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Stealthy Pen Test Unit Plugs Directly Into 110 VAC Socket (Video)

Posted by Roblimo on from the monitor-your-people-without-them-ever-finding-out dept.

Pwnie Express is a cute name for this tiny (and easily hidden) group of Pen Test devices. Their website says, 'Our initial hardware offering, the Pwn Plug, is the first-to-market commercial penetration testing drop box platform. This low-cost plug-and-play device is designed for remote security testing of corporate facilities, including branch offices and retail locations. A security professional or service provider can ship this device to a corporate facility and conduct a security test over the Internet without travel expenses.' Hardware buffs will recognize this unit as a SheevaPlug, but the value-add is that it's preloaded with Ubuntu Linux and and a rich suite of intrusion/testing tools. The company's 'Founder and CEO and everything else' is Dave Porcello. The video is an interview with Dave, in which he shows off and demonstrates some Pwnie Express products.

17 of 74 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Pwnie Express by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    Where is the -1 Disturbing when you need it?

  2. Re:Pwnie Express by miknix · · Score: 5, Funny

    Okay, that's pretty cheesy. But I'll admit it did make me giggle.

    When I giggle I also get an erection. But that's probably irrelevant information.

    Do you also giggle when you get an erection? That can be dangerous, you can die of exploding penis due to infinite recursion.

  3. Re:Pwnie Express by gtch · · Score: 2, Insightful

    But is that funnier than the fact there are people in offices all over the world talking about "Penetration Testing" with a straight face?

  4. Shoulda used a GuruPlug Server... by nweaver · · Score: 5, Interesting

    The SheevaPlug is Ethernet only. The GuruPlug Server adds 802.11b/g networking.

    And there is an even older trick: Take ye-jailbroken-smartphone of choice (a cheap prepaid Android is probably the best). Put it in a box with a big-ol-battery, and mail it to your target. From within the mailroom, you now can attack any WiFi network or Bluetooth device in the vicinity, and you have a cellular data connection to exfiltrate all you want.

    --
    Test your net with Netalyzr
    1. Re:Shoulda used a GuruPlug Server... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Informative

      Guru plug has massive heat issues. We tested them extensively.

      Re: phone checkout http://pwnieexpress.com/pwn_phone.html

    2. Re:Shoulda used a GuruPlug Server... by timothy · · Score: 3, Informative

      Internal would be cooler, I agree, but (sorry, it didn't make the video), the Pwnie Express works with both Wi-Fi and 3G dongles. (Not as stealthy, but this is already big enough it wouldn't exactly disappear without camouflage anyhow ;))

      timothy

      --
      jrnl: http://tinyurl.com/c2l8yr / foes: http://tinyurl.com/ckjno5
  5. Missing Feature by pntkl · · Score: 2

    He didn't say anything about the coveted self-destruct button. > : )

  6. Where's the Line? by sycodon · · Score: 4, Insightful

    In some states, possession of tools for picking locks or breaking into cars is illegal. Sure, they can have legitimate uses, but at some point government decided that the potential illegal uses far outweighed the legal uses and subsequently outlawed them

    Now look at this device. Seemingly innocent with a legitimate purpose, but apparently a perfect platform for more nefarious use.

    So I pose the question: At what point should possession a device like this or derivatives be considered to be a defacto indication of intention to illegally break into a network? Should it ever be considered that?

    If not, what additional software or form factor enhancements would change your mind?

    Discuss amongst yourselves.

    --
    When Fascism comes to America, it will call itself Anti-Fascism, and tell you to give up your guns.
    1. Re:Where's the Line? by g0bshiTe · · Score: 4, Insightful

      The problem is that this needs to be plugged in physically. So you would need a patsy to plug it in or physical access. On the other hand by your thinking since I can carry a usb stick with the same toolset it should be illegal as well, but since usb sticks have legitimate uses they are allowed, how would one know it was a nefarious hacking tool, without violating my privacy by asking me to expose the data it contained?

      Slimjims and lockpick sets are not as easily dismissed as innocuous. I do see your parallel.

      --
      I am Bennett Haselton! I am Bennett Haselton!
    2. Re:Where's the Line? by Mister+Whirly · · Score: 3, Insightful

      At what point should possession a device like this or derivatives be considered to be a defacto indication of intention to illegally break into a network?

      The moment it is actually used to illegally break into a network, and never before it happens. Devices themselves have no intent and therefore cannot be "evil" until put to an "evil" use. If you have permission to do testing, using a device like this can be a great tool.

      --
      "But this one goes to 11!"
    3. Re:Where's the Line? by RoknrolZombie · · Score: 2

      So I pose the question: At what point should possession a device like this or derivatives be considered to be a defacto indication of intention to illegally break into a network?

      When a crime is committed. Until then, no laws have been broken. As much as our government would like to think that they can prevent crimes by banning items that could be used in a crime, until a crime is committed they are infringing on the rights of the Americans in question.

      I know that's not how it works in real life. I understand (although disagree) with that line of thinking...I'm just one of those that believes that until a crime is committed, you don't have a criminal.

  7. Oblig by g0bshiTe · · Score: 3, Funny

    ZoMg pWniez

    --
    I am Bennett Haselton! I am Bennett Haselton!
  8. Stick one to the side of a big pirnter / copier by Joe_Dragon · · Score: 2

    Stick one to the side of a big pirnter / copier maybe put a HP sticker or some vender sticker on it and it can blend in. Even better if you have one with duel Ethernet ports on it.

    1. Re:Stick one to the side of a big pirnter / copier by Joehonkie · · Score: 3, Funny

      Even better if you have one with duel Ethernet ports on it.

      The ethernet ports would fight each other?

    2. Re:Stick one to the side of a big pirnter / copier by Thanshin · · Score: 2

      Even better if you have one with duel Ethernet ports on it.

      The ethernet ports would fight each other?

      Yes. And every time a punch lands they both must stop for a random amount of time.

    3. Re:Stick one to the side of a big pirnter / copier by the_fat_kid · · Score: 2

      ah, to reminisce about the old Apple Talk networks...

      --
      -- Sig under construction...
  9. Re:Good name by Sez+Zero · · Score: 2

    Good luck explaining to the corporate suites what a "pwn" is.

    Luckily I don't have to justify my purchases to a type of hotel room or musical piece

    But if my boss did wear a suit, I'm probably say something like "Professional Wireless Network". "Pro Whiteboard Notes" and "insert PHB catch-phrase buzzword here" would probably also work.