The Flipper Zero, a multi-tool designed for hackers and security researchers, has proven to be a capable device for wireless signal manipulation, including interactions with drones. This compact device comes equipped with a range of functionalities, from reading RFID and NFC tags to operating in Sub-GHz frequencies, making it an ideal tool for exploring security vulnerabilities in modern drones.
How the Flipper Zero Targets Drone Communications
Signal Interception and Replay Attacks
Drones, especially consumer-grade models, often communicate over 2.4 GHz or 5.8 GHz frequencies using radio protocols. These communications are frequently unencrypted or poorly protected. The Flipper Zero, with its Sub-GHz module, can capture these signals and replay them to the drone. This method, known as a replay attack, allows the hacker to mimic legitimate commands, such as takeoff or landing, without needing to crack any encryption​
Since many drones use simple command-and-control structures, a hacker equipped with the Flipper Zero can hijack the drone by simply replaying the correct set of commands. This type of attack takes advantage of the drone's inability to differentiate between authentic and replayed signals.
Weak Encryption Exploitation
Many drones, particularly those in the consumer and hobbyist markets, rely on outdated or weak encryption protocols to secure their wireless communications. Using the Flipper Zero, attackers can analyze these protocols, looking for vulnerabilities in their encryption schemes. For example, some drones still rely on basic encryption protocols like WEP, which can be cracked in minutes using tools available on the Flipper Zero​.
Once encryption is....
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