PenTest+ PT0-003 Book

Software Composition Analysis (SCA):

SCA tools analyze the dependencies and libraries used by an application to identify vulnerabilities in open-source components.

Examples include identifying outdated or insecure versions of libraries (e.g., Log4j).

Why Not Other Options?

A (VM): Virtual Machines are unrelated to identifying open-source library vulnerabilities.

B (IAST): Interactive Application Security Testing focuses on runtime vulnerabilities, not specifically open-source libraries.

C (DAST): Dynamic Application Security Testing identifies runtime issues, not vulnerabilities in libraries.

CompTIA Pentest+ References:

Domain 4.0 (Penetration Testing Tools)

To reenter the system remotely after the patch for the recently exploited RCE vulnerability has been deployed, the penetration tester can use schtasks.exe and sc.exe.

Explanation:

schtasks.exe:

Purpose: Used to create, delete, and manage scheduled tasks on Windows systems.

Persistence: By creating a scheduled task, the tester can ensure a script or program runs at a specified time, providing a persistent backdoor.

Example:

schtasks /create /tn "Backdoor" /tr "C:\path\to\backdoor.exe" /sc daily /ru SYSTEM

sc.exe:

Purpose: Service Control Manager command-line tool used to manage Windows services.

Persistence: By creating or modifying a service to run a malicious executable, the tester can maintain persistent access.

Example:

sc create backdoor binPath= "C:\path\to\backdoor.exe" start= auto

Other Utilities:

rundll.exe: Used to run DLLs as applications, not typically used for persistence.

cmd.exe: General command prompt, not specifically used for creating persistence mechanisms.

chgusr.exe: Used to change install mode for Remote Desktop Session Host, not relevant for persistence.

netsh.exe: Used for network configuration, not typically used for persistence.

Pentest References:

Post-Exploitation: Establishing persistence is crucial to maintaining access after initial exploitation.

Windows Tools: Understanding how to leverage built-in Windows tools like schtasks.exe and sc.exe to create backdoors that persist through reboots and patches.

By using schtasks.exe and sc.exe, the penetration tester can set up persistent mechanisms that will allow reentry into the system even after the patch is applied.

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An attack narrative provides a detailed account of the steps taken during the penetration test, including the methods used, vulnerabilities exploited, and the outcomes of each attack. This helps stakeholders understand the context and implications of the findings.

Components of an Assessment Report:

User Activities: Generally not included as they focus on end-user behavior rather than technical findings.

Customer Remediation Plan: While important, it is typically provided by the customer or a third party based on the report’s findings.

Key Management: More relevant to internal security practices than a penetration test report.

Attack Narrative: Essential for detailing the process and techniques used during the penetration test.

Importance of Attack Narrative:

Contextual Understanding: Provides a step-by-step account of the penetration test, helping stakeholders understand the flow and logic behind each action.

Evidence and Justification: Supports findings with detailed explanations and evidence, ensuring transparency and reliability.

Learning and Improvement: Helps the organization learn from the test and improve security measures.

References from Pentesting Literature:

Penetration testing guides emphasize the importance of a detailed attack narrative to convey the results and impact of the test effectively.

HTB write-ups often include comprehensive attack narratives to explain the penetration testing process and findings.

Step-by-Step ExplanationReferences:

Penetration Testing - A Hands-on Introduction to Hacking

HTB Official Writeups

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Port 445 is used for SMB (Server Message Block) services, which are commonly targeted for hash-based relay attacks like NTLM relay attacks.

Understanding Hash-Based Relays:

NTLM Relay Attack: An attacker intercepts and relays NTLM authentication requests to another service, effectively performing authentication on behalf of the victim.

SMB Protocol: Port 445 is used for SMB/CIFS traffic, which supports NTLM authentication.

Prioritizing Port 445:

Vulnerability: SMB is often targeted because it frequently supports NTLM authentication, making it susceptible to relay attacks.

Tools: Tools like Responder and NTLMRelayX are commonly used to capture and relay NTLM hashes over SMB.

Execution:

Capture Hash: Use a tool like Responder to capture NTLM hashes.

Relay Hash: Use a tool like NTLMRelayX to relay the captured hash to another service on port 445.

References from Pentesting Literature:

Penetration testing guides frequently discuss targeting SMB (port 445) for hash-based relay attacks.

HTB write-ups often include examples of NTLM relay attacks using port 445.

Step-by-Step ExplanationReferences:

Penetration Testing - A Hands-on Introduction to Hacking

HTB Official Writeups

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