Cheap WiFi Bridge For Pen Testing Or Otherwise

Twenty three dollars. That’s all this tiny pen-testing device will set you back. And there really isn’t much to it. [Kevin Bong] came up with the idea to use a Wifi router as a bridge to test a wired network’s security remotely. He grabbed a TP-Link TL-WR703N router, a low-profile thumb drive, and a cellphone backup battery; all cheaply available products.

No hardware hacking is necessary to connect the three components. The only other preparation needed is to reflash the router firmware with OpenWRT and load it up with common pen-testing software packages like Netcrack and Airhack.

[Kevin] calls this a drop box, because you find an Ethernet jack, plug it in, and drop it there. You can then connect to the router via Wifi and begin testing the wired network security measures. We’re sure images of espionage pop into your head from that description, but we’re certain this can be useful in other ways as well. If you ever find yourself with an Ethernet connection but no access to Wifi this is a quick way to setup an AP.

18 thoughts on “Cheap WiFi Bridge For Pen Testing Or Otherwise

  1. Since it is using openwrt it would work in reverse to, add wireless connectivity to your wired only blu-ray players, xbox360’s ect without having to buy an expensive dongle. Just need an adapeter to use wall or usb power instead of the battery.

    1. The original post says the whole thing costs $23. So, if you can make a saving of 75 by buying it with battery, then you’re effectively getting $50 and a bunch of hardware for free… Someone has their maths wrong.

  2. hi,

    that sounds funny: ,,pen-testing software packages like Netcrack and Airhack”.

    Did you mean Netcat and Aircrack?

    @lsellens:
    nethack seems also funny :-) but i dont think its installed on that box beacause its a game (see nethack.org …)

    1. Yeah sure enough. I just knew they meant aircrack and googled nethack to see if their was a tool they were getting confused. Saw their site, but didn’t realize it was a game. Should have figured netcat was the mistaken tool. Thanks for the correction.

  3. What a coincidence! I am just about to do the same type of thing, only using a tiny access point/bridge available on ebay that is about the size of two PCMCIA cards stacked on top of each other. The model I’m looking at actually has a switch on the side to select between AP/Wifi Router/Bridge modes. I will be building a rechargeable Lithium battery pack into the unit, and will use it to enable me to easily SSH/WebGUI into a wired network using my iPhone…

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