Metasurface-in-the-Middle Attacks: Wavefront Manipulation Threats and Countermeasures

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dc.contributor.advisorKnightly, Edwarden_US
dc.creatorShaikhanov, Zhambylen_US
dc.date.accessioned2024-05-21T21:10:44Zen_US
dc.date.available2024-05-21T21:10:44Zen_US
dc.date.created2024-05en_US
dc.date.issued2024-04-18en_US
dc.date.submittedMay 2024en_US
dc.date.updated2024-05-21T21:10:44Zen_US
dc.description.abstractTranscending the capabilities of traditional devices, metasurfaces offer nearly limitless control of the EM properties of wireless signals and have recently been shown to facilitate wireless communication with unique designs. However, in this thesis, I explore the security threats posed by malicious metasurfaces and demonstrate that, along with new opportunities, they bring forth unprecedented security challenges. In particular, I expose a new class of “MetaSurface-in-the-Middle” attacks, wherein malicious agent, Eve, can intercept pencil-beam directional links - conventionally believed to be immune from eavesdropping - with an almost imperceptible trace. By exploring the foundation of the attack in WLAN scenarios, I demonstrate that such malicious metasurfaces could be fabricated in under 5 minutes and at the cost of several cents. Furthermore, I study the attack with wireless backhaul links, which are crucial for many functions like low-latency financial trading on Wall Street. I show how Eve designs and employs MetaFly to covertly manipulate the EM wavefront on highly directional backhaul links, secretly inducing eavesdropping diffraction beams. I implement and demonstrate these attacks in both large indoor and outdoor rooftops in a metropolitan area, showcasing how Eve can intercept transmissions with nearly zero bit error rate while maintaining minimal impact on legitimate communication.en_US
dc.format.mimetypeapplication/pdfen_US
dc.identifier.citationShaikhanov, Zhambyl. Metasurface-in-the-Middle Attacks: Wavefront Manipulation Threats and Countermeasures. (2024). PhD diss., Rice University. https://hdl.handle.net/1911/116097en_US
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1911/116097en_US
dc.language.isoengen_US
dc.rightsCopyright is held by the author, unless otherwise indicated. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the work beyond the bounds of fair use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.en_US
dc.subjectWireless Securityen_US
dc.subjectMetasurfaceen_US
dc.subjectDronesen_US
dc.subjectWireless Backhaul Linksen_US
dc.titleMetasurface-in-the-Middle Attacks: Wavefront Manipulation Threats and Countermeasuresen_US
dc.typeThesisen_US
dc.type.materialTexten_US
thesis.degree.departmentElectrical and Computer Engineeringen_US
thesis.degree.disciplineEngineeringen_US
thesis.degree.grantorRice Universityen_US
thesis.degree.levelDoctoralen_US
thesis.degree.nameDoctor of Philosophyen_US
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