Pen Testing Tools: Metasploit Framework

Introduction

The Metasploit Framework is one of the most widely used and respected tools in the arsenal of any cybersecurity professional. It's a powerful open-source platform used for developing, testing, and executing exploit code against a target system. Metasploit is more than just a collection of exploit tools; it’s an entire infrastructure that you can use to build your custom tools and features.

• H. D. Moore

• Wikipedia Metasploit

Key Features of the Metasploit Framework

• Exploits: At the core of the framework is a collection of exploits. These are pieces of software that take advantage of a bug or vulnerability in a system or software.

  • Note: Rapid7's Vulnerability & Exploit Database: This database includes a vast repository of vetted computer software exploits and exploitable vulnerabilities. As of late 2023, it contains technical details for over 180,000 vulnerabilities and 4,000 exploits, all of which are included in the Metasploit framework. This database is updated frequently and contains the most recent security research, making it a reliable source for the latest exploit modules.

• Payloads: These are the pieces of code that run after a successful exploit. Payloads can do many things, such as opening a shell on the target system, or setting up a listener for an incoming connection. Note: 'show payloads'

• Auxiliary Functions: Metasploit includes a variety of auxiliary functions, such as scanners, fuzzers, and tools for sniffing and spoofing. These are not exploits themselves but assist in the exploitation process.

• Encoders: They encode the payloads to avoid detection by intrusion detection systems (IDS), making them more effective.

• Post-Exploitation Tools: Once an exploit has been successfully deployed, Metasploit provides tools for further exploration of the compromised system.

Use Cases

• Security Assessment: Metasploit is commonly used for penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities in systems and networks.

• Research and Development: Security professionals and researchers use it to test the efficacy of security defenses and to develop new security solutions or enhancements.

• Education and Training: It is an excellent tool for teaching and learning about network security and the nature of cyber threats.

The Metasploit Process

The typical process of using Metasploit involves several steps:

1. Information Gathering: Collecting information about the target system, such as IP address, open ports, and running services.

2. Choosing and Configuring an Exploit: Based on the gathered information, an appropriate exploit is selected. The exploit is then configured with the necessary options, like the target address.

3. Selecting and Configuring a Payload: A payload that will be deployed by the exploit is chosen. This is also configured to suit the specific needs of the operation, such as setting a reverse shell or command execution.

4. Executing the Exploit: The exploit is executed against the target system. If successful, the payload will be deployed.

5. Post-Exploitation: After gaining access, Metasploit provides tools to gather more information from the system, maintain access, and cover tracks.

Metasploit Vimal Ganth - "Metasploit was created by H. D. Moore in 2003 as a portable network tool using Perl. By 2007, the Metasploit Framework had been completely rewritten in Ruby. On October 21, 2009, the Metasploit Project announced that it had been acquired by Rapid7, a security company that provides unified vulnerability management solutions."

Basic Guide

Here's a basic guide on how to use it, especially in the context of Kali Linux, which comes with Metasploit pre-installed:

1. Updating Kali Linux

   • Ensure your Kali Linux is up to date. You can do this by running `sudo apt-get update' and 'sudo apt-get upgrade' in the terminal.

2. Starting Metasploit

   • Launch the Metasploit Framework by typing 'msfconsole' in the terminal. It might take a few moments to load.

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Metasploit tip: After running db_nmap, be sure to check out the result of hosts and services

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Using Metasploit

1. Exploring Modules

   • Metasploit is modular, containing various exploits, payloads, scanners, and more.

   • Use commands like 'show exploits', 'show payloads', 'show auxiliary', etc..., to list available modules.

2. Choosing and Configuring an Exploit:

   • For example, to use an exploit, type 'use [exploit name]'.

   • Set options for your chosen exploit with 'set [option] [value]'. Common options include RHOSTS (Remote Hosts), LHOST (Local Host), etc.

3. Selecting a Payload:

   • Payloads are code that runs after successful exploitation. Choose one with 'set payload [payload name]'.

   • Configure payload options similar to how you configured exploit options.

4. Running the Exploit

   • Once everything is set up, type 'exploit' or 'run' to execute the exploit.

Additional Features

• Using Meterpreter

  • Meterpreter is a powerful payload that provides extensive control over an exploited system.

  • Use Meterpreter commands like 'getuid', 'sysinfo', 'webcam_snap', etc..., for various operations.

• Database Integration

  • Metasploit can connect to a database to store information about exploits and loot. This is useful for managing large engagements.

• Auxiliary Modules

  • These modules include scanners, fuzzers, and other tools for reconnaissance and other non-exploitative tasks.

Metasploit Example 1...

Scenario: After successfully exploiting a Windows server, an attacker needs to gather more information from the system.

Metasploit Steps...

1. Meterpreter Session: Assume the exploit used earlier has granted a Meterpreter session.

2. System Enumeration: Use Meterpreter commands like `sysinfo` for system information, `getuid` to check privileges, and `ps` to list running processes.

3. Privilege Escalation: Use `getsystem` to attempt to gain higher privileges.

4. Extract Credentials: Utilize tools like `hashdump` to gather system hashes and `mimikatz` to extract plaintext passwords.

Metasploit Example 2...

Scenario: A penetration tester needs to map the network and find potential targets within a client's network.

Metasploit Steps...

1. ARP Scanning: Use the `auxiliary/scanner/discovery/arp_sweep` module to find live hosts in the network.

2. Port Scanning: For each live host, use `auxiliary/scanner/portscan/tcp` to identify open ports.

3. Service Version Detection: Employ `auxiliary/scanner/discovery/version` to determine the version of the services running on open ports, which can help identify potential vulnerabilities.

Ethical Considerations

• It's important to note that while Metasploit is a powerful tool, it should be used ethically and legally. Unauthorized access to systems is illegal and unethical. Metasploit should only be used in environments where explicit permission has been granted, such as a controlled penetration testing environment.

• Responsible Use of Kali Linux 

Conclusion

The Metasploit Framework remains a cornerstone in the field of cybersecurity due to its versatility, comprehensive feature set, and active development and community support. Whether for ethical hacking, network defense, or research, Metasploit offers an invaluable platform for exploring and securing digital environments.

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