Development of a fuzzer on the RF layer for the ADS-B technology

Details

Supervisors

Sadre, Ramin

Faculty

Ecole polytechnique de Louvain

Degree label

Master [120] en cybersécurité, à finalité spécialisée: conception et analyse de systèmes

Abstract

Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast is a technology of air traffic control used around the world. Its purpose it to broadcast real-time information about the on-board systems of the aircraft and provide a geographical positioning to Air Traffic Controllers and other aircrafts in its vicinity. The intent of this thesis is to develop a fuzzer on the RF layer dedicated to the ADS-B technology and its receiver devices. The process consists of a literal study about the technology to develop an encoder capable of broadcasting custom messages from a personal radio transmitter and providing the means to choose to values to be sent either specifically or randomly as well as the quantity of messages and their intervals in time. The results of multiple tests in this paper shows its ability to simulate broadcasted messages while choosing its content and intercepting them with an monitored radio receiver. The utility of this tool is to provide the means to test both the hardware and software of a receiver by monitoring its behaviors and finding its limits.