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8 posts tagged with "Remote Code Execution"

Remote Code Execution (RCE) is a web application vulnerability that allows an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary code on the victim's server. This occurs when a vulnerable script executes user-provided input as system-level commands, bypassing security controls and enabling attackers to gain full control of the compromised system.

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HTB | Blue | Write-Up

· 14 min read

Summary:

We spawn a target machine, then perform reconnaissance to gather initial information about its services and vulnerabilities. We identify an SMB vulnerability, which we investigate further by searching for applicable exploits (specifically CVE-2017-0144).

Using this knowledge, we configure an exploit with Metasploit to take advantage of the discovered vulnerability. Next, we verify the vulnerability's presence using Metasploit's capabilities. With the exploit confirmed, we run it against the target machine, leveraging its SMB vulnerability to gain access. We then proceed to grab both the user flag and root flag, ultimately achieving System Own status once these tasks are accomplished.

Machine Name: Blue | Difficulty: Easy | OS: Windows

HTB | Netmon | Write-Up

· 16 min read

Summary:

We navigate the Hack The Box website starting by spawning a target machine. Next, we perform reconnaissance on the target to gather initial information and identify an FTP server running on it. We use anonymous authentication to access the FTP share, then enumerate the files available on this share.

Continuing our investigation, we access the NETMON configuration files and extract user credentials from them. Modifying these credentials to suit our needs, we proceed to access the PRTG Network Monitor web interface. Utilizing Metasploit's capabilities, we exploit CVE-2018-9276 to gain shell access with the "LocalSystem" account, thereby achieving system level access. With this access in hand, we grab both the user flag and root flag, ultimately declaring System Own status once these tasks are accomplished.

Machine Name: Netmon | Difficulty: Easy | OS: Windows

HTB | Jerry | Write-Up

· 13 min read

Summary:

We navigate the Hack The Box website, starting by spawning a target machine. Next, we perform reconnaissance on the target to gather initial information. We identify a running webserver and proceed with directory enumeration using gobuster to uncover hidden directories. After discovering a server status login page with default credentials, we log in to gain access to the Manager App website.

Analyzing this app further, we collect the necessary credentials to log in and then identify a file upload vulnerability on the website. We create a malicious payload using msfvenom, which we use to upload and execute a reverse shell on the target machine. With a stable shell established at system level access, we proceed to grab both the user flag and root flag, ultimately achieving System Own status.

Machine Name: Jerry | Difficulty: Easy | OS: Windows

HTB | Vaccine | Write-Up

· 23 min read

Summary:

We test connectivity and scan the target, then use anonymous FTP access to download and crack a zip archive using John the Ripper. Analyzing the source code and exploiting a hardcoded hash gives us web app access via compromised credentials.

We identify an SQL injection vulnerability, gain control, and upgrade to a reverse shell with low-privileged access. As we enumerate the machine, we find privilege escalation opportunities and exploit SUDO vulnerabilities to gain root access, ultimately obtaining both user and root flags.

Machine Name: Vaccine | Difficulty: Easy | OS: Linux

HTB | Archetype | Write-Up

· 19 min read

Summary:

This article guides users through completing the Archetype machine challenge on Hack The Box. We exploit vulnerabilities on a Microsoft SQL Server by enumerating SMB shares, finding clear text credentials, and using Impacket to authenticate and gain an authorized connection. We then escalate privileges and download Netcat to establish a reverse shell, grab the user flag, and eventually use Impacket's psexec tool to gain admin access and retrieve the root flag before terminating the connection.

Machine Name: Archetype | Difficulty: Easy | OS: Windows

HTB | Pennyworth | Write-Up

· 10 min read

Summary:

This article guides users through completing the Pennyworth machine challenge on Hack The Box. Here we conduct reconnaissance on a Jenkins server, discovering a login page and default credentials, as well as a vulnerable Script Console that can execute Groovy scripts. We exploit this vulnerability to gain access to the system and retrieve a flag located at "/root/flag.txt".

Machine Name: Pennyworth | Difficulty: Easy | OS: Linux

HTB | Responder | Write-Up

· 14 min read

Summary:

This walkthrough outlines the attack vector used to system access on the Responder machine on Hack The Box, where an attacker would exploit the NetBIOS vulnerability to capture NTLMv2 hashes, which are then cracked using John the Ripper to obtain valid credentials. These credentials can be leveraged to ultimately gain access to root flag on the target machine.

Machine Name: Responder | Difficulty: Easy | OS: Windows