Summary of MalDuino, The Open Source BadUSB
This article introduces MalDuino, an Arduino-based BadUSB device designed for penetration testers and hobbyists. It mimics a keyboard to execute pre-configured scripts at high speeds, enabling actions like gaining reverse shells or changing system settings. The project utilizes DuckyScript, which can be edited in standard text editors and converted via the Arduino IDE. Two editions are available: Elite, featuring SD card storage for script management and DIP switches for selection, and Lite.
Parts used in the MalDuino:
- Arduino board
- Microcontroller
- SD card (Elite edition)
- DIP switches (Elite edition)
- Open source libraries
- Text editor software (Notepad, vi, emacs, etc.)
- Arduino IDE
Firmware is a type of software that provides control, monitoring and data manipulation of engineered products and systems. A USB device firmware hack called BadUSB was presented at Black Hat USA 2014 conference, demonstrating how a USB flash drive microcontroller can be reprogrammed to spoof various other device types in order to take control of a computer, ex-filtrate data, or spy on the user. BadUSB is a critical security flaw that can turn any USB device into a cyber threat. Security experts have released the BadUSB code online, giving hackers access to it.
This project on Indiegogo, MalDuino, is an Arduino-powered BadUSB device which has keyboard injection capabilities. Once plugged in, MalDuino acts as a keyboard, typing previous configured commands at superhuman speeds. You could gain a reverse shell, change the desktop wallpaper, anything is possible. MalDuino is targeting penetration testers, hobbyists and pranksters.
Check the campaign video to know more about the project and to see MalDuino in action:
MalDuino aims to offer the best BadUSB experience. In terms of software, MalDuino is programmed via the arduino IDE using open source libraries. Scripts written in DuckyScript can easily be converted into code the MalDuino can understand
Ducky Script is the language of the USB Rubber Ducky, and writing the scripts can be done from any common ascii text editor such as Notepad, vi, emacs, nano, gedit, kedit, TextEdit, etc. Each command resides on a new line and may have options follow.
MalDuino comes in two editions: Elite and Lite. Elite depends on a SD card to save scripts, thus no need to program the board each time you want to change the script running. With DIP switches provided, you can choose which script to run easily.
Read more: MalDuino, The Open Source BadUSB
- What is MalDuino?
MalDuino is an Arduino-powered BadUSB device with keyboard injection capabilities that acts as a keyboard to type configured commands. - How does MalDuino operate after being plugged in?
Once plugged in, it acts as a keyboard typing previous configured commands at superhuman speeds to perform actions like gaining a reverse shell. - Can MalDuino run different scripts without reprogramming?
The Elite edition uses an SD card to save scripts so you do not need to program the board each time you want to change the script. - How do you select which script runs on the Elite edition?
You can use the provided DIP switches to choose which script to run easily. - What programming language is used for MalDuino scripts?
Scripts are written in DuckyScript, which can be easily converted into code the MalDuino can understand. - Which software tools are needed to write scripts?
Scripts can be written using any common ascii text editor such as Notepad, vi, emacs, nano, gedit, kedit, or TextEdit. - How is MalDuino programmed via software?
It is programmed via the arduino IDE using open source libraries. - Who is the target audience for MalDuino?
MalDuino targets penetration testers, hobbyists, and pranksters.
