Lantenna: Exfiltrating data from air-gapped networks via ethernet cables emission

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

In this paper we present LANTENNA - a new type of an electromagnetic attack allowing adversaries to leak sensitive data from isolated, air-gapped networks. Malicious code in air-gapped computers gathers sensitive data and then encodes it over radio waves emanated from Ethernet cables. A nearby receiving device can intercept the signals wirelessly, decodes the data and sends it to the attacker. We discuss the exiltration techniques, examine the covert channel characteristics, and provide implementation details. Notably, the malicious code can run in an ordinary user mode process, and can successfully operates from within a virtual machine. We evaluate the covert channel in different scenarios and present a set of of countermeasures. Our experiments show that with the LANTENNA attack, data can be exfiltrated from air-gapped computers to a distance of several meters away.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings - 2021 IEEE 45th Annual Computers, Software, and Applications Conference, COMPSAC 2021
EditorsW. K. Chan, Bill Claycomb, Hiroki Takakura, Ji-Jiang Yang, Yuuichi Teranishi, Dave Towey, Sergio Segura, Hossain Shahriar, Sorel Reisman, Sheikh Iqbal Ahamed
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Pages745-754
Number of pages10
ISBN (Electronic)9781665424639
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jul 2021
Event45th IEEE Annual Computers, Software, and Applications Conference, COMPSAC 2021 - Virtual, Online, Spain
Duration: 12 Jul 202116 Jul 2021

Publication series

NameProceedings - 2021 IEEE 45th Annual Computers, Software, and Applications Conference, COMPSAC 2021

Conference

Conference45th IEEE Annual Computers, Software, and Applications Conference, COMPSAC 2021
Country/TerritorySpain
CityVirtual, Online
Period12/07/2116/07/21

Keywords

  • Air-gap
  • Covert channels
  • Data leakage
  • Electromagnetic
  • Ethernet
  • Exfiltration
  • LAN

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Software

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