Red Team Ethical Physical Penetration Testing Simulations using OSINT

Our simulation involved a series objectives that needed to be explored in depth. Objectives included:

• Develop a hands-on, challenge-based approach to teach physical penetration testing to cybersecurity analysts.
• Explore how OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence) can be used to uncover physical security vulnerabilities.
• Identify and exploit real-world physical weaknesses using ethical red-team methodologies.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of training by comparing pre-test and post-test assessments.
• Promote security awareness through gamification to improve retention and learning outcomes.
• Identify vulnerabilities in physical security systems.
• Analyze real-world penetration testing methodologies.
• Develop strategies to mitigate physical security threats.

Our simulation involved a series of progressively complex challenges using real-world tactics. Techniques included:

• Reconnaissance via OSINT: Used Google Maps, Street View, and image analysis to locate facilities and entry points.
• Car Exploitation: Demonstrated Rolling PWN attacks on vulnerable key fobs using tools like Flipper Zero.
• Physical Infiltration: Developed realistic pretexts, blended in with employee uniforms, and identified entry timing strategies.
• Social Engineering: Exploited human empathy and trust to gather credentials and bypass access controls.
• RFID Cloning: Used Arduino-based tools and the Proxmark to clone badges and emulate access cards using the Wiegand protocol.
• Key Analysis: Identified bitting codes from photos and used lockpicking tools to create key duplicates from images.
• Access Control Bypass: Targeted outdated systems like Linear telephone entries and default factory codes to gain entry.

Our simulation revealed critical insights into real-world vulnerabilities and provided actionable recommendations:

• Implementing multi-layered physical security measures.
• Training employees to recognize social engineering tactics.
• Upgrading authentication mechanisms for access control.
• Many physical security systems remain vulnerable to default credentials, unpatched hardware, and outdated authentication mechanisms.
• Social engineering remains a high-impact vector and can often bypass even the most technical safeguards.
• Unmonitored surveillance systems significantly weaken the effectiveness of security infrastructure.
• Credential cloning and badge spoofing are viable threats without proper encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA).
• Physical access tools like Lishi picks, Proxmark, and ESPKey can defeat common locks and badge readers.
• Mitigations: Improve employee training, upgrade legacy access systems, encrypt RFID data, enforce no-photo policies, and deploy active camera monitoring.