The tool executes netsh wlan show profile, a legitimate network shell command to retrieve a list of Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs) associated with the system. For each SSID, the tool then runs netsh wlan export profile, which generates XML files containing configuration details, including pre-shared keys (PSKs) in plaintext. Malicious actors can easily repurpose the code for credential harvesting, facilitating unauthorized network access or lateral movement within compromised environments. While the tool itself is not inherently malicious, its misuse highlights critical vulnerabilities in how operating systems handle sensitive credentials. Cyber Security News is a Dedicated News Platform For Cyber News, Cyber Attack News, Hacking News & Vulnerability Analysis. While the repository claims to be for educational purposes, its potential misuse as a malicious tool cannot be ignored. The GitHub repository provides clear instructions for compilation, enabling even novice users to generate payloads tailored to specific attack scenarios. This method capitalizes on Windows’ native handling of Wi-Fi credentials, which are stored in an encrypted format within the Credential Manager. Gurubaran is a co-founder of Cyber Security News and GBHackers On Security. These XML files are temporarily stored in the system’s working directory, parsed by the Python script to isolate passwords, and subsequently deleted to evade detection. Organizations should also mandate multi-factor authentication for Wi-Fi access and regularly rotate PSKs to reduce the impact of credential leaks. This functionality simplifies deployment, making it more accessible to non-technical users and increasing its potential for misuse. He has 10+ years of experience as a Security Consultant, Editor, and Analyst in cybersecurity, technology, and communications.
This Cyber News was published on cybersecuritynews.com. Publication date: Fri, 21 Feb 2025 01:55:21 +0000