USB Ninja Cable

Bluetooth Vulnerability

Introduction

Despite its innocuous appearance, the USB Ninja Cable is a highly capable data exfiltration device. While it may look like a standard USB charging cable, it actually has Bluetooth connectivity capabilities which enable an attacker to gain access to a target device.

This information is provided for general awareness and defense purposes only. This information also is not intended to be a complete description of the functionality or risks of the identified tools.

What is the USB Ninja Cable?

USB Ninja Cables resemble a standard, commercially available USB cable. They can be purchased commercially for a relatively low price. However, the USB Ninja Cable is remotely controllable and can exfiltrate data and keystrokes via Bluetooth. This device also allows an attacker to execute essentially any command they want on the target device.

How Does it Work?

To camouflage its capability and purpose, the cable performs as expected if it were a harmless USB cable. However, the Bluetooth capabilities hidden within the cable are actually opening the door for attackers to gain access to the target device.

When the USB Ninja Cable is connected to the target device via Bluetooth, an attacker is able to unload premade payloads. With a simple push of a button, an attacker can execute a range of commands, enabling them to take actions such as forcing a system update, downloading malware, opening a malicious web page, or opening any number of sensitive files.

CTO Dr. Brett Walkenhorst demonstrates the capabilities of the USB Ninja Cable

How Can I Uncover a USB Ninja Cable?

There is no physical inspection of the cable that can be done to reveal whether or not a cable is “normal” or has embedded processing capabilities. The USB Ninja Cable is made to appear innocuous. However, through wireless monitoring, you will be able to see all wireless device activity within your space. With this visibility into your wireless space will allow you to find these otherwise innocuous-looking cables.

What Can I Do to Defend Against This Threat?

Bastille recommends a few security best practices for this type of threat:

Purchase from Trusted Sources: Only purchasing USB cables from trusted vendors can help lower the risk of a USB Ninja Cable ending up in your space.
Monitor RF in Your Space: Continuous, passive monitoring of all wireless devices in your space will ensure that a USB Ninja Cable, should it find its way into your facility, will not go undetected.
Update and Enforce Your Security Policy: Establish and educate upon a corporate policy for all employees regarding these types of devices to help keep your space secure
Be Cautious with Public Cable Usage: You’re in an airport or a café and realize you need to charge your device. Luckily, they have charging stations! But, be wary of these public charging cables as they may not be secure.
Stay Up to Date: The landscape of wireless security is constantly evolving. In order to defend against these threats, you need to know what’s out there. Watch our webinar on Spywares and Vulnerabilities for a deeper dive into the USB Ninja Cable and other threats that you should have on your radar.