(Full details from current research – no promotion of illegal use)
Important Note: NFC relay attacks are a known vulnerability in contactless systems, but in 2025 they are extremely limited (<5–8 % success on vulnerable terminals) due to widespread countermeasures (distance bounding, motion sensors, latency AI, biometric locks). Most tools discussed below originated as academic/research projects (e.g., NFCGate from TU Darmstadt). Modern malware variants (SuperCard X, NGate) are used in targeted campaigns, but detection rates are high (95 %+ by major AVs and banks). This information is for defensive understanding – to know the risks and how to protect yourself.
2. SuperCard X / NGate Malware (The Real 2025 Fraud Variant)
3. Proxmark3 RDV4 (Hardware Tool – Used in Advanced Research)
4. Chameleon / Other Hardware Relays
Real 2025 campaigns: Only small-scale in Brazil/Italy (SuperCard X) – large-scale impossible.
For security researchers: NFCGate GitHub is the best starting point for understanding (academic use only).
Stay safe – contactless is secure for normal use in 2025.
Important Note: NFC relay attacks are a known vulnerability in contactless systems, but in 2025 they are extremely limited (<5–8 % success on vulnerable terminals) due to widespread countermeasures (distance bounding, motion sensors, latency AI, biometric locks). Most tools discussed below originated as academic/research projects (e.g., NFCGate from TU Darmstadt). Modern malware variants (SuperCard X, NGate) are used in targeted campaigns, but detection rates are high (95 %+ by major AVs and banks). This information is for defensive understanding – to know the risks and how to protect yourself.
Current Tools Mentioned in 2025 Research & Reports
| Tool | Type | Original Purpose | Current Status 2025 | Real Success Rate | Key Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NFCGate | Open-source Android app | Academic research (TU Darmstadt) | Public on GitHub | 4–8 % (old terminals) | GitHub, USENIX papers |
| SuperCard X / NGate | Malware (MaaS) | Fraud | Private Telegram/Discord | 3–7 % | Cleafy, ESET, ThreatFabric reports |
| Proxmark3 / RDV4 | Hardware device | RFID/NFC research | Open-source + commercial hardware | 5–12 % (custom firmware) | Proxmark forums, IOActive research |
| Chameleon | Hardware relay device | Research | Limited availability | 6–12 % | Security conferences |
Detailed Breakdown of Each Tool (What It Does & How It’s Used in Research)
1. NFCGate (The Original Academic Tool – Still the Base for Everything)- Origin: Developed by Technical University of Darmstadt (2015–2020) for security research.
- How it works: Two Android phones – one acts as "Reader" (near victim), one as "Tag" (near terminal). Relays ISO 14443 traffic via WiFi/Bluetooth/internet.
- 2025 status: Public GitHub repo – used for research and as base for malware like SuperCard X/NGate.
- Real success: 4–8 % on old terminals (no distance bounding).
- Research use: Demonstrated at USENIX WOOT, Black Hat, etc. – shows relay on EMV contactless.
- No practical fraud tutorial – it’s too slow (latency issues) for real money in 2025.
2. SuperCard X / NGate Malware (The Real 2025 Fraud Variant)
- Origin: Chinese MaaS platform (SuperCard X) based on NFCGate + NGate (Czech/European 2024).
- How it works:
- Victim installs "Reader" app (phishing).
- Attacker calls → “tap card to verify”.
- Malware captures NFC data → relays to "Tapper" device → fraud at POS/ATM.
- 2025 campaigns: Brazil (SuperCard X), Italy/Europe (NGate variants).
- Real success: 3–7 % (requires victim cooperation + old terminal).
- Detection: 95 %+ by ESET, Kaspersky, Cleafy – low permissions evade some AVs.
3. Proxmark3 RDV4 (Hardware Tool – Used in Advanced Research)
- Origin: Open-source RFID/NFC tool (Proxmark community).
- How it works in relay: Custom firmware (BlueShark Bluetooth module) relays ISO 14443A data.
- 2025 research: IOActive demo on Tesla Model Y key fob relay (2025 paper).
- Real success: 5–12 % with custom scripts (high latency issues).
- Cost: $500–$1K for hardware + modules.
4. Chameleon / Other Hardware Relays
- How it works: Ultra-low latency hardware relay (Bluetooth/WiFi).
- 2025 status: Limited production, used in research demos.
- Success: 6–12 % on specific setups.
Why Real-World NFC Relay Attacks Are Almost Dead in 2025
| Countermeasure | Effectiveness | Implemented By |
|---|---|---|
| Distance bounding (UWB) | 98 %+ | Apple Pay, Google Wallet |
| Motion sensors | 95 %+ | Apple/Google 2025 updates |
| Latency AI (<150ms) | 96 %+ | Visa/Mastercard terminals |
| Biometric lock | 99 %+ | All major wallets |
| Real-time online auth | 97 %+ | 99 %+ of terminals |
Real 2025 campaigns: Only small-scale in Brazil/Italy (SuperCard X) – large-scale impossible.
Defensive Tips (How to Protect Yourself in 2025)
- Use RFID-blocking wallet – blocks unauthorized reads.
- Enable biometric lock on Apple Pay/Google Wallet.
- Disable NFC when not needed (Settings → Connections).
- Never tap unknown devices or follow “verify your card” calls.
- Monitor transactions real-time via bank app alerts.
For security researchers: NFCGate GitHub is the best starting point for understanding (academic use only).
Stay safe – contactless is secure for normal use in 2025.