DEVELOPING A WORKING IST GENERATOR

[Skrein]

Hello
What do you guys think?
Can an ist generator be developed?
ist file is just apdu commands but its different for every bin and the structure is different

 

[Mutt]

Hello.
Developing a working IST (Initial Secure Token) generator for smart cards is a complex task that involves generating Application Protocol Data Unit (APDU) commands tailored to specific Bank Identification Numbers (BINs). Since you’ve noted that IST files consist of APDU commands and that the structure varies by BIN, let’s break down the feasibility, challenges, and considerations for creating such a generator, while addressing the technical aspects of APDU commands and their variability.

What is an IST Generator?​

An IST file typically contains a sequence of APDU commands used to initialize or personalize a smart card, such as those used in EMV (Europay, Mastercard, Visa) payment systems or other secure token applications. These commands configure the card’s file structure, security settings, and application data, which are specific to the card issuer and BIN (the first 6-8 digits of a card number). An IST generator would be a tool or software that programmatically creates these IST files, generating the appropriate APDU commands for different BINs and card types.

Can an IST Generator Be Developed?​

Yes, it’s theoretically possible to develop an IST generator, but it comes with significant technical and practical challenges. Below are the key considerations:

1. Understanding APDU Commands and IST Files​

• APDU Structure: APDUs are standardized communication units between a smart card and a reader, defined by ISO/IEC 7816-4. A Command APDU (C-APDU) consists of a mandatory 4-byte header (CLA, INS, P1, P2) and an optional body (Lc, Data, Le). The Response APDU (R-APDU) includes an optional data field and mandatory status bytes (SW1, SW2, e.g., 0x9000 for success).
• IST File Role: IST files are essentially scripts of APDU commands that initialize a card’s file system, load keys, set security attributes, and configure applications (e.g., EMV applets). These commands vary depending on the card’s platform (e.g., Java Card, GlobalPlatform) and the issuer’s requirements tied to the BIN.
• Variability by BIN: Each BIN corresponds to a specific issuer (e.g., a bank or payment network like Visa or Mastercard), and issuers define unique card profiles, including file structures, cryptographic keys, and application data. For example, the SELECT FILE (INS: 0xA4) or GET DATA (INS: 0xCA) commands may reference different file identifiers or tags depending on the BIN.

2. Feasibility of Development​

• Dynamic APDU Generation: An IST generator would need to:
  • Map BINs to issuer-specific card profiles, including supported commands, file structures, and security requirements.
  • Generate APDU commands dynamically based on templates or rules for each BIN.
  • Handle both standard commands (e.g., READ BINARY, UPDATE BINARY) and proprietary commands defined by issuers.
• Tools and Frameworks: Existing tools like Oracle’s apdutool or open-source libraries (e.g., Java Card APIs, GlobalPlatform libraries) can process APDU scripts and communicate with smart cards. An IST generator could extend these by incorporating a database of BIN-specific templates.
• Programming Approach: You could develop the generator in languages like Java, Python, or C#, leveraging libraries such as javax.smartcardio (Java) or pyscard (Python) to construct and send APDUs. For example, a Python-based generator could use a configuration file to define BIN-specific APDU sequences and encode them in binary or hexadecimal format.

3. Challenges​

• BIN-Specific Variability: The biggest hurdle is the lack of standardized documentation for BIN-specific APDU structures. Issuers often keep card profiles proprietary, and reverse-engineering them (e.g., via sniffing or trial-and-error) is time-consuming and potentially illegal without permission.
• Security and Compliance: Smart cards use cryptographic mechanisms (e.g., DES, AES, RSA) for authentication and data protection. Generating valid IST files requires access to issuer-specific keys or certificates, which are closely guarded. Unauthorized attempts to generate or manipulate IST files could violate regulations like PCI-DSS or local data protection laws.
• Extended APDUs: Modern cards support extended APDUs (up to 65,535 bytes of data), which complicates the generator’s logic, as it must handle both short and extended formats (e.g., 3-byte Lc/Le fields for extended APDUs).
• File Structure Discovery: Without issuer documentation, determining the card’s file structure (e.g., Dedicated Files (DFs) or Elementary Files (EFs)) requires exploratory APDU commands like SELECT FILE or READ BINARY. This process is slow and error-prone, as seen in efforts to browse smart card file structures.
• Card Platform Differences: Cards may run on different platforms (e.g., Java Card, MULTOS, GlobalPlatform), each with unique command sets and behaviors. For instance, Java Card 2.1 requires manual APDU encoding, while Java Card 2.2 supports Remote Method Invocation (RMI), affecting how commands are structured.

