response Packet Analysis

  1. Check if AP is sending Authentication Response

    • After receiving the Authentication Request, the AP replies with an Authentication Response frame.

    • This frame confirms whether the STA’s authentication attempt is successful or failed based on the Status Code field.

    • The Authentication Response is a Management Frame with Subtype = 11.

  2. Check the Frame Subtype

    • The Subtype field = 11 indicates it is an Authentication frame.

    • Ensures that the AP has correctly responded to the STA’s authentication attempt.

    Authentication Response frame subtype
  3. Verify Source Address

    • The Source Address should be the AP’s MAC address.

    • Confirms the Authentication Response is sent by the Access Point.

    Source address of Authentication Response
  4. Check the Receiver Address

    • The Receiver Address should be the STA’s MAC address (the device being authenticated).

    • Confirms that the AP is addressing the correct station.

    Receiver address of Authentication Response
  5. Check the BSSID Field

    • The BSSID must match the AP’s MAC address.

    • Confirms that this frame belongs to the correct Basic Service Set (BSS).

    • Useful when multiple APs operate on the same channel.

    BSSID in Authentication Response
  6. Check the Authentication Algorithm Number

    • The Authentication Algorithm Number = 0 indicates Open System Authentication.

    • Ensures the AP is using the expected authentication method.

    • Confirms this exchange belongs to the WEP-Open process and not Shared Key authentication.

    Authentication Algorithm field
  7. Check the Authentication Sequence Number

    • The Sequence Number = 2 in the Authentication Response.

    • Confirms this frame is the second step of the authentication handshake.

    Authentication Sequence Number field
  8. Check the Status Code

    • The Status Code = 0 means successful authentication.

    • Any non-zero value indicates failure, and the STA will not proceed to Association.

    Authentication Response Status Code

Acknowledgement after Authentication Response Packet Analysis

  • Once the AP sends the Authentication Response, the STA acknowledges it using an ACK frame.

  • This ensures reliable delivery of the Authentication Response before moving on to the Association stage.

  1. Check the ACK Frame Subtype.

    • The ACK frame has Subtype = 13, identifying it as an acknowledgment.

    • Confirms the STA received the Authentication Response correctly.

    ACK subtype after Authentication Response
  2. Verify the ACK Receiver Address.

    • The Receiver Address should be the AP’s MAC address (source of the Authentication Response).

    • Confirms that the STA is acknowledging the correct transmitter.

    Receiver address of ACK after Authentication Response

Association Request Packet Analysis

  1. Check if STA is sending Association Request

    • After successful authentication, the STA sends an Association Request frame to the AP.

    • This frame contains the STA’s capabilities, supported data rates, SSID, and encryption support (WEP).

    • The frame is a Management frame (Subtype = 0).

    • Since this is WEP-Open mode, the Privacy bit = 1, meaning encryption is enabled but authentication is “Open”.

    • Being a unicast frame, it will be acknowledged by the AP.

  2. Check the Frame Subtype

    • Subtype = 0 identifies the frame as an Association Request.

    • Ensures Wireshark captures the correct management frame.

    Association Request Subtype
  3. Verify Source Address

    • Source Address = STA MAC address.

    • Confirms the frame is sent by the correct STA.

    Source address in Association Request
  4. Check the Receiver Address

    • Receiver Address = AP MAC address.

    • Ensures the frame is targeted to the correct AP.

    Receiver address in Association Request
  5. Verify BSSID

    • BSSID = AP MAC address.

    • Confirms the frame is part of the correct Basic Service Set.

    BSSID in Association Request
  6. Check the Capability Information – Privacy bit

    • Privacy bit = 1 indicates WEP encryption is enabled.

    • This confirms that the STA supports encrypted data exchange after association

    Privacy bit in Capability Information
  7. Verify Capability Information – Short Preamble bit

    • Short Preamble bit indicates whether STA supports short preamble.

    • Helps verify compatibility with AP preamble configuration.

