What is Terminal Cornucopia?

In early-2013, independent security researcher, Evan “treefort” Booth, began working to answer one simple question: Can common items sold in airports after the security screening be used to build lethal weapons? As it turns out, even a marginally “MacGyver-esque” attacker can breeze through terminal gift shops, restaurants, magazine stands and duty-free shops to find everything needed to wage war on an airplane. Just how easy is it to build these weapons? The bulk of Evan’s research, Terminal Cornucopia, has been released publicly for you to see for yourself. This work is ongoing, so be sure to check back for future updates.

Here are the Rules

  • Only materials that can be sourced inside the terminal after the security screening can be used.
  • Only cash and a small, travel-approved multitool can be carried into the terminal.
  • Anything in the airport you’d get yelled at for taking or messing with is off limits.

What if Terrorists See This?!

That’s a great question. An even better question is: What if they already know all this? All of these findings have been reported to the Department of Homeland Security (TSA) to help them better detect these types of threats. Furthermore, the next time you fly, you’ll be flying as a more informed consumer (and taxpayer, possibly) — one who is more equipped to demand better, more appropriate airport security.

DISCLAIMER!

All Terminal Cornucopia weapons were constructed in a lab. At no point were any weapons built, handled, or transported in or near an airport.

Because the findings of this research (thus far) are arguably common sense, it is in this researcher's opinion that they fall outside of the purview of Responsible Disclosure. That said, all findings have been reported to the proper authorities, whom were granted the option of establishing a timeline for remediation and/or disclosure. No instructions have been given to that end.

Don't break the law. Don't build weapons if you don't know how to do it safely. Don't be stupid.

About Evan Booth

Growing up, it was a safe bet that if an object around the house was held together with screws or contained any number of wires, Evan “treefort” Booth took it apart at some point to see what made it tick. In 4th grade, with the help of strategically placed pens, erasers, and a Pop-Tarts wrapper, Evan's pencil box could quickly be converted into a model rocket launchpad. His Liquid Drano purchases to toilets cleaned ratio is absolutely abysmal. This never-ending supply of curiosity eventually translated into a passion for understanding computers and programming.

Having earned a degree in Digital Media — a nerdy union of design fundamentals and computer programming — from East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Evan founded his company, Recursive Squirrel, where he has served a wide variety of clients in need of application development and consulting for nearly a decade. When he isn't organizing 1's and 0's, Evan is likely off picking locks with the FALE Association of Locksport Enthusiasts, a lock picking group he co-founded in 2010.

Make no mistake: the best part about buying a bulky item is, in fact, the huge cardboard box.

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Run an Event? Conference? Company Retreat?

When he isn't building weapons, Evan is talking about building weapons. Contact me if your event could benefit from a very unique keynote on any of the following topics:

  • Airport Security
  • Creativity
  • Creative Problem-solving
  • Resourcefulness
  • Ninjas

Talks

CarolinaCon 9 – March, 2013 - Click to watch!

DerbyCon 3.0 – September, 2013 - Click to watch!

SkyDogCon 3.0 – October, 2013 - Click to watch!

Weapons

–> Click here to see all the weapons. <–

Contact

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