4. Technical Approach to Development​

To build an IST generator, consider the following steps:

• Step 1: Create a BIN Database: Compile a database of BINs and their associated card profiles, including supported APDU commands, file structures, and data tags (e.g., tag 0x5A for Application PAN). This could be sourced from public standards (e.g., EMV, ISO 7816-4) or reverse-engineered data (with legal caution).
• Step 2: Define APDU Templates: Develop templates for common commands (e.g., SELECT FILE, GET DATA, UPDATE BINARY) and parameterize them for BIN-specific values (e.g., file IDs, tag values). Use a scripting format similar to apdutool scripts, which support hexadecimal or decimal APDU encoding.
• Step 3: Implement Command Logic: Write a program that:
  • Accepts a BIN and card type as input.
  • Retrieves the corresponding profile from the database.
  • Generates a sequence of APDU commands, handling both short and extended formats.
  • Validates command syntax (e.g., correct CLA/INS values, valid Lc/Le lengths).
• Step 4: Test with a Card Reader: Use a smart card reader (e.g., Gemalto, ACS) and a library like pyscard to send generated APDUs to a test card and verify responses (e.g., SW1/SW2 = 0x9000 for success). Log responses for debugging, as shown in tools like apdutool.
• Step 5: Handle Security: If the generator needs to include cryptographic data (e.g., for PUT KEY or AUTHENTICATE commands), integrate a secure key management system. This may require hardware security modules (HSMs) or issuer-provided key material.

5. Practical Considerations​

• Access to Documentation: Without issuer-specific documentation, you’d need to reverse-engineer APDU sequences, as done in some research (e.g., Portuguese e-ID card case study). This involves sniffing communication or testing commands like GET DATA or SELECT FILE to map the card’s structure.
• Legal and Ethical Issues: Developing an IST generator for unauthorized purposes (e.g., cloning cards, bypassing security) is illegal and unethical. Ensure your project complies with laws and has explicit permission from card issuers or relevant authorities.
• Scalability: Supporting multiple BINs requires a robust database and flexible code to handle diverse card profiles. Open-source projects on GitHub (e.g., NFC APDU Runner) provide examples of handling APDU variability, but they’re limited to specific use cases.
• Testing Environment: Use a controlled environment with test cards and readers. Emulators or simulators (e.g., Java Card Development Kit) can help prototype APDU sequences before testing on physical cards.

6. Recent Developments and Resources​

• Standards and Tools: Recent updates to ISO/IEC 7816-4 (e.g., 2013 and later) and GlobalPlatform specifications provide detailed APDU command structures, including extended length formats. Tools like EFTlab’s EFTtools offer comprehensive APDU response lists for EMV cards, which could inform your generator’s logic.
• Community Insights: Discussions on platforms like Stack Overflow highlight common challenges, such as parsing TLV (Tag-Length-Value) data in EMV cards or handling status words like 0x6E00 (class not supported). These can guide error handling in your generator.
• Open-Source Projects: GitHub hosts projects like NFC APDU Runner and JavaCard applets for logging APDUs, which could serve as references for building a generator. These tools demonstrate how to encode/decode APDUs and handle card-specific responses.

7. What Do “You Guys” Think?​

Since I’m Grok, not a group, I’ll offer my synthesized perspective: An IST generator is feasible but requires significant effort to map BIN-specific APDU sequences and handle security constraints. It’s a valuable tool for card personalization in controlled environments (e.g., issuer development, testing), but scaling it to support diverse BINs without issuer cooperation is challenging. Open-source communities and standards like ISO 7816-4 provide a foundation, but proprietary issuer data remains a bottleneck. If you’re pursuing this, focus on a modular design with a BIN database and extensible templates, and prioritize legal compliance.

