[tor-bugs] #11096 [Tor bundles/installation]: Randomize MAC address before start of Tor

Tor Bug Tracker & Wiki blackhole at torproject.org
Fri Feb 28 19:36:57 UTC 2014


#11096: Randomize MAC address before start of Tor
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 Reporter:  csoghoian                 |          Owner:  erinn
     Type:  enhancement               |         Status:  new
 Priority:  normal                    |      Milestone:
Component:  Tor bundles/installation  |        Version:
 Keywords:                            |  Actual Points:
Parent ID:                            |         Points:
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 I realize this is a tricky ask, as changing the MAC address of a computer
 requires root privileges. However, I think it is worth finding a suitable
 way of doing this.

 Based on analysis of court documents and conversations with people in the
 government malware industry, it is my understanding that US government
 malware that has targeted Tor users (via TBB exploits) has specifically
 sought out the MAC address of the infected target's machine. Knowing the
 MAC address allows the government, at a later date, to verify that the
 machine they probed with their malware is the same device as the one they
 have seized through a raid of the person's home or office.

 As long as the government is going to use the MAC address as a unique
 identifier, we might as well try to make it difficult for them.

--
Ticket URL: <https://trac.torproject.org/projects/tor/ticket/11096>
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