Wireless Pentest Methodology

What is a Wireless Pentest?

A wireless penetration test is a security assessment that focuses on evaluating the security of an organization's wireless networks, such as Wi-Fi. The goal is to identify and exploit potential vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to the network, intercept sensitive data, or “disrupt” network operations.

1 | Reconnaissance phase

In the initial phase, we gather information about the wireless environment.

• Wi-Fi Network Discovery
  We identify available wireless networks (SSID) and assess their security configurations, such as the use of WEP, WPA, WPA2 or WPA3 encryption

• Signal Strength and Range
  We analyze signal strength to map coverage area and identify potential entry points for an attacker.
• Network Enumeration
  We identify connected devices and access points to understand the wireless infrastructure, checking for misconfigurations or potential attack vectors.

2 | Fingerprinting phase

We further assess the network's security by analyzing its encryption and authentication mechanisms:

• 4-Way Handshake Capture
  We attempt to capture the 4-way handshake, which is critical for decrypting the pre-shared key (PSK) of WPA2/WPA3 networks.
• PMKID Capture
  We also capture PMKIDs (Pairwise Master Key Identifiers), which can sometimes be used to crack WPA2/WPA3 passphrases without needing a full handshake.
• Encryption Weakness Identification
  For networks using WEP or outdated protocols, we identify vulnerabilities in the encryption method, paving the way for further exploitation.

3 | Exploitation phase

We actively attempt to exploit weaknesses found during the reconnaissance and fingerprinting stages:

• Password Cracking
  We use brute-force attacks against captured handshakes and PMKIDs, leveraging complex wordlists to crack weak or default passwords.

• Evil Twin Attack
  We set up rogue access points to trick legitimate users into connecting to a malicious network, allowing us to intercept their traffic.
   
• WPS Attacks
  For networks with WPS enabled, we attempt to bruteforce or exploit known vulnerabilities in the WPS setup, potentially gaining access to the network without needing to crack the pre-shared key.
• Weak Encryption Exploits
  If the network is using WEP, we exploit vulnerabilities in the protocol to decrypt the traffic and gain unauthorized access.
   

4 | Reporting phase

After completing the penetration test, we compile all findings into a detailed report, following Red Sentry’s standardized template. This includes:

• A summary of the identified vulnerabilities
• The methods used to exploit them
• Recommendations for remediation

This methodology ensures a comprehensive assessment of your wireless environment, helping identify access points, weak security practices, or errant configurations that can become footholds for malicious actors and put your entire infrastructure at risk.