    Short Preamble bit in Capability Information
  8. Check the Listen Interval

    • Listen Interval defines how often the STA wakes to check for buffered frames at the AP.

    • Ensures power-saving and proper timing for STA-AP communication.

    Listen Interval in Association Request
  9. Verify SSID Field

    • SSID must match the AP’s network name.

    • Confirms that the STA is associating with the correct BSS.

    SSID in Association Request
  10. Check the Supported Rates

  • The Supported Rates field lists the data rates that the STA can transmit and receive.

  • For 802.11g, it includes both DSSS rates (1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps) and OFDM rates (6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps).

  • Confirms STA and AP are compatible within 802.11g PHY specifications.

Supported Rates in Association Request
  1. Verify Extended Capabilities

  • Extended Capabilities field lists additional STA features (e.g., HT support, QoS, etc.).

  • Ensures AP can understand STA capabilities.

Extended Capabilities in Association Request
  1. Verify Supported Operating Classes

  • Supported Operating Classes indicate which frequency bands and channels the STA can operate on.

  • Helps AP confirm STA compatibility with its configured channel.

Supported Operating Classes in Association Request

Acknowledgement after Association Request Packet Analysis

  • Since the Association Request is a unicast frame from the STA to the AP,the AP responds with an ACK frame to confirm successful reception.

  • The ACK is a Control frame (Subtype = 13) and ensures reliable MAC-layer delivery.

  • This ACK is sent immediately after a SIFS interval.

  1. Check the ACK Frame Subtype.

    • Subtype = 13 identifies the frame as an ACK.

    • Confirms the AP received the Association Request correctly.

    ACK subtype after Association Request
  2. Verify the ACK Receiver Address.

    • The Receiver Address of the ACK should be the STA’s MAC address (source of the Association Request).

    • Confirms that the AP is acknowledging the correct station.

    Receiver address of ACK after Association Request

Association Response Packet Analysis

  1. Check if AP is sending Association Response

    • After receiving the Association Request, the AP responds with an Association Response frame.

    • This frame contains the status code (success/failure) and assigns an Association ID (AID) to the STA.

    • Since the network is using WEP-Open mode, the Privacy bit = 1, indicating encryption is enabled for subsequent data frames.

    • It is a Management frame (Subtype = 1) and sent unicast to the STA.

  2. Check the Frame Subtype

    • Subtype = 1 identifies the frame as an Association Response.

    • Confirms that the AP has acknowledged the STA’s request to join the BSS.

    Association Response Subtype
  3. Verify Source Address

    • Source Address = AP MAC address.

    • Confirms the frame is transmitted from the AP.

    Source address in Association Response
  4. Check the Receiver Address

    • Receiver Address = STA MAC address.

    • Ensures the response is directed to the correct STA.

    Receiver address in Association Response
  5. Verify BSSID

    • BSSID = AP MAC address (same as Source).

    • Confirms that the response is part of the same BSS.

    BSSID in Association Response
  6. Check the Capability Information – Privacy bit

    • Privacy bit = 1 → indicates WEP encryption is enabled.

    • Confirms that subsequent data frames will use WEP protection.

    Privacy bit in Association Response
  7. Verify Capability Information – Short Preamble bit and Short Slot Time

    • Short Preamble bit indicates AP supports short preamble operation.

    • Short Slot Time bit (new in 802.11g) indicates faster slot timing (9 µs) for improved throughput.

    • Confirms compatibility with STA’s preamble capabilities.

    Short Preamble bit in Association Response
  8. Check the Status Code

    • Status Code = 0 indicates Successful Association.

    • Other values indicate denial reasons (e.g., unsupported rates or capacity limits).

    Status code in Association Response
  9. Verify Association ID (AID)

    • AID uniquely identifies the STA within the BSS.

    • Typically a small integer (e.g., 1, 2, 3) assigned by the AP.

    • Confirms successful registration of the STA in the AP’s association table.

