Book Image

Windows and Linux Penetration Testing from Scratch - Second Edition

By : Phil Bramwell
Book Image

Windows and Linux Penetration Testing from Scratch - Second Edition

By: Phil Bramwell

Overview of this book

Let’s be honest—security testing can get repetitive. If you’re ready to break out of the routine and embrace the art of penetration testing, this book will help you to distinguish yourself to your clients. This pen testing book is your guide to learning advanced techniques to attack Windows and Linux environments from the indispensable platform, Kali Linux. You'll work through core network hacking concepts and advanced exploitation techniques that leverage both technical and human factors to maximize success. You’ll also explore how to leverage public resources to learn more about your target, discover potential targets, analyze them, and gain a foothold using a variety of exploitation techniques while dodging defenses like antivirus and firewalls. The book focuses on leveraging target resources, such as PowerShell, to execute powerful and difficult-to-detect attacks. Along the way, you’ll enjoy reading about how these methods work so that you walk away with the necessary knowledge to explain your findings to clients from all backgrounds. Wrapping up with post-exploitation strategies, you’ll be able to go deeper and keep your access. By the end of this book, you'll be well-versed in identifying vulnerabilities within your clients’ environments and providing the necessary insight for proper remediation.
Table of Contents (23 chapters)
1
Part 1: Recon and Exploitation
9
Part 2: Vulnerability Fundamentals
17
Part 3: Post-Exploitation

Chapter 7: Advanced Exploitation with Metasploit

Anyone who has been in the field in the last 18 years knows what Metasploit can do. There are all kinds of Metasploiters out there, but we’re going to think about two kinds in particular. First, you have the intrepid amateur. They downloaded Kali Linux and installed it on a Virtual Machine (VM). Then, they fired up Metasploit and learned the basics – how to set an exploit, a payload, and the options, and then launch missiles! In this scenario, Metasploit quickly becomes the metaphorical hammer, and every problem starts to look like a nail. 

On the other hand, there is the seasoned security administrator, who is comfortable with the command line. They fire up Metasploit and know how to search for specific modules, as well as how to gather the appropriate information to populate options fields. However, they feel bound by what’s already there. They recently found that they could make their life a lot easier...