Comprehensive Guide to Network Implants for Penetration Testing

Establishing a Robust Network Beachhead with Advanced Penetration Tools

Key Takeaways

Diverse Device Options: A wide range of commercially available and open-source tools caters to various penetration testing needs.
Enhanced Connectivity: Many devices support prepaid SIM cards, providing reliable remote access and control.
Stealth and Persistence: Advanced features ensure minimal detection and sustained network presence during testing.

Top Network Implant Devices for Penetration Testing

1. Hidden Beacon 5G

Overview: A cutting-edge network implant designed to operate over 5G networks, Hidden Beacon 5G offers high-speed and reliable remote access within advanced network infrastructures.

Functionality: Utilizes prepaid SIM cards for seamless connectivity, enabling remote command and control (C2) operations. Ideal for environments leveraging the latest cellular technologies.

Website: Hidden Beacon Technologies

2. GlitchBox Cellular Edition

Overview: A standalone dropbox with secure SIM-based remote access, the GlitchBox Cellular Edition supports prepaid LTE cards for effective penetration testing.

Functionality: Features built-in VPN pivoting and packet-capture capabilities, allowing for discreet network monitoring and data exfiltration.

Website: GlitchBox

3. OwlAir LTE Implant

Overview: Focused on establishing a presence in air-gapped networks, the OwlAir LTE Implant leverages SIM cards for reliable data exfiltration.

Functionality: Interfaces with hidden C2 servers using cellular networks, making it an excellent choice for high-security environments requiring persistent access.

Website: OwlAir Technologies

4. NASPi Zero LTE Implant

Overview: A DIY solution utilizing the Raspberry Pi Zero paired with an LTE HAT SIM module, the RasPi Zero LTE Implant offers customizable network penetration capabilities.

Functionality: Supports full-fledged network implant tasks through tailored penetration testing frameworks like Kali Linux, enabling remote access and control via cellular networks.

Website: RasPi Zero LTE

5. Hackin9 SIMDrop

Overview: Designed as a covert dropbox implant, Hackin9 SIMDrop utilizes 4G prepaid SIMs to maintain robust C2 communication channels.

Functionality: Features a hardware shell adaptable for USB or Ethernet usage, supporting remote persistence and data exfiltration without detection.

Website: Hackin9

6. Nighthawk DropBox with LTE Module

Overview: A commercial-grade penetration testing dropbox device, the Nighthawk DropBox integrates an LTE modem for enhanced remote connectivity.

Functionality: Enables remote access via prepaid SIMs with built-in encryption, ensuring stealth operations and secure data transmission during red team engagements.

Website: Nighthawk DropBox

7. SignalOwl 4G Tactical Edition

Overview: A specialized variant of the SignalOwl series, the 4G Tactical Edition comes with an embedded 4G modem and SIM support for advanced penetration testing.

Functionality: Facilitates covert operations through 4G networks, allowing payload delivery and GPS-enabled tracking for comprehensive network assessments.

Website: SignalOwl Labs

8. Packet Squirrel 2 LTE Edition

Overview: An enhanced version of the original Packet Squirrel, the LTE Edition incorporates SIM-based control for superior remote access capabilities.

Functionality: Offers advanced packet capture, payload storage, and VPN pivoting with LTE-enabled remote connectivity, making it a versatile tool for red team operations.

Website: Packet Squirrel

9. Flipper DefCon LTE Mod

Overview: An LTE-capable accessory for the popular Flipper Zero tool, the DefCon LTE Mod supports prepaid SIM cards for covert communications.

Functionality: Enables control of IoT devices, RFID/NFC hacking, and GPS tracking with added LTE capabilities for remote operations, enhancing the Flipper Zero's usability in penetration tests.

Website: Flipper Zero Shop

10. LANpine MkII

Overview: The latest version of the LAN Turtle, the LANpine MkII is enhanced with LTE/SIM support for seamless remote access, disguised as a USB Ethernet adapter.

Functionality: Ideal for MITM attacks, DNS poisoning, and data exfiltration, it maintains a persistent presence within compromised networks through prepaid SIM-based connectivity.

