The Raspberry Pi is a small (credit card-like size), inexpensive, portable computer that connects to real-world objects. It contains all the basics of any computer including a processor, memory and graphics processor. As such, it is capable of doing everything one would expect a regular computer to do, such as browsing the internet, playing high-definition videos, creating spreadsheets, accessing word processing, and more. While originally designed for ethical purposes, its versatile capabilities can also be exploited for malicious activity. As a result, Raspberry Pi security has become a critical concern, as the device can be repurposed through a payload to execute rogue actions.
In this article, we explore the Raspberry Pi network security risks. Regardless of its intended use, the device’s ability to execute dangerous cyberattacks makes it a potential threat to networks and systems.
Raspberry Pi Security Vulnerabilities
Raspberry Pi devices, while innovative and practical, reveal significant security vulnerabilities that expose networks and critical systems to advanced cyber threats.
PoisonTap
PoisonTap is designed for Raspberry Pi and exploits the existing trust in various mechanisms of a machine and network. It creates a cascading effect of information exfiltration, network access, and installation of semi-permanent backdoors, often bypassing firewalls and other security measures.
P4wnP1
P4wnP1 is a highly customizable USB attack platform for the Raspberry Pi Zero or Raspberry Pi Zero W that allows one to connect the device into a host computer. As a HID or network interface. This tool can exploit vulnerabilities in authentication mechanisms and bypass endpoint protections.
Bypassing Network Access Control (NAC)
Network Access Control (NAC) software supports network visibility and access management through policy enforcement on devices and users of corporate networks. To bypass, an attacker must access a device that has already been authenticated. In this case, a Raspberry Pi can be used to spoof the identity of a legitimate, authenticated device. Once the genuine device logs into the network, the attacker can smuggle network packets from the Raspberry Pi by overwriting the MAC address, making it appear as if the packets are originating from the authenticated device.
This breach of Raspberry Pi Security gives the attacker full access to the organization’s network, enabling lateral movement. From there, the attacker can carry out a variety of attacks, including data breaches, malware installation, or even more sophisticated threats like Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs). This highlights the critical need for strong Raspberry Pi Network Security measures to mitigate such risks.
Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) attack
An Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) attack, carried out with a Raspberry Pi, is a major threat to organizations. Due to its sophisticated and targeted nature, APTs often target government agencies or critical infrastructure providers, posing risks to national security. Nation-state or state-sponsored hackers typically conduct these attacks. APTs can access sensitive data and remain unnoticed for extended periods, employing advanced intrusion detection evasion techniques.
Cyberwarfare is growing due to nations’ economies, infrastructure, trade, business, communication, and transportation increasingly relying on information technology. Cyberwarfare is cheaper and more immediate than traditional warfare, with less risk to human life. Smaller states can impose significant damage on stronger adversaries, especially by targeting information systems and causing security breaches.
Ventilators
The Raspberry Pi device, with its computer-like capabilities, can control a medical ventilator. It sets air pressure, opens and closes valves, and regulates the level of breathing assistance needed. Since a ventilator has relatively low demands, the Raspberry Pi Zero is ideal for this purpose. However, computer-controlled ventilators increase entry points for hackers targeting the healthcare industry. Healthcare data breaches expose sensitive information like Personal Health Information (PHI), which sells for 100 times more than Personally Identifiable Information (PII) on the black market.
Raspberry Pi Security and Physical Layer
Raspberry Pi devices pose significant security risks due to their covert nature. Their small size allows them to be discreetly embedded within peripherals or networks, evading detection by security professionals. When used as USB attack tools, security software identifies them as legitimate HID devices, bypassing intrusion detection systems. When acting as network implants, they operate on the Physical Layer, outside the coverage of security software, making them vulnerable to unauthorized access and exploitation.
Many enterprises struggle with securing their hardware assets due to a lack of visibility. This can lead to security breaches, such as ransomware attacks, data leakage, or cybercrime. To address these challenges, complete visibility into hardware assets is essential for enforcing strong security policies. Attackers often exploit network vulnerabilities through USB Human Interface Device (HID) emulation or network implants.
In addition to deep visibility, a comprehensive policy enforcement mechanism recommends best practices. It allows administrators to define strict or more granular rules for the system to enforce.
Raspberry Pi Network Security
Sepio is the leader in the Rogue Device Mitigation (RDM) market and is disrupting the cybersecurity industry by uncovering hidden hardware attacks operating over network and USB interfaces. With a focus on Raspberry Pi Security and other rogue device threats, Sepio’s solution, identifies, detects and handles all peripherals. Ensuring no device goes unmanaged.
Sepio is the only company in the world to undertake Physical Layer fingerprinting. Sepio calculates a digital fingerprint using device descriptors of all connected peripherals. It compares these against a known set of malicious devices and automatically blocks any attacks.
With Machine Learning, the software analyses device behavior to identify abnormalities, such as a Raspberry Pi acting as a keyboard.
Complete Visibility of All Hardware Assets: Achieve unparalleled visibility into all hardware devices, including endpoint peripherals, connected devices, and IT/OT/IoT assets. Sepio’s unique physical-layer hardware fingerprinting technology combats Raspberry Pi Security threats and similar challenges. With data augmentation from endpoints and networks, Sepio helps enterprises detect every device and anomaly. This ensures a strong cybersecurity posture that addresses Raspberry Pi Network Security risks.
Full Control Through Predefined Policies: Simplify compliance and security with predefined enterprise-wide policies. Sepio effectively addresses Raspberry Pi Network Security concerns without requiring baselining, whitelisting, or a clean environment. Sepio also aligns with regulations and best practices to guard against rogue Raspberry Pi devices.
Rogue Device Mitigation (RDM): Swiftly mitigate threats with Sepio’s Rogue Device Mitigation capabilities. Sepio provides comprehensive protection for your enterprise, addressing Raspberry Pi Network Security risks and ensuring no hidden threats remain undetected.
Discover Every Raspberry Pi Network Threats
Talk to an expert. It will help you understand how to use Sepio’s patented technology can help you take control of your asset risks and enhance network security.
Read the Raspberry Pi Security e-Book (pdf)