    • Used for managing buffered frames and identifying the STA in power-save mode.

    Association ID in Association Response
  10. Check the Supported Rates

  • For 802.11g, the Supported Rates field includes both: * DSSS rates: 1, 2, 5.5, 11 Mbps (backward compatibility with 802.11b) * OFDM rates: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps

  • Ensures both AP and STA agree on common rate sets for communication.

Supported Rates in Association Response
  1. Verify Extended Capabilities

  • Indicates additional optional features (e.g., QoS, HT support if present) supported by the AP.

  • For 802.11g, this may be minimal or absent, confirming a basic DSSS connection.

Extended Capabilities in Association Response

Acknowledgement after Association Response Packet Analysis

  • The Association Response is a unicast frame, so the STA replies with an ACK.

  • This ensures the AP knows the STA successfully received its association confirmation.

  • The ACK is a Control frame (Subtype = 13) and follows a SIFS interval (~10 µs).

  1. Check the ACK Frame Subtype.

    • Subtype = 13 identifies the frame as an ACK.

    • Indicates successful MAC-layer acknowledgment from STA to AP.

    ACK subtype after Association Response
  2. Verify the ACK Receiver Address.

    • Receiver Address = AP MAC address (sender of the Association Response).

    • Confirms ACK is directed to the correct device.

    Receiver address of ACK after Association Response

ARP Request Packet Analysis

  • The ARP Request in WEP-Open mode is sent inside an 802.11 Data frame.

  • It may involve two flows: 1. STA → AP (STA initiates request) 2. AP → Broadcast (AP forwards to all stations)

  • Allows devices to resolve MAC addresses for given IPs.

  1. Check if STA is sending ARP Request to AP

    • STA sends an ARP Request encapsulated in a Data frame (Subtype = 0, unicast to AP).

    • Frame fields include MAC addresses, IP addresses, and 802.11 headers.

    1.1. Check the Source Address

    • MAC of the STA sending the ARP Request.

    • Identifies which device initiated the request.

    STA to AP ARP Source Address

    1.2. Verify Destination Address

    • Broadcast MAC: ff:ff:ff:ff:ff:ff

    • Data frame is intended for all devices in BSS to eventually deliver ARP.

    STA to AP ARP Destination Address

    1.3. Verify Receiver Address

    • Receiver = AP MAC address.

    • Confirms the AP is the frame’s immediate recipient.

    STA to AP ARP Receiver Address

    1.4. Verify Transmitter Address

    • Transmitter = STA MAC.

    • Indicates who physically transmitted the frame on the medium.

    STA to AP ARP Transmitter Address

    1.5. Verify WEP Parameters

    Initialization Vector (IV): 0x27395a
    • 24-bit random number prepended to WEP key for encryption.

    • Used by RC4 to combine with WEP key for encrypting payload.

    • Ensures each frame has a unique key stream.

    Key Index: 0
    • Indicates which WEP key (from the AP/STA configured set) is used to encrypt this frame.

    WEP Integrity Check Value (ICV): 0x98455536
    • CRC32 checksum applied to plaintext for integrity verification.

    • Encrypted along with the payload using WEP.

    • Ensures integrity of the encrypted payload. AP/STA verifies it to detect tampering.

    WEP Parameters

    1.6. Verify Sender IP and MAC

    • IP/MAC of the STA initiating the request

    • Identifies which device’s IP is being used to query the target.

    STA to AP ARP Sender IP and MAC

    1.7. Verify Target IP and Target MAC

    • IP of the device STA wants to reach.

    • Target MAC is unknown (00:00:00:00:00:00) in initial ARP Requests.

    STA to AP ARP Target IP and MAC
  2. Check if AP is forwarding ARP Request to Broadcast

    • This frame shows the AP forwarding the ARP Request from STA to all devices in the BSS (broadcast).

    • The AP sets Receiver Address = Broadcast so all stations can see it.

