For Educational Use in Australian Penetration Testing Courses
Legal Notice
In Australia, unauthorized access to computer systems (including smartphones) is illegal under:
- Cybercrime Act 2001 (Cth)
- Crimes Act 1900 (state variations)
This guide is for educational purposes only. Always obtain written permission before testing any device you don't own.
Introduction
Smartphone cameras are potential attack vectors that ethical hackers test to identify vulnerabilities. This guide demonstrates security assessment techniques used by professionals to improve device security.
Required Tools (Educational Use Only)
- Virtual Machine: Kali Linux (for safe testing environment)
- Network Tools: Wireshark, Nmap
- Framework: Metasploit (for vulnerability testing)
- Mobile Emulator: Android Studio Virtual Device
- Legal Target Device: Your own test smartphone
Never use these techniques on devices without explicit permission. Australian law imposes severe penalties for unauthorized access.
Step 1: Setting Up a Legal Test Environment
1.1 Create an Isolated Lab
Set up a closed network with:
- Kali Linux VM (attacker machine)
- Test smartphone (target device)
- No connection to external networks
1.2 Configure Target Device
On your test smartphone:
- Enable Developer Mode
- Enable USB Debugging
- Install any vulnerable apps you have permission to test
Step 2: Information Gathering
2.1 Network Scanning
Identify open ports on the target device:
2.2 Vulnerability Assessment
Use Metasploit to scan for known vulnerabilities:
use auxiliary/scanner/portscan/tcp
set RHOSTS [target IP]
run
Step 3: Camera-Specific Testing
3.1 Testing App Permissions
Check for apps with camera access:
3.2 Testing for WebRTC Vulnerabilities
If testing browser-based access:
- Set up a phishing test page (on your local network)
- Include JavaScript to request camera access
- Document how browsers handle permission requests
Step 4: Defensive Measures
After testing, document security improvements:
- Camera permission management
- Network security configurations
- App vetting procedures
Step 5: Reporting
For educational purposes, create a report documenting:
- Vulnerabilities found
- Steps to reproduce (for your test device only)
- Recommended fixes
Australian Legal Compliance
When conducting penetration testing in Australia:
- Always have written authorization
- Follow ISM and ACSC guidelines
- Report findings responsibly
- Destroy all test data after assessment
Conclusion
This educational exercise demonstrates how ethical hackers test smartphone security to improve defenses. Always operate within Australian legal boundaries and prioritize ethical considerations.
Additional Resources
- Australian Cyber Security Centre: https://www.cyber.gov.au
- OWASP Mobile Security Testing Guide
- Kali Linux Documentation