The Evil Crow Cable Wind is a stealthy tool for red teamers that hides a powerful hacking implant inside what appears to be a standard USB charging cable.
Designed by security researcher Joel Serna Moreno, this device functions as a Human Interface Device (HID) capable of executing automated keystroke attacks at speeds of up to 1,000 characters per minute.
Unlike traditional BadUSB tools that require pre-configured scripts, the Evil Crow Cable Wind integrates an ESP32-S3 chip, allowing attackers to control the device remotely via Wi-Fi through a web-based interface.
This specific model follows the lineage of high-end espionage tools like the NSA’s $20,000 COTTONMOUTH-I implant, but makes similar capabilities available to penetration testers for approximately $43.
The defining feature of the Evil Crow Cable Wind is its wireless management, without installing specialized software or mobile applications.
Users can connect to the cable’s Wi-Fi hotspot and access a browser-based dashboard to deploy payloads, manage configurations, or update firmware over the air.
This web interface includes a live payload editor with syntax highlighting and an “AutoExec” feature that automatically runs specific scripts when the cable is plugged into a target device.
The hardware is versatile, available in both USB-A to USB-C and USB-C to USB-C configurations, making it compatible with a broad range of modern laptops and smartphones.
Advanced Features: OS Detection and Remote Shell
According to Mobile-hacker analysis, Beyond simple keystroke injection, the EvilCrow CableWind offers sophisticated reconnaissance and control features.
The device can detect the operating system of the host machine, identifying Windows, macOS, Linux, or Android, and conditionally execute payloads tailored to that specific environment.
Furthermore, the tool supports a “Remote Shell” capability that establishes a serial connection between the target and the attacker’s interface.
This allows red teamers to execute system commands on air-gapped machines that lack internet access, bridging the gap between physical access and remote execution, Joel Serna Moreno added.
When placed alongside competitors like the O.MG Cable and USB Ninja, the Evil Crow Cable Wind positions itself as a cost-effective open-source alternative that prioritizes essential functionality over premium stealth features.
While the O.MG Cable Elite offers advanced capabilities like hardware keylogging and geo-fencing, it costs significantly more. Conversely, the USB Ninja offers a stealthy design but lacks the dynamic web-based control found in Serna Moreno’s creation.
The following table outlines the key differences between these popular hardware implants.
| Feature | Evil Crow Cable Wind | USB Ninja | O.MG Cable (Elite) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$43 | ~$161 | $150–$180 |
| Control Mechanism | Wi-Fi (Web Interface) | RF Remote | Wi-Fi, App |
| Payload Editing | Web-based (Live) | None | Web-based |
| OS Detection | Yes | No | Yes |
| Remote Shell | Yes | No | Yes |
| Keylogger | No | No | Yes |
| Open Source | Yes | No | No |
The Evil Crow Cable Wind represents a significant evolution in accessible physical security testing tools. By combining the ease of Wi-Fi control with powerful features like OS detection and air-gap bridging, it offers a robust solution for security professionals simulating insider threats.
Although it lacks the hardware keylogging found in more expensive alternatives, its open-source nature and support for custom firmware such as the USB Army Knife project ensure it remains a flexible and adaptable asset for red team operations.
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