RF Hacking Lab Development: HackRF One and Flipper Zero

Abstract

This thesis project presents the development of hands-on laboratories for an Ethical Hacking course, designed to equip students with essential skills in the rapidly evolving field of Radio Frequency (RF) security. The labs utilize the HackRF One Software-Defined Radio (SDR) and the Flipper Zero, a specialized sub-GHz analysis tool, to provide a comprehensive exploration of RF fundamentals, signal analysis, protocol reverse engineering, and active attack techniques. Students engage in exercises such as intercepting and decoding Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) transmissions and executing controlled replay attacks, gaining insight into the vulnerabilities of wireless systems. Ethical considerations are emphasized throughout, with labs conducted in controlled environments to promote responsible experimentation.

The project explores the strengths and trade-offs between general-purpose SDR platforms and specialized RF security tools, highlighting the importance of tool selection for effective analysis. These labs, along with recommendations for expansion to include topics like advanced attacks, defensive countermeasures, and emerging technologies, aim to create a strong foundation for future RF security education.

Ultimately, the research resulted in three-part lab tailored for students with no prior hacking experience.