Recommendations​

• Start Small: Begin with a specific card type (e.g., EMV payment card) and a known BIN. Use tools like pyscard or javax.smartcardio to test basic commands (e.g., 00 A4 04 00 for SELECT AID).
• Leverage Standards: Study ISO/IEC 7816-4 and EMV specifications for command structures. Use GlobalPlatform documentation for cards supporting its framework.
• Engage Communities: Explore GitHub repositories and forums like Stack Overflow for APDU-related projects and insights.
• Secure Development: Ensure you have authorization to work with card data and use secure environments for testing.
• Prototype and Test: Build a proof-of-concept generator for a single BIN, using a scriptable format (e.g., similar to apdutool scripts) and validate it with a card reader.

If you provide more details about the card platform (e.g., Java Card, GlobalPlatform), specific BINs, or the intended use case, I can tailor the guidance further. Would you like to dive into a specific aspect, like coding a sample APDU sequence or designing the BIN database?

 

[Professor]

Hello. Great question — and yes, an IST (Initialization Script Template) generator can be developed, but with important caveats and considerations depending on the use case.

What is an IST File?​

An IST file is essentially a script used in smart card programming or testing environments (like Proxmark3, Mifare tools, etc.) to send a sequence of APDU commands to a contactless or contact smart card. It's like a batch file for smart card communication.

• Each line usually contains one APDU command.
• Sometimes includes comments, delays, or conditions.
• Used for testing, simulation, or scripting interactions with cards.

Can You Build an IST Generator?​

Yes — but the difficulty and effectiveness depend on:

1. What kind of cards you're targeting
2. How much you know about their structure
3. Whether the APDUs are standard or custom
4. If there's a need for dynamic generation based on BINs, keys, or other inputs

Feasibility Breakdown​

Card Type Known	E.g., MIFARE Classic, DESFire, ISO 14443-4	High: You can generate standard APDUs
Authentication Required	Need keys? Default keys only?	Medium-High: Adds complexity
BIN-based logic	Generating different scripts per BIN	Medium: Possible if rules exist
Dynamic Fields	Nonces, UIDs, counters, etc.	High: Needs runtime logic
Reverse Engineering Needed	Unknown proprietary protocols	Low-Medium: Harder without knowledge

How an IST Generator Could Work​

1. Template-Based Generation​

You define templates for known card types:

# Example template for MIFARE Classic 1K
AUTH A 00 FF FF FF FF FF FF
READ 04
READ 05
READ 06
READ 07

Then replace values dynamically using input parameters like keys, sectors, or BINs.

2. Rule-Based Logic​

For BIN-based systems:

• Based on BIN ranges, choose appropriate authentication keys or access patterns.
• Some payment cards may have predictable structures or sector protections.

Example:

if bin.startswith("4532"):
    key = "FFFFFFFFFFFF"
elif bin.startswith("5496"):
    key = "A0A1A2A3A4A5"

3. Interactive or GUI Tool​

Build a simple tool that lets users:

• Select card type
• Enter UID/BIN/keys
• Choose actions (read, write, dump)
• Generate the IST script accordingly

4. Reverse Engineering Aid​

Some IST generators are used in reverse engineering workflows:

• Send a series of APDUs to probe responses
• Try default keys
• Log results and build IST files dynamically

Challenges​

Non-standard Protocols	Not all cards follow ISO standards; some use proprietary APDUs
Security Layers	Cards with strong crypto (e.g., AES) may not allow easy scripting
Dynamic Data	Nonces, encrypted data, challenge-response makes static scripts less useful
Legal/Ethical Concerns	Be careful what cards you target; unauthorized access may be illegal

🛠 Tools That Might Help You Build One​

• Proxmark3: Has scripting support and logs APDU traffic
• PyResMan / Smart Card Tools: For inspecting card behavior
• Python + pyscard or pyApduTool: To programmatically send/receive APDUs
• Online APDU builders/generators: Great for reference

Summary​

Can you develop an IST generator?	Yes
Is it practical for every BIN?	No – depends on how structured the APDUs are
Best approach?	Use templates + rule-based logic + user input
Main limitations?	Proprietary cards, security features, dynamic content

Bonus: Sample Python Code Snippet​

def generate_ist(bin_number, output_file="output.ist"):
    # Simple lookup for example
    keys = {
        "4532": "FFFFFFFFFFFF",
        "5496": "A0A1A2A3A4A5"
    }

    key = keys.get(bin_number[:4], "B0B1B2B3B4B5")

    ist_content = f"""# IST file generated for BIN {bin_number}
AUTH A 00 {key}
READ 04
READ 05
READ 06
READ 07
"""

    with open(output_file, 'w') as f:
        f.write(ist_content)

    print(f"[+] IST file '{output_file}' generated.")

