1. Introduction
A penetration test is performed on a system in order to find security threats. The pen tester carries out the same tests a hacker would do. The hacker is looking for vulnerabilities in the computer and network in order to exploit them and gain access. The pen tester performs the same task but wants to find and fix any security threats without harming or compromising the system. The pen tester has permission to perform vulnerability checkes wheras the hacker does not. (Add more).
2. Configure Backtrack on VM Image Network
In order to run network exploration and web vulnerability tools, Backtrack 5 must be on the same network as the VM image. This is accomplished by changing Backtrack and the VM image to a custom virtual network. In the Virtual Network Editor a network is added which can be customised to allow network connectivity. The network added defaults to Vmnet3. Host only is selected which connects VMs internally in a private network. Use local DHCP service to distribute IP addresses to VMs is selected. The subnet IP and the subnet mask is changed to the VM image network. (See Figure 2-1 below).
Figure 2-1. Custom settings in Virtual Network Editor.
Backtrack and the VM image are now on the same network but the exact IP address of the VM is still unknown. The IP can be found by using a scanning tool like Nmap.
3. Nmap Scan.
A network mapper (Nmap) is an open source tool for network exploration and security auditing. Nmap is used to verify open ports and discover vulnerabilities associated with those open ports.
A basic nmap scan of the entire VM image network will discover all available hosts. The subnet mask 255.255.255.248 only allows 6 hosts, so a rapid scan is expected. The basic nmap com...
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Figure 10-2.9. Password hashes cracked with JTR.
We have successfully found tksies and root's passwords. Access to the server is granted. Follow the steps listed above to complete the mission.
11. Conclusion
Penetration testing a server for vulnerabilities requires a lot of lateral thinking. There is never one defined method to complete different tasks. A good pen tester must be able to recognise crucial information provided such as potential usernames and service vulnerabilities. Nmap is an excellent tool to scan for open ports and reveal vulnerabilities. Nikto was a vital tool in this mission as it provided a way to irrefutably find the usernames on the server. The mission was a good examination of my skillset. It also tested my proficiency and knowledge of the tools. The knowledge gained will help with future missions and make me a better pen tester.
Based on information provided by the SANS Institute, obtaining as much information as possible, regarding the company’s network infrastructure, network topology, and even previously discovered vulnerabilities is important, in order to better-plan for executing various penetration tests (source). Also, with Alexander Rocco Corporation based in Hawaii, a legal analysis should be conducted, accounting for the following state laws regarding penetration testing and/or cybercrimes:
Security of the companies data is one of the most important components which allows the business to perform its day to day operation using various networking devices, services that absolutely needs to be protected from intruders. Some of these devices include online transactions, the exchange of data between users and clients both internal and external and external web data needs to be secured. There are several polices that would need to be configured such as a web sever and firewall configurations. However, with these configurations the first and most important task is to identify any vulnerabilities or loopholes in security within the company. The company has both LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wireless Local Area Network) and a web sever. These resources need to be secured at all times from hackers or anyone else by implementing the appropriate security measures.
The documentary Rise of the Hackers, focuses on the rising criminal use of hacking and how it is effecting multiple areas of technology. The documentary describes simple and complicated situations concerning hacking, but there still questions that must be answered when it comes to hacking and crime. The main question is in trying to determine why a person would choose to commit computer hacking. There are various theories already present within the criminal justice system that may explain at a micro-level and macro-level. These theories would explain why offenders would commit the crimes, but it may not answer the full scope of the question. The Routine Activities Theory would help to explain why offenders offend, why victims are victimized,
The use of hacking to identify weaknesses in computer security has become an increasingly controversial issue in recent years. Awareness of this issue is important, because our ever increasing reliance on technology means that breaches in computer security have the potential to have wide-ranging and devastating consequences to society, worldwide. This essay will begin by clearly defining the term ‘hacking’ and will examine the type of people who hack and for what reasons. There will then follow a discussion of the moral argument on hacking before examining a few brief examples. The essay will then conclude by arguing against the use of hacking as a means of identifying weaknesses in computer security.
We set up wooden barricades at each of the three tunnels and began waiting. The plan was to wait there until the traffickers came and arrest them with no altercations. They stood there waiting with their AR’s aimed down the sight. No one knew exactly when the drug exchange was supposed to go down, so they had to be ready at any moment. After waiting several minutes, a squeaking sound was heard from the middle tunnel. The tunnel began to light up as the sound got louder and louder. The way the man from the navy told this story, made it seem as if I were actually there myself. The man continued to explain how the only thing he could see was the lights from the people coming in their direction and then hearing a rapid fire of gunshots. The next thing he remembered was waking up in a hospital bed with his family surrounding him. He asked his dad what happened back in the tunnel? His dad tells him that a bullet had hit him square in the helmet and gave him a serious concussion. However, him getting hit in the helmet gave away the traffickers position making it easy for the other soldiers to kill and capture the men trafficking the
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The Art of exploring various security breaches is termed as Hacking.Computer Hackers have been around for so many years. Since the Internet became widely used in the World, We have started to hear more and more about hacking. Only a few Hackers, such as Kevin Mitnick, are well known.In a world of Black and White, it’s easy to describe the typical Hacker. A general outline of a typical Hacker is an Antisocial, Pimple-faced Teenage boy. But the Digital world has many types of Hackers.Hackers are human like the rest of us and are, therefore, unique individuals, so an exact profile is hard to outline.The best broad description of Hackers is that all Hackers aren’t equal. Each Hacker has Motives, Methods and Skills. But some general characteristics can help you understand them. Not all Hackers are Antisocial, PimplefacedTeenagers. Regardless, Hackers are curious about Knowing new things, Brave to take steps and they areoften very Sharp Minded..