BSIDES CPT 2019 - Hacking satellites with Software Defined Radio (SDR) - Gerard de Jong

BSides Cape Town・2 minutes read

Learn how to hack satellites and track ships and planes in real time using software-defined radio, while also exploring the risks and legal implications involved. Various tools and software are discussed, including the HackRF One device, RTL-SDR dongles, and setting up software-defined radio on Windows with SDRSharp for signal analysis and signal decoding.

Insights

  • Software-defined radio allows for hacking satellites, tracking ships and planes in real-time without internet, but comes with significant legal risks and potential interference issues.
  • The use of devices like HackRF One and RTL-SDR dongles, along with software such as SDRSharp and Audacity, enables various radio operations, signal analysis, and even the creation of brute force attacks, emphasizing the importance of legal compliance and proper filtering to avoid interference.

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Recent questions

  • How can I track ships and planes without internet?

    You can track ships and planes in real time without internet by using software-defined radio. This technology allows you to intercept radio signals from aircraft and ships, providing you with their location and other relevant information. By setting up software-defined radio on your computer and using the appropriate software, you can monitor air and sea traffic without the need for an internet connection.

  • What are the risks of illegal activities with software-defined radio?

    Engaging in illegal activities with software-defined radio can have serious consequences. Unauthorized interception of radio signals, such as those from aircraft or ships, is illegal and can result in legal action. Additionally, using software-defined radio to disrupt air traffic control systems or create fake signals can pose significant safety risks. It is important to use this technology responsibly and within the boundaries of the law to avoid legal trouble and potential harm to others.

  • How can I set up software-defined radio on Windows?

    To set up software-defined radio on Windows, you can use SDRSharp, a popular software for signal processing. By installing the necessary drivers and connecting your software-defined radio device to your computer, you can configure SDRSharp to receive and analyze radio signals. This software allows you to tune into different frequencies, decode signals, and perform signal analysis, providing you with a versatile tool for radio operations on your Windows system.

  • What is the HackRF One device used for?

    The HackRF One device is a versatile tool for software-defined radio operations. It allows you to transmit and receive radio signals across a wide range of frequencies, making it suitable for various applications such as signal analysis, monitoring, and experimentation. With the HackRF One, you can explore the world of radio communication, track signals from satellites, aircraft, and ships, and engage in radio-related projects with ease and flexibility.

  • How can I analyze radio signals using Audacity?

    You can analyze radio signals using Audacity, a popular audio editing software. By recording radio signals with your software-defined radio device and importing the audio files into Audacity, you can visualize and analyze the signal waveform. Audacity provides tools for filtering, amplifying, and processing audio data, allowing you to extract valuable information from recorded radio signals. With Audacity, you can enhance your signal analysis capabilities and gain insights into the world of radio communication.

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Summary

00:00

"Satellite hacking and real-time tracking risks"

  • Learn how to hack satellites using software-defined radio.
  • Discover how to track ships and planes in real time without internet.
  • Understand the risks involved in illegal activities with software-defined radio.
  • Explore the history of video production equipment and the evolution to software-defined radio.
  • Introduce the HackRF One device for software-defined radio operations.
  • Discuss the availability and affordability of RTL-SDR dongles for radio operations.
  • Mention the website OTOsdr.com as a valuable resource for radio enthusiasts.
  • Explain the process of setting up software-defined radio on Windows using SDRSharp.
  • Demonstrate signal analysis using Audacity for recorded radio signals.
  • Warn about the legal implications and potential interference issues when using software-defined radio without proper filters.

12:22

DIY Antennas, Flight Radar, and Security

  • The device can be connected to a battery pack and the receiver to function as a transponder mode or a repeater.
  • A brute-force attack can be attempted due to the device having only 12 switches with 4096 possible combinations.
  • Software named "brute force" can be created to transmit codes rapidly for all combinations.
  • A South African product called Robo guards uses PIR sensors and 433 megahertz frequency for security.
  • Antennas like dipoles can be easily made with coaxial cables and aluminum poles for different frequencies.
  • Yagi antennas should be called "Yahudah antennas" to credit Mr. Udo for his contribution.
  • Antenna length should be half the wavelength for optimal signal reception.
  • The formula for calculating antenna length is wavelength equals the speed of light divided by frequency.
  • A flight radar can be built using ATS B technology for aircraft surveillance.
  • Dump 1090 software on a Raspberry Pi can track and display aircraft data on Google Maps.

25:07

Air Traffic Control Security and Satellite Tracking

  • Gatwick Airport was shut down for more than a day earlier this year, redirecting millions of flights.
  • A friend who owns a company specializing in chartering planes and private flights shared insights on causing problems in air traffic control.
  • School codes starting with seven indicate major emergencies, with seven thousand suggesting a hijacking.
  • Creating a fake airplane signal using a Raspberry Pi and broadcasting it could lead to chaos in air traffic control.
  • Disrupting major connecting airports like Dubai International Airport could cause significant flight diversions.
  • Security concerns in air traffic control systems have been raised for over five years.
  • The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) operates weather satellites like NOAA-19.
  • NOAA satellites orbit the Earth from pole to pole, using NORAD IDs for tracking and transmitting data.
  • Tracking satellites can be done using software like Gpredict or Celestrak, providing information on satellite passes.
  • Decoding signals from satellites like NOAA-19 involves using software like WXtoImg or NOAA ATP for image transmission.

38:01

"Exploring ISS transmissions with Raspberry Pi"

  • Use a Raspberry Pi with rtl-sdr software FM to record International Space Station transmissions.
  • Visit the amateur radio website to find out when the ISS will be transmitting.
  • ISS sends slow scan television images via SDR software.
  • Experiment with spoofing ODS TMC for traffic updates and creating cellular networks with open BTS.
  • Discover and utilize EMF leakage from computers to play music on an old-timey radio.
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