CheezyRF GSM Security Research Tool
Intro
Nick Breeze, a security researcher in New Zealand recently used a Sony PlayStation 3 to demonstrate (again) just how weak the MD5 hash function is these days. This got me thinking... there are several GSM security features that may benefit from a dirt cheap fast multi-processor. So the idea behind the "CheezyRF" GSM Security Research Tool is that you marry a Sofware Radio to a PlayStation 3, hypothesize weaknesses in GSM, then use the CheezyRF to test your hypotheses.
The CheezyRF
The system is fairly simple (and inexpensive.) It's a PlayStation 3 running some variant of linux (Personally, I'm partial to Ubuntu.) Attached to the PS3 is an Ettus Research Universal Software Radio Peripheral with RFX900 and RFX1800 daughterboards. Additionally, the system should be relatively inexpensive; a cost breakdown shows the cost to be somewhere around $1800.00.
The CheezyRF could provide security researchers with inexpensive access to GSM signals.
The Proposal
At the current time, I have more time than money, and would be more than happy to put together one of these systems to demonstrate it's applicability to investigating wireless vulnerabilities.
Please contact me (msh.mobile@gmail.com) if you would like to fund this project.
Links
- PlayStation 3
- The Wikipedia's main article on the PlayStation 3.
- Linux for PlayStation 3 ; The Wikipedia article on Linux for PlayStation 3's.
- Ubuntu Playstation 3 Community
- A group of Ubuntu enthusiasts responsible for porting Ubuntu to the PlayStation 3.
- Gamer's Reports HDD HOWTO
- The Gamer's Reports site's HOWTO on how to change out the hard drive on the PS3.
- NewEgg's Latest deal on a hard drive
- NewEgg is offering a 250Gb 2.5" HD for around $150.
