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Don’t be deceived by the attractive face.
I truly believe that learning about hacking, and indirectly, computers in general, should be enjoyable. Many aspects of contemporary life deliberately try to obscure how these things operate, making technology a major pain in the neck. Furthermore, it might be challenging to know where to begin if you want to learn more about networking and Wi-Fi.
What if technology was once more enjoyable? Imagine if it was enticing. What if it was covered in a tiny cat? the HakCat WiFi Nugget comes into play.
It is what?
The WiFi Nugget is an open-source gadget that aims to make learning to hack systems enjoyable and approachable, much as the DSTIKE Deauther watch. The Wi-Fi hacking device, created by Hak5 presenters Kody Kinzie and Alex Lynd, has a small OLED screen, a few buttons, and the face of a lovely cat (in memory of a real cat named Nugget). Like the Pwnagotchi and the Flipper Zero, which similarly incorporate the Tamagotchi look into a fun tool, it is adorable and welcoming.
Although HakCat sells pre-soldered and pre-flashed nuggets on its website, the design is straightforward enough that, if you’re so inclined, you could assemble it yourself from components. Simply order a few PCBs from your neighborhood PCB manufacturer (PCBWay, OSH Park, or JLCPCB, to name a few) using the Gerber and BOM (Bill of Materials) files from GitHub. After that, all you need to do is get a few components online, perform a tiny amount of soldering, 3D-print a few cases, flash the firmware using the ESPTool extension for Chrome, and you’re ready to go!
What is its scope?
It basically interferes with the way networks and client devices authenticate each other on Wi-Fi networks by sending out certain directives. In this regard, the Nugget is quite similar to the DSTIKE watch and is even capable of running a modified version of the same Deauther tool created by Spacehuhn, but there are other possible attacks as well. There is also the beacon attack, which allows you to spoof an access point, and the probe assault, which tinkers with the first call-and-response commands. Once you’ve mastered those, HakCat has expanded on Spacehuhn’s first idea to produce a tool for identifying Wi-Fi attacks.
The wonderful people at HakCat have created more tools besides the WiFi Nugget. Additionally, there is the USB Nugget, a similarly shaped instrument that enables the delivery of DuckyScript payloads in addition to other things. Because it is based on the ESP32S2, you may already be familiar with its capabilities if you are familiar with the USB Rubber Ducky.
What level of threat is it?
The WiFi Nugget, which is based on an ESP8266 microcontroller like the DSTIKE watch, is a fun and inexpensive tool for learning the ins and outs of Wi-Fi hacking. However, it is not extremely strong, which is fine! Only 2.4GHz Wi-Fi is available on the ESP8266, and many more recent routers include capabilities that defend against deauth attacks (assuming they are enabled). But you may certainly inflict some damage, especially to older networks and gadgets, just as the DSTIKE watch.
However, the WiFi Nugget’s objective is not to produce a potent, all-inclusive tool akin to the Flipper or the Pwnagotchi. It’s preferable to see the Nugget as a cute little companion that can hang from a bag or keychain. It’s really simply a tool for learning about deauth attacks, spoofing Wi-Fi access points, and exploring the potential of basic microcontrollers. It also has a lovely appearance.
Can I use it on my own?
Absolutely. The WiFi Nugget is incredibly user-friendly and easy for beginners, just like the DSTIKE watch is. It costs less than $100, and using the ESPTool online interface, flashing a fresh binary is simple if you don’t like the firmware it’s currently using. Additionally, it is a cat, which is undoubtedly a major selling feature.
