Metasploit

What is Metasploit?

Metasploit is a Ruby-based modular penetration testing platform designed for testing, creating, and executing exploits. It allows security professionals to identify and manage vulnerabilities through customizable scripts and a vast library of pre-built modules.

Core Functionalities:

• Security vulnerability testing

• Network enumeration

• Exploitation and evasion techniques

• Post-exploitation and persistent access

Metasploit Versions

1. Metasploit Framework (Free)

   • Open-source and command-line-based.

   • Offers complete access to modules and functionalities for manual and semi-automated testing.

2. Metasploit Pro (Paid) Enhanced with the following features:

   • Automation: Chains, replay functionality, and quick-start wizards.

   • Vulnerability Validation: Nexpose integration, credential management, and scanning.

   • Social Engineering Tools: Phishing campaigns and team collaboration.

   • Reporting: Web-based GUI with tagging and evidence collection.

Key Architecture Components

• Default Installation Path: /usr/share/metasploit-framework

• Primary Directories:

  • Data, Documentation, and Lib: Core operational files and references.

  • Modules: Contains scripts organized by category:

    /modules/
      - auxiliary
      - encoders
      - evasion
      - exploits
      - nops
      - payloads
      - post

  • Plugins: Extend functionality. Examples: openvas.rb, sqlmap.rb.

  • Scripts: Tools for Meterpreter, automation, and shell scripting, located in /scripts/.

  • Tools: Command-line utilities for specific tasks:

    /tools/
      - exploit
      - password
      - recon

Key Advantages

• Modularity: Switch seamlessly between exploits, payloads, and post-exploitation tools.

• Automation: Automate repetitive tasks, reducing manual intervention.

• Flexibility: Integrates with external tools like Nexpose and SQLMap.

• User-Friendly: Features such as tab completion, command chaining, and organized modules enhance usability.

msfconsole: The Core Interface

The msfconsole is the centralized command-line interface for Metasploit. It provides a stable, feature-rich environment to interact with the framework.

Key Features:

• Full access to modules, session management, and job control.

• Tab completion for commands and options.

• Silent mode for discrete operations:

  msfconsole -q

Commands Overview:

Command	Description
search <term>	Search for modules.
use <module_path>	Load a specific module.
show options	View required and optional parameters.
set <option> <value>	Configure a parameter.
exploit or run	Execute the loaded module.