# Usage
generate_ist("45327562786544")

Would you like help building a more advanced version (with GUI, card detection, etc.)?

 

[Cloned Boy]

Developing an IST (Issuer Script Template) Generator​

An IST generator is certainly possible to develop, but it's a complex task that requires deep understanding of EMV card personalization and issuer scripting. Here's my analysis:

Feasibility of an IST Generator​

Yes, an IST generator can be developed, but with important considerations:

1. BIN-specific variations: Since IST structures vary by BIN (Bank Identification Number), the generator would need:
   • A rules engine for different card schemes (Visa, Mastercard, etc.)
   • BIN-specific templates or configuration files
   • Knowledge of each issuer's specific requirements
2. APDU command construction: The generator would need to:
   • Understand EMV tag structures
   • Properly format TLV (Tag-Length-Value) data
   • Handle cryptographic operations for secure messaging

Technical Challenges​

• Dynamic content: ISTs often contain dynamic elements like counters, timestamps, or transaction-specific data
• Cryptography: May need to generate MACs (Message Authentication Codes) or other security elements
• Testing complexity: Each generated IST would need validation against the specific card type

Implementation Approach​

A working IST generator would likely require:

1. A database of BIN-specific templates
2. Rules engine for conditional scripting
3. Secure cryptographic module
4. Validation mechanisms
5. Output formatting for different personalization systems

Commercial Considerations​

Many card personalization systems already include IST generation capabilities. Developing your own would mainly make sense if:

• You have specific requirements not met by existing solutions
• You're working with proprietary card specifications
• You need deep customization for your issuance process

Would you like me to elaborate on any particular aspect of IST generation?

 

[BadB]

Developing a Working IST Generator​

Creating a working IST generator is a challenging but potentially feasible task, depending on the specific requirements and constraints of the IST file format and its associated APDU commands. Here's a breakdown of the considerations and steps involved:

Understanding IST Files and APDU Commands​

1. IST File Structure:

• IST files are described as containing APDU commands, but their structure varies depending on the specific BIN (Bank Identification Number) or application they are associated with. This variability means that a one-size-fits-all generator is unlikely to work without customization for each specific use case.

2. APDU Commands:

• APDU (Application Protocol Data Unit) commands are defined in the ISO/IEC 7816-4 standard and are used for communication with smart cards. These commands consist of a header (CLA, INS, P1, P2) and optional data fields.
• To generate IST files, you would need to understand the specific APDU command structure required for the target application or BIN.

Challenges in Developing an IST Generator​

1. Variability in Structure:

• Since the structure of IST files differs for every BIN, the generator would need to be highly configurable or capable of interpreting metadata about the required structure.

2. Lack of Standardization:

• Unlike standardized file formats, IST files appear to lack a universal specification, making reverse engineering or detailed documentation essential.

3. Security and Compliance:

• APDU commands often interact with sensitive systems (e.g., banking or access control). Developing a generator must comply with legal and ethical standards, ensuring no misuse or unauthorized access.

Steps to Develop an IST Generator​

1. Research and Documentation:

• Gather detailed documentation on the IST file format and the specific APDU commands required for your target application. This might involve reverse engineering or consulting with domain experts.

2. Modular Design:

• Build the generator with modular components to handle different BIN-specific structures. For example:
  • A parser for input specifications.
  • A generator for APDU commands based on the input.
  • A formatter to output the IST file.

3. Testing and Validation:

• Test the generator with known IST files to ensure it produces valid outputs. Use tools or simulators to validate the generated APDU commands.

4. Security Considerations:

• Implement safeguards to prevent the misuse of the generator, such as requiring authentication or limiting its functionality to authorized users.

Conclusion​

Yes, an IST generator can be developed, but it requires a deep understanding of the IST file format, APDU commands, and the specific requirements of the target application. The variability in structure for different BINs adds complexity, but with proper research, modular design, and testing, it is achievable. However, ensure that the development and use of such a tool comply with all relevant legal and ethical standards.

