# Behind The Wings: The Case of Reverse Engineering and Drone Hijacking in DJI Enhanced Wi-Fi Protocol

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/2309.05913 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/2309.05913/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 12 Sep 2023.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Cooperative Decentralized Backdoor Attacks on Vertical Federated Learning](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2501.09320/) (2025)

## Abstract (arXiv)

This research paper entails an examination of the Enhanced Wi-Fi protocol, focusing on its control command reverse-engineering analysis and subsequent demonstration of a hijacking attack. Our investigation discovered vulnerabilities in the Enhanced Wi-Fi control commands, rendering them susceptible to hijacking attacks. Notably, the study established that even readily available and cost-effective commercial off-the-shelf Wi-Fi routers could be leveraged as effective tools for executing such attacks. To illustrate this vulnerability, a proof-of-concept remote hijacking attack was carried out on a DJI Mini SE drone, whereby we intercepted the control commands to manipulate the drone's flight trajectory. The findings of this research emphasize the critical necessity of implementing robust security measures to safeguard unmanned aerial vehicles against potential hijacking threats. Considering that civilian drones are now used as war weapons, the study underscores the urgent need for further exploration and advancement in the domain of civilian drone security.