Mastering Fluxion in Kali Linux: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

 

Fluxion stands as a pivotal tool in the landscape of Wi-Fi security, spearheading the battle against vulnerabilities in WPA and WPA2 protocols by leveraging advanced man-in-the-middle and social engineering tactics. This comprehensive tool, compatible with Kali Linux, transforms the complexity of Wi-Fi hacking into a more approachable task, highlighting the critical need for user education on security practices.

As we embark on mastering Fluxion in Kali Linux through this guide, you'll uncover the nuances of installing and deploying Fluxion to identify and exploit weaknesses in Wi-Fi networks. By capturing the WPA/WPA2-PSK handshake and employing a fake access point, Fluxion unravels the intricacies of securing wireless networks against potential threats. This journey is not only about harnessing the power of Fluxion but also about fostering a deep understanding of network security in the digital age.

What is Kali Linux?

Kali Linux, a Debian-based operating system, is crafted specifically for cybersecurity professionals and ethical hackers. Here’s a deeper look into what makes Kali Linux a preferred choice for security testing:

1. Core Features and Updates:
2. • 2024.1 Release: The latest version, Kali Linux 2024.1, introduces a range of new tools such as blue-hydra, opentaxii, readpe, and snort, enhancing the toolkit available to security experts.
   • Design Enhancements: This version also features a refreshed theme with streamlined visuals and improvements across various desktop environments, making it more user-friendly.
   • Usability Enhancements: A notable usability update includes the ability to copy a VPN IP address to the clipboard with a single click on the Xfce desktop, simplifying network management tasks.
2. Compatibility and Customization:
3. • Wide Hardware Support: Kali Linux supports an extensive array of ARM devices and common hardware platforms including Raspberry Pi, Pinebooks, and more, ensuring flexibility in deployment.
   • Customizable Builds: Leveraging live-build, users can customize every aspect of Kali Linux ISO images, tailoring the system to specific needs, which is ideal for creating bespoke environments for security testing.
3. Industry Standard and Tool Integration:
4. • Security Industry Standard: As the undisputed industry standard for open-source penetration testing platforms, Kali Linux is at the forefront of network security, vulnerability assessment, and forensic investigations.
   • Fluxion Compatibility: Specifically for Wi-Fi security, Fluxion—a prominent security auditing and social-engineering research tool—is compatible with Kali Linux, particularly with the rolling release, but requires manual installation.

Kali Linux 2024.1 is readily available for download, and existing installations can also be upgraded to this new version, ensuring that users have access to the latest tools and features. This robust platform continues to evolve, catering to the dynamic needs of cybersecurity professionals around the globe.

Understanding Fluxion

Understanding Fluxion

Fluxion is a sophisticated tool designed for auditing Wi-Fi security through a combination of techniques, including social engineering and MITM (Man In The Middle) attacks. Here's a breakdown of how Fluxion operates:

1. Initial Setup and Attack Preparation:
2. • Scanning for Networks: Fluxion first scans for a target wireless network to identify potential vulnerabilities.
   • Capturing Handshake: Utilizing the Handshake Snooper attack, it captures the handshake, a crucial step for verifying the authenticity of the network password later.
   • Launching Captive Portal Attack: After capturing the handshake, Fluxion launches a Captive Portal attack. This involves creating a rogue access point that mimics the legitimate network to deceive users.
2. Execution of the Captive Portal Attack:
3. • Deauthentication Attack: To make the users connect to the rogue AP, Fluxion sends deauthentication packets to disconnect them from the real access point.
   • Rogue Access Point (Fake AP): A fake AP is set up with the same SSID as the target, tricking devices into connecting to it.
   • Fake DNS and Captive Portal Setup: A DNS server is spawned redirecting all user requests to a fake login page hosted on the attacker’s server, where they are prompted to enter their Wi-Fi password.
3. Credential Harvesting and Verification:
4. • Credential Capture: Users enter their Wi-Fi credentials on the fake login page, believing they are reconnecting to their network.
   • Password Verification: The entered credentials are verified against the previously captured handshake using tools like Aircrack-ng. The attack continues until the correct password is submitted.
   • Shutting Down the Attack: Once the correct credentials are obtained, Fluxion shuts down the rogue AP, stops jamming the real network, and logs the key, allowing clients to reconnect to the legitimate access point.

Fluxion’s method relies heavily on user interaction, making it a potent tool against even the most robust WPA2 passwords, as it bypasses the need for brute-forcing through direct user deception. This approach highlights the critical importance of user awareness and education in maintaining network security.