    • Still encapsulated in a 802.11 Data frame (Subtype = 0).

    2.1. Check the Source Address

    • AP’s MAC address as the source of the forwarded ARP Request.

    • Shows that the AP is relaying the ARP.

    AP to Broadcast ARP Source Address

    2.2. Verify Destination Address

    • Broadcast MAC: ff:ff:ff:ff:ff:ff

    • Sent to all stations in the BSS.

    AP to Broadcast ARP Destination Address

    2.3. Verify Receiver Address

    • Broadcast: ff:ff:ff:ff:ff:ff

    • Confirms all stations are eligible to receive the ARP Request.

    AP to Broadcast ARP Receiver Address

    2.4. Verify Transmitter Address

    • Transmitter = AP MAC.

    • Indicates which device physically transmitted this broadcast.

    AP to Broadcast ARP Transmitter Address

    2.5. Verify WEP Parameters

    Initialization Vector (IV):
    • 24-bit random number prepended to WEP key for encryption.

    • Ensures each frame has a unique key stream.

    Key Index: 0
    • Indicates which WEP key is used for encryption.

    WEP Integrity Check Value (ICV):
    • CRC32 checksum applied to plaintext for integrity verification.

    • Encrypted along with the payload using WEP.

    • Indicates which device physically transmitted this broadcast.

    WEP Parameters

    2.6. Verify Sender IP and MAC

    • IP/MAC of the STA initiating the request (carried inside AP’s forwarded ARP).

    • AP forwards this information so other stations know who is requesting.

    AP to Broadcast ARP Sender IP and MAC

    2.7. Verify Target IP and Target MAC

    • IP of the device STA wants to reach.

    • Target MAC is unknown (00:00:00:00:00:00) in initial ARP Requests.

    AP to Broadcast ARP Target IP and MAC

ARP Reply Packet Analysis

  1. Check if AP is sending ARP Reply

    • After the STA sends an ARP Request, the device owning the target IP responds with an ARP Reply.

    • This is usually unicast from the AP to the STA.

    • The reply provides the MAC address corresponding to the target IP so the STA can update its ARP table.

  2. Verify Source Address

    • AP MAC (BSSID) — the sender of the ARP Reply.

    • Identifies which device owns the requested IP (192.168.1.10).

    AP to STA ARP Reply Source Address
  3. Verify Destination Address

    • STA MAC — unicast to the requesting STA.

    • Ensures only the requesting device receives this ARP Reply.

    AP to STA ARP Reply Destination Address
  4. Verify Receiver Address

    • STA MAC — confirms the intended recipient at the link layer.

    AP to STA ARP Reply Receiver Address
  5. Verify Transmitter Address

    • AP MAC — indicates who physically transmitted the frame.

    AP to STA ARP Reply Transmitter Address
  6. Verify WEP Parameters

    Initialization Vector (IV):
    • Ensures unique encryption for each reply frame.

    Key Index: 0
    • Indicates which WEP key is used for this reply.

    WEP Integrity Check Value (ICV):
    • Provides integrity verification for the ARP Reply payload.

    WEP Parameters
  7. Verify Sender IP and MAC

    • IP: Target IP (AP’s IP)

    • MAC: AP’s MAC

    • Provides the requested mapping for the STA’s ARP table.

    AP to STA ARP Reply Sender IP and MAC
  8. Verify Target IP and MAC

    • IP: STA IP

    • MAC: STA MAC

    • Confirms the reply is directed to the original requester.

    AP to STA ARP Reply Target IP and MAC

Acknowledgement after ARP Reply Packet Analysis

  • The ARP Reply is a unicast frame, so the STA replies with an ACK.

  • This ensures the AP knows the STA successfully received its Reply packet.

  • The ACK is a Control frame (Subtype = 13) and follows a SIFS interval (~10 µs).

  1. Check the ACK Frame Subtype.

    • Subtype = 13 identifies the frame as an ACK.

