Strategic Bytes

The Setup: To embark on this project, I equipped myself with two HackRF One SDRs, each running the Mayhem firmware. The Mayhem firmware is a custom firmware for HackRF that enables advanced features and capabilities beyond the stock firmware. One of the key features I utilized was the ability to capture and analyze Bluetooth packets.

I connected one of the HackRFs to my computer and used it as the primary receiver. The other HackRF was configured as a standalone device, running the Mayhem firmware autonomously. This allowed me to place the standalone HackRF in different locations to capture Bluetooth signals from various angles.

Capturing Bluetooth Packets: With the HackRFs set up, I proceeded to capture Bluetooth packets emitted by the beacon. The Mayhem firmware's built-in Bluetooth scanning functionality made this process straightforward. I configured the firmware to capture packets on the specific Bluetooth channels used by the beacon.

As the HackRFs captured the Bluetooth packets, I focused on the RSSI values associated with each packet. RSSI is a measure of the signal strength received by the radio, and it can be used to estimate the proximity of the beacon to the receiver. By analyzing the RSSI values from both HackRFs, I could triangulate the approximate location of the beacon.

Integrating Sparrow GPS: To add a geospatial context to the tracking process, I integrated the Sparrow GPS module with the standalone HackRF. The Sparrow GPS module is a compact and reliable GPS receiver that can provide accurate location information.

By connecting the Sparrow GPS module to the standalone HackRF, I was able to associate GPS coordinates with each captured Bluetooth packet. This allowed me to map the beacon's location on a geographical level, providing a visual representation of its movement over time.

Data Analysis and Visualization: With the captured Bluetooth packets and associated GPS coordinates, I proceeded to analyze the data using custom scripts and visualization tools. I developed a Python script that parsed the captured packets, extracted the relevant information (such as RSSI values and GPS coordinates), and stored it in a structured format.

Using mapping libraries and data visualization frameworks, I created interactive maps that displayed the beacon's location and movement based on the captured data. The maps provided a clear visual representation of the beacon's path, allowing me to track its position and analyze its behavior over time.

Conclusion: By combining the capabilities of two HackRF One SDRs running the Mayhem firmware, along with the Sparrow GPS module, I successfully tracked a Bluetooth beacon with high accuracy. The RSSI values captured by the HackRFs enabled me to estimate the beacon's proximity, while the GPS coordinates provided by the Sparrow module added a geospatial context to the tracking process.

This project demonstrates the power and versatility of SDRs and custom firmware in wireless security research. By leveraging these tools and techniques, researchers and enthusiasts can explore and analyze various wireless protocols, including Bluetooth, and gain valuable insights into their behavior and security implications.

I hope this post has provided you with a glimpse into the exciting world of wireless hacking and inspired you to explore similar projects. Remember to always use these techniques responsibly and legally. Happy hacking!

#HackRF #MayhemFirmware #BluetoothTracking #SparrowGPS #WirelessHacking

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