Pre-requisites for Using Fluxion

To successfully utilize Fluxion on your Kali Linux 2024 system, it's crucial to meet specific prerequisites that ensure the tool functions optimally. Here's a comprehensive checklist to prepare your system for using Fluxion:

System and Software Updates

1. Update Your System: Begin by updating your Kali Linux to the latest version with the commands:

   sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade
   

   This ensures that all software is up-to-date and minimizes compatibility issues.
2. Install Necessary Dependencies: Fluxion requires several dependencies to run smoothly. Install them using:

   sudo apt-get install -y
   

   This command covers everything from development libraries to network tools crucial for Fluxion's operations.

Hardware Requirements

3. Wireless Network Adapter: Ensure that your wireless network adapter supports monitor mode and packet injection. Not all adapters are capable of these functions, so confirming this capability is essential.
4. External WiFi Card Recommendation: For optimal performance, using an external WiFi card, such as the Alfa AWUS036NEH, is recommended. These cards are known for their reliability in network penetration tasks.

Configuration and Additional Setups

5. Git Installation: Fluxion is hosted on GitHub, requiring Git for cloning the repository. Install Git with:

   sudo apt-get install git
   

   This will allow you to download the latest version of Fluxion directly from its GitHub repository.
6. Check and Install Missing Tools: Before starting, Fluxion performs a check for all necessary tools. If any are missing, it will prompt the installation. You can manually ensure all tools are installed by running:

   ./installer.sh
   

   This script helps set up any missing dependencies, ensuring Fluxion runs without hitches.

By following these steps, you prepare your system not just for Fluxion but for a broad range of security testing tasks on Kali Linux. Ensure that your network interfaces are correctly configured for monitor mode and that you have sufficient privileges to execute these changes.

Installing Fluxion on Kali Linux

To install Fluxion on Kali Linux, follow these detailed steps to ensure a smooth setup and prepare your system for Wi-Fi security testing:

Step-by-Step Installation Process

1. Clone the Fluxion Repository:
2. • Open your terminal in Kali Linux.
   • Type the command to clone the Fluxion repository from GitHub:

     [git clone https://github.com/FluxionNetwork/fluxion.git]
     

   • This command downloads all the necessary files from the Fluxion official repository to your local machine.
2. Navigate to the Fluxion Directory:
3. • Change your current directory to the newly cloned 'fluxion' directory by entering:

     cd fluxion
     

3. Prepare and Run the Installation Script:
4. • Before running the script, ensure it has the necessary execution permissions:

     [sudo chmod +x fluxion.sh](https://github.com/FluxionNetwork/fluxion)
     

   • Execute the installation script with administrative privileges to install all required dependencies and set up the environment:

     sudo ./fluxion.sh
     

   • The script automatically checks for any missing dependencies and prompts for installation if needed:

     [./installer.sh]
     

4. Initial Configuration and Setup:
5. • After the dependencies are installed, the script will ask you to select your preferred language and configure other initial settings like selecting the wireless interface (typically wlan0) and the channel settings:

     [Select your language and configure the wireless settings](https://github.com/FluxionNetwork/fluxion/blob/master/README.md)
     

By following these steps, you will have successfully installed Fluxion on your Kali Linux system, ready to perform advanced Wi-Fi security tests. Remember, Fluxion works best with a compatible wireless network adapter that supports monitor mode and packet injection, so ensure your hardware is apt for such operations.

Scanning for Wi-Fi Networks

To effectively use Fluxion for Wi-Fi security testing on your Kali Linux system, the first crucial step involves scanning for Wi-Fi networks. This process allows you to identify and select a target access point (AP) with active connections. Here’s how you can proceed:

Step-by-Step Guide to Scanning Wi-Fi Networks with Fluxion

1. Open Your Terminal:
2. • Launch the terminal on your Kali Linux system to begin the scanning process.
2. Select the Wireless Interface:
3. • Fluxion will prompt you to select the wireless interface for scanning. Choose the appropriate adapter that supports monitor mode.
3. Enter Monitor Mode:
4. • Confirm the selection, and Fluxion will switch your device to monitor mode, enabling it to capture packets broadcasted by nearby Wi-Fi networks.
4. Scan for Networks:
5. • Initiate the scan by allowing Fluxion to search for all active Wi-Fi networks in the vicinity. You can choose to scan all channels for a comprehensive search or specify a particular channel to focus on a targeted area.
5. Review Available Networks:
6. • After the scan completes, Fluxion presents a list of all detected Wi-Fi networks. Details such as BSSID, ESS ID, channel, security protocol, and signal strength are displayed. This information helps in identifying the most vulnerable or preferred network for your security testing.
6. Select Your Target Network:
7. • From the list, choose the Wi-Fi network you wish to target. Ensure it has active clients connected, as this is crucial for the subsequent steps in the Fluxion attack process.
7. Confirm Your Selection:
8. • After selecting your target network, confirm your choice and proceed with the next steps in the Fluxion workflow.

