Module 6 of the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) v13 course delves into the intricacies of system hacking, providing a comprehensive understanding of how attackers exploit vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to systems. This module goes beyond theoretical concepts, offering practical examples and real-world use cases to illustrate the techniques and tools employed by both ethical hackers and malicious actors.
Key Concepts Covered
- Local and Remote System Exploitation:
- Understanding the difference between local and remote attacks.
- Exploring various attack vectors, including buffer overflows, integer overflows, and format string vulnerabilities.
- Utilizing tools like Metasploit and Armitage for exploitation.
- Privilege Escalation:
- Techniques to gain higher-level privileges on a compromised system.
- Abusing system misconfigurations and vulnerabilities to elevate access.
- Employing tools like Mimikatz and PowerSploit for credential dumping and privilege escalation.
- Rootkits and Backdoors:
- Understanding the purpose and types of rootkits.
- Detecting and removing rootkits from compromised systems.
- Implementing backdoors for maintaining persistent access.
- Hiding Traces and Evasion Techniques:
- Methods to cover tracks and avoid detection by security systems.
- Using steganography and other techniques to conceal malicious activities.
- Implementing anti-forensic measures to hinder investigations.
Real-World Examples and Use Cases
- Wannacry Ransomware Attack:
- Exploited a vulnerability in the Windows SMB protocol to spread rapidly.
- Encrypted files on infected systems and demanded ransom for decryption.
- Highlighted the importance of patching systems and implementing security controls.
- Equifax Data Breach:
- Attackers exploited a vulnerability in the Apache Struts framework.
- Exposed sensitive personal information of millions of customers.
- Emphasized the need for regular security assessments and vulnerability management.
- SolarWinds Supply Chain Attack:
- Hackers compromised the SolarWinds Orion software.
- Introduced malicious code into updates, allowing them to infiltrate numerous government and private organizations.
- Demonstrated the risks associated with software supply chains.
Practical Exercises and Labs
- Vulnerability Scanning and Exploitation:
- Using tools like Nmap and Metasploit to identify and exploit vulnerabilities on target systems.
- Privilege Escalation Techniques:
- Gaining higher-level privileges on compromised systems using various methods.
- Rootkit Detection and Removal:
- Identifying and removing rootkits from infected systems.
- Hiding Traces and Evasion Techniques:
- Implementing techniques to avoid detection by security systems.
Additional Resources
- Metasploit Framework: https://www.metasploit.com/
- Armitage: https://www.rapid7.com/products/metasploit/
- Mimikatz: [invalid URL removed]
- PowerSploit: https://github.com/PowerShellMafia/PowerSploit
By exploring these real-world examples and engaging in practical exercises, students can gain a deeper understanding of the techniques and tools used by both ethical hackers and malicious actors. This knowledge is essential for cybersecurity professionals to effectively defend against cyber threats and protect critical systems.