Look for forms or input fields where user data might be passed to the system. Common examples include search fields, login forms, or any other input that interacts with the backend.
Input a command that could reveal if the system is processing your input. For example, try inputting ; id or && id in the input field.
Submit the form and observe the response. If user identity information is shown in the response, you have identified a command injection vulnerability.
BeEF (Browser Exploitation Framework) is a powerful tool that allows penetration testers to assess the security of browser clients. It uses XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) vulnerabilities to hook the target's browser and control it remotely.
This setting restricts which IP addresses can be hooked by BeEF. It ensures only devices within the specified subnet are targeted, enhancing security by limiting exposure.
A local file inclusion attack is like a guest at a party discovering an unlocked door to the host's private study. Once inside, they rummage through personal files and sensitive documents, taking advantage of the unlocked door to access information not meant for them.
File inclusion vulnerabilities occur when a web application allows users to include files without proper validation. There are two types of file inclusion vulnerabilities: Local File Inclusion (LFI) and Remote File Inclusion (RFI).
Local File Inclusion (LFI): This vulnerability occurs when an attacker can include files that are already present on the server. It is typically exploited to read sensitive files such as configuration files, password files, and logs, which may contain valuable information.
Remote File Inclusion (RFI): This vulnerability occurs when an attacker can include files from remote servers. This can be used to execute malicious code hosted on an external server, potentially leading to a complete server compromise. RFI is often used when attackers do not have other means of access to the target server.
File inclusion vulnerabilities can be used for various purposes, including information disclosure, code execution, and privilege escalation.
You have been tasked with pentesting a WordPress-based web application. Your goal is to identify any vulnerabilities and demonstrate how any findings could be exploited.
File upload vulnerabilities occur when a web application fails to properly validate or sanitize user-uploaded files. This can lead to various security issues, including remote code execution, server-side script execution, and unauthorized access to sensitive data. In this walkthrough, we will explore the process of identifying file upload vulnerabilities in a fictional web application called "PhotoShare," crafting a payload using msfvenom, testing the vulnerability, and presenting the findings in a pentest report.
You have been tasked with pentesting "PhotoShare," a web application that allows users to upload and share photos. Your goal is to identify any file upload vulnerabilities and demonstrate how they can be exploited.
Privilege escalation on a Linux system is about exploiting specific vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, or oversights to gain elevated access — typically root. Even on a hardened system, subtle weaknesses like improperly configured SUID/SGID binaries, world-writable files, or unpatched kernel exploits can provide an attacker with a path to escalate privileges. The process involves thorough enumeration to uncover these opportunities, followed by precise exploitation, whether through command injection, leveraging environment variables, or exploiting vulnerable binaries. Mastery of these techniques allows you to move from basic user access to full system control, a crucial step in both offensive security and system hardening.
SQL Injection (SQLi) is an attack that allows execution of arbitrary SQL queries on a database through a vulnerable web application. Imagine a nightclub where the bouncer's job is to verify the age of each guest to ensure they're over 21. Instead of checking IDs properly, the bouncer just glances at whatever is shown and lets everyone in, assuming it's valid. This lack of scrutiny allows individuals who are underage and/or have fake IDs to enter the club, potentially causing trouble.
In the case of SQL injection, the web application (bouncer) is supposed to validate and sanitize user inputs (IDs) to ensure only safe and legitimate queries (guests) interact with the database (club). However, if the application fails to properly check and sanitize these inputs, malicious actors (underage individuals) can inject harmful SQL code (fake IDs) into the query, gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data (entering the club) and potentially causing damage.
This walkthrough demonstrates using SQLMap to exploit a vulnerable URL parameter on a MySQL-based website. Steps include confirming the vulnerability, enumerating databases, and extracting data from the "wordpress" database. The scenario highlights the impact of SQLi vulnerabilities, such as unauthorized data access, and concludes with preparing a pentest report to document findings and recommendations.
In penetration testing, gaining access to internal network resources often requires advanced techniques to bypass firewalls, NAT devices, and other security measures. SSH tunneling and redirection are powerful methods that allow penetration testers to navigate these obstacles. This article will explain these concepts, their real-world applications, and provide practical examples.
SSH tunneling, also known as SSH port forwarding, is a method of creating a secure, encrypted connection between a local and a remote computer through the SSH protocol. This technique can be used to forward traffic from one network port to another, effectively bypassing firewall restrictions and network segmentation.
Imagine you are a penetration tester who has gained initial access to a target network through a compromised external server (Target1_IP). Your goal is to reach internal resources (Target2_IP and Target3_IP) and also provide a reverse connection back to your local machine for further exploitation. To achieve this, you will use an advanced SSH command that sets up multiple tunnels and optimizes connections.
Previously, I wrote a bit about the process of kerberoasting and utilizing Bloodhound and other tools for Windows penetration testing. Because those topics are covered elsewhere, this one will cover different tools and techniques that were not in the kerberoasting post.
For this post, I am continuing an exploit that began from a XSS vulnerability and was exploited through BeEF. It picks up where the BeEf post left off with having just exploited the Windows box with a very unstable Windows shell.
Imagine a library where anyone can write in a guestbook. A stored XSS attack is like someone writing a hidden, harmful message in the guestbook that, when read, causes the reader's pen to write down their personal details on a separate sheet that the attacker can access. The readers are unaware that their information is being stolen while they are simply interacting with what they believe to be a safe guestbook.
There are three main types of Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities:
Stored XSS: Also known as persistent XSS, this type occurs when malicious script is permanently stored on the target server, such as in a database, message forum, or comment field. The script is executed every time a user accesses the affected content.
Reflected XSS: This type occurs when a malicious script is reflected off a web server, such as in an error message, search result, or any other response that includes some or all of the input sent to the server as part of the request. It is delivered to users via another route, such as an email or a web link.
DOM-Based XSS: This type occurs when the vulnerability exists in the client-side code rather than the server-side code. The payload is executed as a result of modifying the DOM environment in the victim's browser, causing client-side script to run differently.
The walkthrough provided is covering Stored XSS. In this scenario, the payload is injected into the Name parameter on the Contact page of the WordPress site using the "Participants Database" plugin. When this data is stored and subsequently displayed to users or administrators, the malicious script executes, demonstrating the persistent nature of stored XSS vulnerabilities.
VPN slowing you down? OpenVPN is fantastic for privacy, but if you need speed, it's not the best protocol option. Enter WireGuard: lightweight and fast. That's why NordVPN's NordLynx is built on WireGuard; it's a game-changer. Setting up a VPN client on an edge router, like the Unifi Dream Machine, allows the entire network traffic to benefit so great - let's do that! There's only one problem: NordVPN doesn't currently provide easy config files.
The solution: Generate the configuration on a Linux machine and use those details to set up NordLynx on your router. This guide will walk you through the process by first installing NordVPN on a debian-based Linux VM (Parrot Security OS) and then using that configuration to set up NordLynx on a Unifi Dream Machine.
