Ethical Hacking Essentials Practice Test

What type of attack aims to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information by exploiting a wireless security flaw?

1. Client mis-association attack

2. Jamming signal attack

3. Man-in-the-middle attack

4. Unauthorized association

The correct answer is: Client mis-association attack

The type of attack that aims to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information by exploiting a wireless security flaw is a client mis-association attack. This attack occurs when a wireless client is tricked into associating with an attacker’s device instead of the legitimate access point. Attackers can use this method to intercept sensitive data transmitted over the network, gaining unauthorized access to the user's communications and credentials. In a client mis-association attack, the attacker typically creates a fake access point that mimics a legitimate one, misleading the client into connecting to it. Once connected, the attacker can monitor the traffic and potentially manipulate the data being transmitted. This method takes advantage of the way wireless clients manage associations with access points, allowing attackers to exploit vulnerabilities in the authentication and connection processes. By understanding the mechanics behind this attack, one can better appreciate the importance of secure communication protocols, such as WPA3, which are designed to mitigate such security flaws in wireless networks.