    • Confirms the STA received the ARP Reply successfully.

    ARP Reply ACK Subtype
  2. Verify the ACK Receiver Address.

    • Receiver Address = AP MAC address

    • Confirms the acknowledgment is directed to the AP.

    ARP Reply ACK Receiver Address

ICMP Request Packet Analysis

  1. Check if STA is sending ICMP Echo (Ping) Request

    • The ICMP Echo Request is sent by the STA to the AP to test connectivity.

    • It is encapsulated inside an 802.11 Data frame and usually sent unicast to the AP.

    • This frame allows the STA to verify reachability and latency.

  2. Verify Data Rate

    • Data Rate indicates the PHY rate used by the STA (e.g., 5.5 Mbps).

    • Confirms the speed of transmission for the ping request.

    Data Rate in ICMP Echo Request
  3. Verify Channel

    • Channel used for transmission (e.g., Channel 6 / 2437 MHz).

    • Ensures the ping uses the correct RF channel.

    Channel in ICMP Echo Request
  4. Verify Source MAC

    • STA MAC address (e.g., e8:6f:38:71:f1:e3).

    • Confirms the correct STA is sending the ping.

    Source MAC in ICMP Echo Request
  5. Verify Receiver MAC

    • AP MAC address.

    • Confirms the frame is directed to the correct AP.

    Receiver MAC in ICMP Echo Request
  6. Verify Source and Destination IP

    • Source IP: STA IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1)

    • Destination IP: AP IP (e.g., 192.168.1.10)

    • Ensures correct layer-3 addressing for ICMP.

    Source and Destination IP in ICMP Echo Request
  7. Verify WEP Parameters

    Initialization Vector (IV):
    • Ensures unique encryption for each ICMP request frame.

    Key Index: 0
    • Indicates the WEP key used to encrypt the ICMP payload.

    WEP Integrity Check Value (ICV):
    • Encrypted CRC32 checksum ensures the integrity of the ICMP Request.

    WEP Parameters
  8. Verify Protocol

    • Protocol = ICMP (0x01).

    • Confirms the packet is an ICMP message.

    Protocol field in ICMP Echo Request
  9. Verify Type

    • ICMP Type = 8 (Echo Request).

    • Identifies the frame as a ping request.

    ICMP Type in Echo Request
  10. Verify IP Version

  • Version = 4 (IPv4).

  • Confirms the ICMP packet uses IPv4.

IP Version in ICMP Echo Request

Acknowledgement after ICMP Echo Request Packet Analysis

  • The ICMP Request is a unicast frame, so the AP replies with an ACK.

  • This ensures the STA knows the AP successfully received its Request packet.

  • The ACK is a Control frame (Subtype = 13) and follows a SIFS interval (~10 µs).

  1. Check the ACK Frame Subtype.

    • Subtype = 13 identifies the frame as an ACK.

    • Confirms the AP received the ICMP Request successfully.

    ACK Subtype after ICMP Echo Request
  2. Verify the ACK Receiver Address.

    • Receiver MAC = STA MAC.

    • Confirms that the acknowledgment is sent back to the STA.

    ACK Receiver Address after ICMP Echo Request

ICMP Reply Packet Analysis

  1. Check if AP is sending ICMP Echo (Ping) Reply

    • The ICMP Echo Reply is sent by the AP back to the STA in response to the Echo Request.

    • Encapsulated inside an 802.11 Data frame and typically sent unicast.

    • Confirms that the AP is reachable and the network path is functioning correctly.

  2. Verify Data Rate

    • Data Rate indicates the PHY rate used by the AP (e.g., 11 Mbps).

    • Confirms the speed of transmission for the ping reply.

    Data Rate in ICMP Echo Reply
  3. Verify Channel

    • Channel used for transmission (e.g., Channel 6 / 2437 MHz).

    • Ensures the reply uses the correct RF channel.