 

[hackito]

Yes, developing an IST generator is possible, but challenging. Since IST files are essentially structured APDU scripts, you'd need to reverse-engineer the format for each BIN type. That means parsing different structures, understanding command flows, and possibly using pattern recognition or machine learning to adapt. It's doable - but highly dependent on access to enough sample data.

 

[Skrein]

Hello. Great question — and yes, an IST (Initialization Script Template) generator can be developed, but with important caveats and considerations depending on the use case.

What is an IST File?​

An IST file is essentially a script used in smart card programming or testing environments (like Proxmark3, Mifare tools, etc.) to send a sequence of APDU commands to a contactless or contact smart card. It's like a batch file for smart card communication.

• Each line usually contains one APDU command.
• Sometimes includes comments, delays, or conditions.
• Used for testing, simulation, or scripting interactions with cards.

Can You Build an IST Generator?​

Yes — but the difficulty and effectiveness depend on:

1. What kind of cards you're targeting
2. How much you know about their structure
3. Whether the APDUs are standard or custom
4. If there's a need for dynamic generation based on BINs, keys, or other inputs

Feasibility Breakdown​

Card Type Known	E.g., MIFARE Classic, DESFire, ISO 14443-4	High: You can generate standard APDUs
Authentication Required	Need keys? Default keys only?	Medium-High: Adds complexity
BIN-based logic	Generating different scripts per BIN	Medium: Possible if rules exist
Dynamic Fields	Nonces, UIDs, counters, etc.	High: Needs runtime logic
Reverse Engineering Needed	Unknown proprietary protocols	Low-Medium: Harder without knowledge

How an IST Generator Could Work​

1. Template-Based Generation​

You define templates for known card types:

# Example template for MIFARE Classic 1K
AUTH A 00 FF FF FF FF FF FF
READ 04
READ 05
READ 06
READ 07

Then replace values dynamically using input parameters like keys, sectors, or BINs.

2. Rule-Based Logic​

For BIN-based systems:

• Based on BIN ranges, choose appropriate authentication keys or access patterns.
• Some payment cards may have predictable structures or sector protections.

Example:

if bin.startswith("4532"):
    key = "FFFFFFFFFFFF"
elif bin.startswith("5496"):
    key = "A0A1A2A3A4A5"

3. Interactive or GUI Tool​

Build a simple tool that lets users:

• Select card type
• Enter UID/BIN/keys
• Choose actions (read, write, dump)
• Generate the IST script accordingly

4. Reverse Engineering Aid​

Some IST generators are used in reverse engineering workflows:

• Send a series of APDUs to probe responses
• Try default keys
• Log results and build IST files dynamically

Challenges​

Non-standard Protocols	Not all cards follow ISO standards; some use proprietary APDUs
Security Layers	Cards with strong crypto (e.g., AES) may not allow easy scripting
Dynamic Data	Nonces, encrypted data, challenge-response makes static scripts less useful
Legal/Ethical Concerns	Be careful what cards you target; unauthorized access may be illegal

🛠 Tools That Might Help You Build One​

• Proxmark3: Has scripting support and logs APDU traffic
• PyResMan / Smart Card Tools: For inspecting card behavior
• Python + pyscard or pyApduTool: To programmatically send/receive APDUs
• Online APDU builders/generators: Great for reference

Summary​

Can you develop an IST generator?	Yes
Is it practical for every BIN?	No – depends on how structured the APDUs are
Best approach?	Use templates + rule-based logic + user input
Main limitations?	Proprietary cards, security features, dynamic content

Bonus: Sample Python Code Snippet​

def generate_ist(bin_number, output_file="output.ist"):
    # Simple lookup for example
    keys = {
        "4532": "FFFFFFFFFFFF",
        "5496": "A0A1A2A3A4A5"
    }

    key = keys.get(bin_number[:4], "B0B1B2B3B4B5")

    ist_content = f"""# IST file generated for BIN {bin_number}
AUTH A 00 {key}
READ 04
READ 05
READ 06
READ 07
"""

    with open(output_file, 'w') as f:
        f.write(ist_content)

    print(f"[+] IST file '{output_file}' generated.")

# Usage
generate_ist("45327562786544")

Would you like help building a more advanced version (with GUI, card detection, etc.)?

its just a lot of work
you need to collect a lot of generated ists from a physical card and then make a script for each bin ist structure