By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Security Parrot - Cyber Security News, Insights and ReviewsSecurity Parrot - Cyber Security News, Insights and Reviews
Notification
Latest News
OpenAI may use Associated Press archive for AI training
July 14, 2023
EU users can hold conversations with Google Bard from training set
July 14, 2023
Aptos, the new default font for Microsoft Office
July 14, 2023
BlackLotus UEFI bootkit sources published on GitHub
July 14, 2023
Hackers from the XDSpy cyber-espionage group attacked Russian organizations on behalf of the Ministry of Emergency Situations
July 14, 2023
Aa
  • News
  • Tutorials
  • Security InsiderComing Soon
  • Expert InsightComing Soon
Reading: ACS through the eyes of a hacker. Attacking RFID Access Control Systems
Share
Security Parrot - Cyber Security News, Insights and ReviewsSecurity Parrot - Cyber Security News, Insights and Reviews
Aa
Search
  • News
  • Tutorials
  • Security InsiderComing Soon
  • Expert InsightComing Soon
Follow US
Security Parrot - Cyber Security News, Insights and Reviews > News > ACS through the eyes of a hacker. Attacking RFID Access Control Systems
News

ACS through the eyes of a hacker. Attacking RFID Access Control Systems

Last updated: 2023/07/14 at 1:35 PM
Security Parrot Editorial Team Published July 14, 2023
Share
SHARE

Exploring the Security Vulnerabilities of EM4100 RFID-Based Access Control Systems

Hacking electronic turnstiles at the entrance to the building is a cherished hacker flex that is so loved to be shown in movies. In this article, we will explore the security vulnerabilities of RFID-based remote access control systems (ACS), and together we will figure out how easy it is to fake the most common EM4100 ID.

What is an ACS?

ACS (Access Control System) is a set of equipment designed to restrict access to a protected facility. The minimum configuration of such a system is an RFID-based electronic lock.

What is RFID?

RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) is a method for automatically identifying objects using radio signals stored on transponders (RFID tags). RFID tags are prefabricated devices for storing information, consisting of an integrated circuit (chip) for performing operations with a signal and information, an antenna for transmitting and receiving a signal, and, optionally, a battery (not common in everyday use – expensive and redundant).

What is EM410X?

EM410X is an extremely popular ID model line developed by EM Microelectronics. In everyday life, they are used in a variety of ways: from the use of state (and not only) institutions in the access control system to the marking and accounting of animals. This includes chips with IDs EM4100, EM4102, EM4105 and EM4200, which differ in memory size (from 64 to 128 bits) and applications.

How is the EM4100 Arranged?

The data structure in the EM4100 identifier is as follows. The most important for us in this scheme is a group of blue and blue bits, which together make up 5 bytes (40 bits) and serve as a unique identification code for an RFID tag.

Attack Vectors on ACS with EM410X

None of the variations of the EM410X has cryptography or some other method of protection. Therefore, all the attack vectors that can be detected are either related to the fundamental shortcomings of the identifiers themselves, or to their unsafe operation.
As an attack target, let’s consider a stand-alone (not integrated with other systems) ACS with contactless readers. This is the easiest option to understand and reproduce the attack.
So, our goal is to get at least one access token that can be used to open the door. To do this, we need to know the structure of the EM4100 identifier and the way it works.

Weekly Updates For Our Loyal Readers!

Security Parrot Editorial Team July 14, 2023
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link Print

Archives

  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • February 2023
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020

You Might Also Like

News

OpenAI may use Associated Press archive for AI training

July 14, 2023
News

EU users can hold conversations with Google Bard from training set

July 14, 2023
News

Aptos, the new default font for Microsoft Office

July 14, 2023
News

BlackLotus UEFI bootkit sources published on GitHub

July 14, 2023

© 2022 Parrot Media Network. All Rights Reserved.

  • Home
  • Parrot Media Group
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
Join Us!

Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc..

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.

Removed from reading list

Undo
Go to mobile version
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?