IoT Hacking #

• Thesis ID: 24-02
• Research Proposal: Vulnerability Research of Offpad Fingerprint-Based Authentication Solution by PONE Biometrics

Abstract #

The advent of passwordless authentication mechanisms, such as the Offpad fingerprint-based authentication solution by PONE Biometrics, represents a significant leap in cybersecurity. Offpad, certified by the Fast Identity Online (FIDO) Alliance, aims to offer enhanced security by replacing traditional passwords with biometric passkeys. This research aims to conduct a comprehensive vulnerability assessment of the Offpad device, identifying potential security weaknesses and proposing enhancements to bolster its robustness against cyber threats.

1. Introduction #

1.1 Background #

The growing reliance on digital systems necessitates the development of secure authentication methods. Traditional passwords are increasingly seen as inadequate due to their susceptibility to various attacks, including phishing, brute force, and credential stuffing. Biometric authentication, leveraging unique biological traits, offers a promising alternative. Offpad by PONE Biometrics is a state-of-the-art fingerprint-based authentication solution designed to provide secure, passwordless authentication. While it is FIDO-certified, ensuring a certain standard of security, it is imperative to subject such systems to rigorous vulnerability research to preemptively identify and mitigate potential security risks.

1.2 Problem Statement #

Despite the advantages of biometric authentication, these systems are not impervious to attacks. Vulnerabilities may exist in the biometric data processing, storage mechanisms, communication protocols, or the hardware itself. This research seeks to uncover such vulnerabilities within the Offpad device, assess their potential impact, and recommend solutions to enhance the security of this authentication method.

1.3 Objectives #

1. To identify and categorize potential vulnerabilities in the Offpad fingerprint-based authentication solution.
2. To evaluate the impact of identified vulnerabilities on the overall security of the system.
3. To propose mitigation strategies to address the identified vulnerabilities.
4. To contribute to the development of more secure biometric authentication solutions.

2. Literature Review #

2.1 Biometric Authentication Systems #

An overview of biometric authentication systems, including their advantages over traditional password-based systems, common attack vectors, and existing security measures.

2.2 Offpad and FIDO Certification #

Detailed examination of the Offpad device, its functionality, and the implications of its FIDO certification on its security.

2.3 Vulnerability Assessment Methodologies #

Review of methodologies and frameworks used in vulnerability assessment of biometric systems, including static and dynamic analysis, penetration testing, and threat modeling.

3. Research Methodology #

3.1 Phase 1: Preliminary Analysis #

1. Device Analysis: Disassembling the Offpad device to understand its hardware components.
2. Software Analysis: Analyzing the firmware and software used by Offpad to identify potential vulnerabilities.

3.2 Phase 2: Vulnerability Identification #

1. Static Analysis: Examining the codebase and configuration files for security flaws.
2. Dynamic Analysis: Monitoring the behavior of the device under normal and abnormal conditions to identify security weaknesses.
3. Penetration Testing: Conducting ethical hacking attempts to exploit identified vulnerabilities.

3.3 Phase 3: Impact Evaluation #

1. Risk Assessment: Evaluating the severity and potential impact of each identified vulnerability.
2. Scenario Analysis: Simulating potential attack scenarios to understand the practical implications of the vulnerabilities.

3.4 Phase 4: Mitigation and Recommendations #

1. Mitigation Strategies: Proposing technical solutions to address the identified vulnerabilities.
2. Best Practices: Developing a set of best practices for the development and deployment of biometric authentication systems.

3.5 Phase 5: Validation and Testing #

1. Implementation of Mitigations: Implementing the proposed solutions and testing their effectiveness.
2. Re-evaluation: Conducting a second round of vulnerability assessments to ensure the mitigations are effective.

4. Expected Outcomes #

1. Comprehensive Vulnerability Report: Detailed documentation of identified vulnerabilities, their impact, and potential mitigation strategies.
2. Enhanced Security Protocols: Development of improved security protocols and best practices for biometric authentication systems.
3. Academic Contributions: Publication of findings in academic journals and conferences to contribute to the body of knowledge in cybersecurity.

5. Timeline #

A tentative timeline.

6. Conclusion #

This research aims to enhance the security of biometric authentication systems by identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in the Offpad fingerprint-based authentication solution. Through rigorous analysis and testing, this study will contribute to the development of more secure, reliable, and trustworthy authentication methods, ultimately fortifying the cybersecurity landscape.

7. References #

1. Literature on biometric authentication and security.
2. Documentation on the Offpad device and FIDO certification.
3. Research papers and articles on vulnerability assessment methodologies.