By following these steps, you effectively set the stage for deeper Wi-Fi security analysis using Fluxion. Each action is critical to ensuring that the subsequent phases of the attack, such as capturing the handshake and launching the captive portal, are successful.

Capturing the Handshake

To effectively capture the handshake, which is essential for verifying the network password, follow these steps:

1. Select the Attack Method

• FakeAP - Hostapd: Recommended for faster and more reliable connections.
• FakeAP - airbase-ng: An alternative that may result in slower connections.
• Bruteforce: Requires a previously captured handshake to proceed.

2. Handshake Capture Techniques

• Passive Capture: Allows Fluxion to monitor and capture the handshake without active interference.
• Active Capture (De-authentication): Forces the network to reconnect, thereby providing a fresh handshake. This involves selecting the target network, choosing the de-authentication method, and specifying an interface for monitoring and jamming.

3. Execution and Verification

• Initiate the Handshake Snooper: If you don't already have a handshake file, start the Handshake Snooper to capture one.
• Monitor and De-authenticate: Watch the process in one window while the de-authentication takes place in another, ensuring that you capture the necessary handshake.
• Save and Verify: Once captured, the handshake is saved as a .cap file in the 'attacks/handshake_snooper' directory. Use tools like aircrack-ng with a word list to verify the handshake's validity.

By following these steps, you ensure that you have a valid handshake, which is crucial for the next phases of your security testing with Fluxion. This approach not only streamlines the process but also enhances the effectiveness of your Wi-Fi security analysis.

Launching the Captive Portal Attack

To successfully launch the Captive Portal Attack with Fluxion on your Kali Linux system, follow these detailed steps to manipulate user interactions and capture the Wi-Fi password:

Step-by-Step Guide to Launching the Captive Portal Attack

1. Setting Up the Rogue Access Point:
2. • Create a Rogue AP: Using hostapd, set up a rogue access point that imitates the target network.
   • Deauthentication: Disconnect clients from the legitimate access point to make them connect to the rogue AP.
2. Configuring the Captive Portal:
3. • SSL Certificate: Generate an SSL certificate to lend authenticity to the rogue AP and make the captive portal appear more legitimate.
   • Custom Web Interface: Set up a custom web interface that matches the target's device and language preferences.
   • Fake Login Page: Direct users to this fake login page where they are prompted to enter their Wi-Fi password.
3. Execution and Credential Verification:
4. • Capture User Input: Monitor and capture the Wi-Fi password entered by the user.
   • Password Verification: Use aircrack-ng to verify the entered passphrase against the previously captured handshake.
   • Termination of Attack: Once the correct passphrase is verified, cease the deauthentication process and shut down the rogue AP. The user device will reconnect to the original access point without suspecting any foul play.

By meticulously following these steps, you ensure a successful execution of the Captive Portal Attack, leveraging social engineering to obtain crucial Wi-Fi security credentials from unsuspecting users.

Analyzing the Results

Once you've successfully launched Fluxion and navigated through the Captive Portal Attack, analyzing the results becomes the final, crucial step in your Wi-Fi security testing. Here's what happens after the correct Wi-Fi password is entered by a user:

1. Password Verification and Storage:
2. • Upon the user entering what they believe is the correct Wi-Fi password on the fake login page, Aircrack-ng steps in to verify the authenticity of this password against the previously captured handshake.
   • If the entered password matches the handshake data, Aircrack-ng confirms its validity and automatically saves this verified password to a text file on your Kali Linux system.
2. Fluxion Workflow:
3. • To initiate this verification process, you would have started Fluxion by entering ./fluxion in the terminal.
   • This command launches the Fluxion script, setting the stage for the entire attack sequence from scanning networks to capturing handshakes and deploying the Captive Portal.
3. Outcome and Next Steps:
4. • Successfully capturing and verifying the network password marks the culmination of the Fluxion attack phase.
   • The information stored can be used for further analysis or reported to the network administrator for strengthening the network's security measures.

