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Fern WiFi Cracker

Wireless Attacks

Beginnermedium risk

Fern WiFi Cracker is a GUI wireless security auditing tool that can crack WEP/WPA/WPS keys and run network-based attacks.

Installation

sudo apt install fern-wifi-cracker

Basic Syntax

sudo fern-wifi-cracker

Quick Facts

Full Name
Fern WiFi Cracker
License
GPL v3
Written In
Python
Platforms
Linux
Category
Wireless Security
Attack Types
WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPS
Interface
Graphical (GTK)
Author
savio-code

Tool Overview

Fern WiFi Cracker is a graphical wireless security auditing tool that simplifies the process of testing WiFi network security. It provides a point-and-click interface for scanning wireless networks, selecting targets, and automating attacks against WEP, WPA, and WPS encryption.

Built with Python and GTK, Fern WiFi Cracker integrates Aircrack-ng, Reaver, and other wireless tools behind a user-friendly GUI. This makes it accessible to security professionals who prefer visual interfaces over command-line tools.

While its development has slowed in favor of CLI-based alternatives, Fern WiFi Cracker remains a valuable tool for beginners learning wireless security testing and for quick assessments when a GUI is available.

Common Commands

sudo apt update && sudo apt install fern-wifi-crackerInstall Fern WiFi Cracker from the Kali repositories
sudo fern-wifi-crackerLaunch the Fern WiFi Cracker GUI (requires root)
fern-wifi-crackerStart the packaged Fern GUI from the application path
git clone https://github.com/savio-code/fern-wifi-cracker.gitClone the Fern WiFi Cracker source repository
cd fern-wifi-crackerEnter the cloned Fern source directory
sudo python3 execute.pyRun Fern directly from source via its main script
sudo apt install aircrack-ngInstall the aircrack-ng suite that Fern depends on
sudo apt install reaverInstall Reaver so Fern can run WPS PIN attacks
sudo apt install macchangerInstall macchanger used by Fern for MAC spoofing
sudo apt install python3-scapyInstall python3-scapy, a Fern packet-handling dependency
sudo apt install python3-pyqt5Install the Qt5 bindings Fern uses for its GUI
sudo apt install xtermInstall xterm which Fern spawns for attack windows
iwconfigList wireless interfaces before selecting one in Fern
sudo airmon-ng check killKill processes that interfere with monitor mode used by Fern
sudo airmon-ng start wlan0Enable monitor mode so Fern can scan and attack

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1Open the application requiring elevated rights
  2. 2Choose your wireless adapter from the provided list
  3. 3Initiate a sweep to discover local wireless broadcasts
  4. 4Pick your target from the populated lists based on encryption type
  5. 5Supply your preferred dictionary file for the decoding process
  6. 6Press the designated button to commence the automated capture and crack sequence

Warnings

Use Cases

Visual Network Scanning

Scan and visualize nearby wireless networks with detailed information in a graphical interface.

Automated WEP Cracking

Crack WEP encrypted networks with automated packet capture and statistical analysis.

WPA Handshake Capture

Capture WPA/WPA2 handshakes through deauthentication attacks with visual progress tracking.

WPS PIN Testing

Test WPS-enabled access points for PIN vulnerabilities through the GUI interface.

Wordlist Management

Generate and manage custom wordlists for dictionary attacks through the built-in tools.

Security Training

Demonstrate wireless security concepts in training environments with an intuitive visual interface.

Related Tools

Aircrack-ng

Wireless Attacks

Wifite

Wireless Attacks

Hashcat

Password Attacks

Reaver

Wireless Attacks

Kismet

Wireless Attacks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fern WiFi Cracker used for?

Fern WiFi Cracker is a GUI-based wireless security auditing tool that automates the process of cracking WEP, WPA, and WPS keys. It provides a graphical interface for scanning networks, selecting targets, and executing attacks.

Does Fern WiFi Cracker work without a GUI?

No, Fern WiFi Cracker requires a graphical desktop environment (X11 or Wayland) to run. It cannot be used over SSH without X11 forwarding configured.

Is Fern WiFi Cracker better than Aircrack-ng?

Fern WiFi Cracker is easier for beginners due to its GUI, but Aircrack-ng offers more advanced features and flexibility. Choose Fern for simplicity and Aircrack-ng for advanced wireless testing.

What hardware does Fern WiFi Cracker need?

It requires a wireless card that supports monitor mode and packet injection. Most external USB wireless adapters with Atheros or Ralink chipsets work well.

What WiFi encryption types does Fern WiFi Cracker support?

Fern WiFi Cracker supports WEP, WPA, WPA2, and WPS encryption types. It automatically detects the encryption type of the target network and selects the appropriate attack method.

How does Fern WiFi Cracker perform dictionary attacks?

Fern WiFi Cracker uses built-in wordlist management to perform dictionary attacks against captured WPA/WPA2 handshakes. You can use the default wordlists or provide your own custom dictionary files for more targeted attacks.

Can Fern WiFi Cracker crack WPA2-Enterprise networks?

No, Fern WiFi Cracker is designed for WPA2-Personal networks only. WPA2-Enterprise networks use RADIUS authentication and require different tools and techniques such as hostapd-wpe for credential capture.

What GUI features does Fern WiFi Cracker provide?

Fern WiFi Cracker provides a graphical dashboard with real-time network visualization, target selection with encryption details, attack progress tracking, recovered key display, and a built-in wordlist generator for custom dictionary creation.

How does wordlist usage affect Fern WiFi Cracker success?

Dictionary attack success depends heavily on wordlist quality. Larger, more comprehensive wordlists increase the chance of cracking passwords, but also take longer. Custom wordlists targeting common password patterns improve results significantly.

How fast does Fern WiFi Cracker crack passwords?

Attack speed depends on the encryption type and your hardware. WEP cracking is fastest as it collects IVs statistically. WPA/WPA2 dictionary attacks are slower, typically testing 500-2000 passwords per second depending on your CPU and wordlist size.

Tags

#wireless-attacks

Output Explanation

The graphical dashboard updates live to show identified networks, the ongoing status of the automated attacks, and a database of recovered keys.

Ethical Usage Notice

This tool is designed for authorized security testing, educational purposes, and legitimate network administration only. Unauthorized access to computer systems is illegal.