    Channel in ICMP Echo Reply
  4. Verify Source MAC

    • AP MAC address (e.g., 0c:9a:3c:9f:17:71).

    • Confirms the reply originates from the correct AP.

    Source MAC in ICMP Echo Reply
  5. Verify Receiver MAC

    • STA MAC address.

    • Confirms the reply is delivered to the requesting STA.

    Receiver MAC in ICMP Echo Reply
  6. Verify Source and Destination IP

    • Source IP: AP IP (e.g., 192.168.1.10)

    • Destination IP: STA IP (e.g., 192.168.1.1)

    • Confirms correct layer-3 addressing for the ICMP reply.

    Source and Destination IP in ICMP Echo Reply
  7. Verify WEP Parameters

    Initialization Vector (IV):
    • Unique for each ICMP reply frame to prevent key reuse.

    Key Index: 0
    • Indicates which WEP key was used to encrypt this frame.

    WEP Integrity Check Value (ICV):
    • Encrypted checksum ensures payload integrity.

    WEP Parameters
  8. Verify Protocol

    • Protocol = ICMP (0x01).

    • Confirms that the packet is an ICMP message.

    Protocol in ICMP Echo Reply
  9. Verify IP Version

    • Version = 4 (IPv4).

    • Confirms the ICMP packet uses IPv4.

    IP Version in ICMP Echo Reply
  10. Verify Type

  • ICMP Type = 0 (Echo Reply).

  • Identifies the frame as a ping reply.

ICMP Type in Echo Reply

Acknowledgement after ICMP Echo Reply Packet Analysis

  • The ICMP Reply is a unicast frame, so the STA replies with an ACK.

  • This ensures the AP knows the STA successfully received its Reply packet.

  • The ACK is a Control frame (Subtype = 13) and follows a SIFS interval (~10 µs).

  1. Check the ACK Frame Subtype.

    • Subtype = 13 identifies the frame as an ACK.

    • Confirms the STA received the ICMP Reply successfully.

    ACK Subtype after ICMP Echo Reply
  2. Verify the ACK Receiver Address.

    • Receiver MAC = AP MAC.

    • Confirms that the acknowledgment is sent back to the AP.

    ACK Receiver Address after ICMP Echo Reply

Deauthentication Packet Analysis

  1. Check if STA is sending Deauthentication Frame

    • Deauthentication is a management frame sent by either the AP or STA to terminate an existing connection.

    • It contains information about why the device is being deauthenticated.

    • The frame is unicast and will be acknowledged by the recipient.

  2. Verify Frame Subtype

    • Subtype = 12 identifies the frame as Deauthentication.

    • Ensures Wireshark captures the correct management frame.

    Deauthentication Subtype
  3. Verify Source MAC Address

    • MAC address of the device sending the deauthentication frame (AP or STA).

    • Confirms which device initiated the deauthentication.

    Source MAC in Deauthentication
  4. Verify Receiver MAC Address

    • MAC address of the recipient device.

    • Ensures the frame is targeted to the correct station or AP.

    Receiver MAC in Deauthentication
  5. Verify Fixed Parameters

    • Includes Reason Code (e.g., 0x0001: Unspecified reason).

    • Helps determine why the deauthentication occurred.

    Fixed Parameters in Deauthentication

Acknowledgement after Deauthentication Packet Analysis

  • The Deauthentication is a unicast frame, so the AP replies with an ACK.

  • This ensures the STA knows the AP successfully received its Reply packet.

  • The ACK is a Control frame (Subtype = 13) and follows a SIFS interval (~10 µs).

  1. Check the ACK Frame Subtype.

    • Subtype = 13 identifies the frame as an ACK.

    • Confirms the recipient received the deauthentication frame.

    ACK Subtype after Deauthentication
  2. Verify the ACK Receiver Address.

    • Destination MAC = sender of the deauthentication frame.

    • Confirms the acknowledgment is directed back to the sender.

    ACK Receiver Address after Deauthentication