Website: Hak5 LANpine MkII

11. USBninja SIM+

Overview: A discreet USB implant featuring an embedded LTE modem and SIM support, the USBninja SIM+ is designed for remote penetration tasks.

Functionality: Disguised as a standard USB drive, it supports Remote Access Tool (RAT) payloads over cellular networks, facilitating unobtrusive access and control.

Website: USBninja

12. COMPUSEC Modular Implant Kit

Overview: A customizable implant kit from COMPUSEC, designed for penetration testers to assemble various modules, including cellular connectivity units.

Functionality: Supports the integration of prepaid SIM cards to establish covert communication channels, offering flexibility for diverse penetration scenarios.

Website: COMPUSEC Solutions

13. Buffalo RAT LTE Pro

Overview: An advanced Remote Access Tool module designed for network implants, Buffalo RAT LTE Pro integrates LTE capabilities for enhanced remote operations.

Functionality: Facilitates persistent remote access via prepaid SIM cards, supporting various penetration testing activities such as system control and data exfiltration.

Website: Buffalo RAT

14. FlexiHacker OmniStick

Overview: A versatile hacking tool from FlexiHacker, the OmniStick supports multiple interfaces including USB, Ethernet, and cellular connections.

Functionality: Its modular design allows the integration of prepaid SIM modules, enabling the establishment of remote access points and facilitating comprehensive network penetration testing.

Website: FlexiHacker

15. Bash Bunny R3 with Cellular Dongle

Overview: The Bash Bunny R3 is a versatile USB attack platform that, when paired with a cellular dongle, offers robust remote command and control capabilities.

Functionality: Capable of executing complex payloads, it leverages prepaid SIM cards for remote access, making it an indispensable tool for simulating advanced threat actors during penetration tests.

Website: Bash Bunny

16. BastilleSIM IoT Implant

Overview: Designed for IoT-focused network implants, BastilleSIM offers full LTE SIM card compatibility for long-term persistence in isolated networks.

Functionality: Enables covert operations within IoT environments, utilizing prepaid LTE for undetected communication and control, essential for comprehensive penetration testing.

Website: BastilleSIM

Best Practices for Using Network Implants

Legal and Ethical Considerations

When deploying network implants for penetration testing, it's crucial to ensure all activities are authorized and comply with legal standards. Unauthorized use can lead to severe legal consequences. Always obtain explicit written authorization from clients before conducting any testing.

Stealth and Detection Avoidance

To maintain operational security, implement obfuscation techniques alongside prepaid SIM cards to avoid detection by advanced security monitoring tools. Selecting devices with low power consumption and stealth features enhances the effectiveness of penetration tests.

Power Management and Maintenance

Ensure that the chosen devices have efficient power management capabilities. Devices that can draw power from existing network infrastructure or have long-lasting battery life are preferable for sustained operations without raising suspicion.

Firmware Updates and Security

Regularly update the firmware of all penetration testing devices to patch vulnerabilities and maintain compatibility with evolving network protocols. Staying up-to-date ensures that tools remain effective against the latest security measures.

Conclusion

The landscape of network implants and penetration testing devices is continually advancing, offering a plethora of tools tailored to various red team requirements. From commercially available devices like Hidden Beacon 5G and GlitchBox Cellular Edition to customizable DIY solutions such as the RasPi Zero LTE Implant, penetration testers have access to a diverse array of options to establish robust network beachheads. When selecting the appropriate tools, prioritize those that offer enhanced connectivity, stealth, and persistence while adhering to ethical and legal standards. Staying informed about the latest device releases and updates is essential for maintaining an effective and compliant penetration testing strategy.

References

Hidden Beacon Technologies
GlitchBox
OwlAir Technologies
RasPi Zero LTE
Hackin9
Nighthawk DropBox
SignalOwl Labs
Packet Squirrel
Flipper Zero Shop
Hak5 LANpine MkII
USBninja
COMPUSEC Solutions
Buffalo RAT
FlexiHacker
Bash Bunny
BastilleSIM