NETWORK HOST FILE MANIPULATION USING RASPBERRY PI ZERO 2 W

The modern security threat environment brings new methods of network breach and system control to the forefront. The research investigates a hidden method to modify network host files through the inexpensive Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W embedded system. The project starts with Raspberry Pi configuration as a wireless access point to snare nearby users who join its network. The connection process triggers a custom portal which prompts users to download a document that contains a harmful Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macro. During execution the implemented macro creates a fake "No Internet Connection" error before demanding users to obtain the "Troubleshoot" file. The file executes after download and makes invisible changes to the system's host file which routes domain traffic to achieve both continuous administration control and website denial access. The approach uses automated scripting and file modifications at system level to show how attackers breach host file access without users noticing it. Through this project we observe client-side trust model weaknesses along with gaining practical offensive security knowledge and understanding the protective value of endpoint security solutions. This concrete implementation demonstrates that organizations must establish proactive defense strategies along with user education programs because of their need to detect and stop these nontraditional attack methods.