Hacking Kioptrix with Metasploit | Gaining Remote Access

Summary

In this tutorial, the user demonstrates how to exploit a Samba vulnerability found on a virtual machine using the Nmap and Metasploit tools. The process begins with identifying open ports and recognizing the risk associated with port 445 (Samba/SMB). After launching Metasploit and selecting the right exploit for a Linux-based system, the attacker sets up a reverse shell payload to gain remote access. Following successful exploitation, the attacker navigates through directories and extracts hashed passwords of users, ultimately achieving root access to the system. This step-by-step demonstration highlights practical penetration testing techniques in a controlled environment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Use Nmap to scan for open ports and identify vulnerabilities in a system.
• 😀 Port 445, related to the SMB (Samba) protocol, is a common target for exploitation.
• 😀 Metasploit is a powerful tool for penetration testers, offering various exploits for known vulnerabilities.
• 😀 The 'trans2open' exploit is specifically used to exploit the Samba vulnerability on Linux systems.
• 😀 The Metasploit console is accessed by typing 'msfconsole' in the terminal.
• 😀 Once inside the Metasploit console, search for the desired exploit using the 'search' command (e.g., 'search trans2open').
• 😀 Configuration of the exploit involves setting the 'RHOST' (target IP address) and choosing the appropriate payload (e.g., reverse shell).
• 😀 Payloads like 'shell_reverse_tcp' are used to establish a reverse connection between the attacker and the target.
• 😀 After configuring the exploit, run it using the 'run' command to attempt gaining access to the target system.
• 😀 Successfully running the exploit opens a session, allowing remote control of the target machine (e.g., root access).
• 😀 Access to important system files, like '/etc/shadow', can be obtained, revealing hashed passwords of users on the target system.

Q & A

What is the purpose of using Nmap in this penetration testing scenario?

Nmap is used to scan the open ports of the virtual machine to identify potential vulnerabilities, such as the open port 445, which is associated with the Samba protocol.

Why is port 445 identified as a vulnerability in the script?

Port 445 is associated with the Samba protocol, which, if misconfigured or outdated, can lead to security vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access to the system.

What is Metasploit and why is it used in this attack?

Metasploit is a penetration testing framework that provides various exploits for known vulnerabilities. In this scenario, it is used to exploit the Samba vulnerability on the target virtual machine in order to gain remote access.

How do you search for an exploit in Metasploit?

You use the 'search' command followed by the name or a keyword related to the exploit. For example, 'search trans2open' was used to find the exploit for the Samba vulnerability.

What is the significance of selecting the correct exploit for the operating system in use?

Different exploits may target specific operating systems. In this case, the chosen exploit targets a Linux distribution, as the virtual machine uses Linux. Choosing the wrong exploit could prevent the attack from succeeding.

What does the 'set RHOST' command do in Metasploit?

The 'set RHOST' command is used to specify the remote target IP address (in this case, the virtual machine's IP address) so that Metasploit knows which system to target with the exploit.

What are payloads in Metasploit and why are they important?

Payloads define what happens after an exploit successfully runs. They determine how the attack interacts with the target system, such as establishing a reverse or bind shell to allow remote access.

What is the difference between 'reverse shell' and 'bind shell' payloads?

In a reverse shell, the target machine connects back to the attacker's machine, while in a bind shell, the attacker connects to the target machine. The reverse shell is often preferred for easier penetration through firewalls.

What does the 'run' command do in Metasploit after the exploit has been set up?

The 'run' command executes the chosen exploit against the target system. If successful, it establishes a session, allowing the attacker to interact with the target machine remotely.

What information is retrieved from the 'shadow' file in the /etc directory?

The 'shadow' file contains hashed passwords for users on the target system. By accessing this file, an attacker can attempt to crack the hashes and obtain plaintext passwords for system users.