buddy-ng
Visualize buddy memory allocator state
SYNOPSIS
buddy-ng [-i
PARAMETERS
-i
Specify the input network interface for packet capture.
-o
Specify the output target for retransmission or injection, which can be an interface or file.
-r
Read packets from a specified capture file (e.g., PCAP format) for processing or retransmission.
-w
Write captured packets to a specified output file for later analysis.
-m
Define the operational mode, such as 'capture', 'replay', or 'inject', indicating how the tool should behave.
-c
Limit the number of packets to process, capture, or retransmit.
-b
Specify the number of packets to send in a single burst during retransmission, optimizing performance for certain scenarios.
-p
Filter or specify the type of packets to handle, such as raw frames or specific protocol types.
--help
Display a help message with available options and exit.
--version
Display version information of the buddy-ng utility and exit.
DESCRIPTION
buddy-ng is a specialized network utility primarily used for capturing and retransmitting raw network packets.
It's often found in environments where low-level network manipulation and analysis are required, such as in penetration testing, security research, or embedded systems development (e.g., Kali NetHunter).
Unlike general-purpose packet capture tools like tcpdump or Wireshark, buddy-ng focuses on specific retransmission capabilities, often for RF (radio frequency) captured data or other non-standard network interfaces.
Its core functionality revolves around handling raw network frames and offering precise control over their retransmission.
The tool is designed for scenarios where exact timing and direct hardware interaction (e.g., through SDR devices or specific network adapters) are crucial, focusing on low-level data manipulation and replay rather than high-level protocol analysis.
CAVEATS
buddy-ng is a specialized tool not typically found in standard Linux distributions and often requires manual installation or is part of specific embedded systems like Kali NetHunter.
Its precise behavior and available options can vary based on the specific compilation and target environment. It generally requires root privileges for low-level network interface manipulation.
Comprehensive official documentation is limited, making its usage context-dependent and requiring a good understanding of network packet handling.
COMMON USE CASES
buddy-ng is frequently used for scenarios such as:
- Wireless Packet Injection: Replaying or injecting captured wireless frames for security testing.
- Raw Network Capture: Capturing low-level network traffic directly from hardware interfaces.
- Packet Replay: Replaying previously captured network sessions for testing or exploitation.
- SDR Integration: Interfacing with Software Defined Radios (SDR) for RF signal capture and retransmission, extending its utility beyond traditional wired/wireless networks.
INSTALLATION
As buddy-ng is not part of standard Linux distribution repositories, it typically needs to be compiled from source code. The source is often found in repositories related to Kali NetHunter or specific embedded Linux projects.
Compilation usually involves standard build tools like gcc and make, along with development headers for network libraries (e.g., libpcap or other specific hardware abstraction layers). Users should consult the specific project's documentation for exact build instructions.
HISTORY
buddy-ng appears to be a specialized tool that evolved within the context of security research and embedded Linux distributions, particularly Kali NetHunter.
The "ng" suffix suggests it's a "next generation" or improved version of an earlier "buddy" tool, though the original is not widely documented.
Its development focuses on addressing specific needs for raw packet capture, manipulation, and retransmission in scenarios involving low-level network or RF interfaces, often for penetration testing or security auditing purposes on mobile or specialized hardware.
It doesn't have a long public history like standard GNU utilities but rather niche development driven by specific project requirements.
SEE ALSO
tcpdump(1), Wireshark(1), aireplay-ng(8), hping3(8)