By following these steps, you ensure a comprehensive understanding and application of Fluxion for Wi-Fi security testing, reinforcing the importance of robust security practices in network management.

Conclusion

Throughout this guide, we have traversed the capabilities of Fluxion within Kali Linux, emphasizing its prowess in identifying and exploiting Wi-Fi security vulnerabilities through advanced techniques such as social engineering and MITM attacks. The thorough walkthrough from setting up your environment for Fluxion to executing a Captive Portal Attack not only serves as a testament to the tool's effectiveness but also underscores the significance of user education in the realm of network security. By meticulously following the structured steps outlined, users are equipped to enhance their cybersecurity toolkit, contributing to the broader goal of securing digital infrastructures against emerging threats.

The exploration into Fluxion's integration with Kali Linux 2024 unveils the symbiotic relationship between sophisticated tools and the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity. As we underscored the importance of prerequisites, system preparation, and the comprehensive execution process, the journey through Fluxion's capabilities reveals the critical role of vigilance and proactive measures in safeguarding Wi-Fi networks. In navigating the complexities of Wi-Fi security, this guide illuminates the path for cybersecurity enthusiasts and professionals alike, fostering a deeper understanding of ethical hacking practices and the pivotal importance of fostering a secure digital ecosystem.

FAQs

1. Is Kali Linux widely used by security professionals?
Yes, Kali Linux is extensively used by security professionals, particularly penetration testers and Red Teams, due to its comprehensive suite of over 600 penetration testing tools. It is the most prevalent hacking distribution. Additionally, Blue Teamers and other security professionals can utilize these tools for various security tasks similar to those performed by penetration testers.

2. What are the system requirements to run Fluxion?
To run Fluxion effectively, your system should meet the following minimum requirements:

• Memory: 8 GB
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050
• CPU: Intel Core i5-4400E
• File Size: 100 MB
• Operating System: Windows 7/8/10/11

3. Which version of Kali Linux should I install?
If you are unsure about which version of Kali Linux to install, the "Installer" image is generally recommended. You should determine your system's architecture to decide between a 32-bit or 64-bit version. It is advisable to stick with the default selections during installation and add additional packages as needed afterward.

4. Where can I find courses to learn about Kali Linux tools?
There are several popular courses available for learning Kali Linux tools, including:

• Kali Linux by Board Infinity
• Tools of the Trade: Linux and SQL by Google
• Hacking and Patching by the University of Colorado System
• Cybersecurity Roles, Processes & Operating System Security by IBM
• IT Support by Google

These courses provide a structured learning path for mastering various tools and techniques in Kali Linux.

References

[1] - https://www.cyberpratibha.com/blog/fluxion-wpa-wpa2-hacking/
[2] - https://gbhackers.com/cracking-wpawpa2-passwords-fluxion/
[3] - https://spyboy.blog/2020/08/23/crack-wifi-passwords-in-minutes-fluxion/
[4] - https://www.kalilinux.in/2020/07/fluxion-kali-linux-crack-wifi.html
[5] - https://linuxconfig.org/create-an-evil-twin-of-your-network-with-fluxion
[6] - https://www.kali.org/blog/kali-linux-2024-1-release/
[7] - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/kali-linux-20241-released-new-tools-updated-look-more-zyncgroup-gw5ve
[8] - https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2024/02/29/kali-linux-2024-1-released-new-tools-new-look-kali-nethunter-kernels/
[9] - https://www.kali.org/features/
[10] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT1Wjiy0VvE
[11] - https://github.com/FluxionNetwork/fluxion/blob/master/README.md
[12] - https://null-byte.wonderhowto.com/how-to/hack-wi-fi-capturing-wpa-passwords-by-targeting-users-with-fluxion-attack-0176134/
[13] - https://steemit.com/utopian-io/@folken/capturing-wpa-wpa2-passwords-using-fluxion-network
[14] - https://en.kali.tools/?p=235
[15] - https://www.hackingarticles.in/wireless-penetration-testing-fluxion/
[16] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk9Rayo8PjU
[17] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehXW75pmAtI
[18] - https://github.com/FluxionNetwork/fluxion/wiki/Captive-Portal-Attack
[19] - https://www.alvareztg.com/what-should-i-know-about-fluxion-hacking-and-protection/
[20] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ss4wcmCj7Vg
[21] - https://github.com/FluxionNetwork/fluxion
[22] - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XbrhOCaj88
[23] - https://thecybersecurityman.com/2018/06/28/pentest-edition-cracking-strong-wpa2-wi-fi-passwords-using-fluxion/