What are Exploits, and How Are They Used?
Penetration testing is a security testing process that simulates real-world cyber-attacks on an organization’s systems and infrastructure. The objective of pentesting is to identify vulnerabilities, weaknesses, and security flaws that attackers can exploit to gain unauthorized access to the system, steal sensitive data, or cause damage to the organization’s reputation. Exploits are an essential tool used in penetration testing to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in a system. This blog post will explain how exploits in penetration testing are used, their types, and their importance.
What is an Exploit?
In the context of penetration testing, an exploit (from the English verb to exploit, meaning “to use something to one’s own advantage”) is a piece of code or software that takes advantage of a system, application, or software vulnerability to gain unauthorized access or control of the system. In cybersecurity, attackers use exploits to gain access to sensitive information or cause harm to a system. Exploits can be used to execute arbitrary code, gain root access, steal data, or disrupt the normal functioning of a system.
Exploits can be categorized based on the type of vulnerability they exploit. For example, Remote Code Execution (RCE) exploits take advantage of vulnerabilities in web applications, such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting, to execute arbitrary code on a remote system. Denial of Service (DoS) exploits, on the other hand, are used to disrupt the normal functioning of a system by overwhelming it with traffic or other resource-consuming activities.
Exploits are often created by attackers or security researchers to demonstrate the potential impact of a vulnerability. They can also be found in exploit databases, such as Exploit-DB or Metasploit, where security researchers and attackers can find and use them to exploit vulnerabilities. Using exploits in penetration testing is a common practice, where security professionals use exploits to identify vulnerabilities in a system and determine the level of risk they pose.
Using exploits in cyber attacks is a significant threat to organizations’ security. Attackers can use exploits to gain unauthorized access to a system, steal sensitive data, or cause damage to an organization’s reputation. As a result, organizations must have robust security measures in place to protect against attacks that use exploits. This includes regular vulnerability scanning and patch management, implementing security best practices, and conducting penetration testing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
The latest cybersecurity statistics show that an unsecured system connected to the internet can be a target of more than 2000 cyber attacks each day. Hackers use automated tools and scripts to investigate their targets for susceptibilities.
University of Maryland
Here are some known exploits and exploit categories that cybersecurity professionals often encounter. There are many others, and new exploits are constantly being discovered and developed.
- · Remote Code Execution (RCE) Exploits:
Remote code execution (RCE) exploits are a type of exploit that allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a remote system. RCE exploits take advantage of vulnerabilities in web applications, such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting, to execute code on a system. Once an attacker gains access to a system using an RCE exploit, they can install malware, steal sensitive data, or disrupt the system’s normal functioning.
RCE exploits are a significant threat to organizations’ security. Attackers can use RCE exploits to access sensitive information, such as login credentials or financial data. They can also use RCE exploits to install malware on a system, which can be used for further attacks or to spy on an organization’s activities. The impact of an RCE exploit can be severe, leading to data loss, financial loss, and damage to an organization’s reputation.
Preventing RCE exploits requires a multi-layered approach to security. One of the most effective measures is ensuring that web applications are developed with security in mind at the start. This includes implementing secure coding practices, using secure development frameworks, and conducting regular security testing. Organizations should also ensure they keep their software up-to-date and apply patches promptly to address any discovered vulnerabilities.
In addition, organizations should implement security measures to protect against RCE exploits attacks. This includes using firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and web application firewalls to detect and block malicious traffic. Organizations should also implement multi-factor authentication and access controls to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive systems.
- · Denial of Service (DoS) Exploits:
Denial of Service (DoS) exploits are attacks that seek to disrupt the normal functioning of a system, service, or network. DoS exploits overload the targeted system with traffic or other resource-consuming activities, making it unavailable to legitimate users. In some cases, DoS exploits are a diversionary tactic to distract security personnel from further cyber attacks.
Several types of DoS exploits include distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks, which use multiple compromised devices to flood a system with traffic. Attackers often use DDoS attacks to target high-profile websites or services, such as banking or e-commerce sites, to disrupt their operations and cause financial loss.
Preventing DoS exploits requires a multi-layered approach to security. One of the most effective measures is implementing traffic filtering and rate limiting on network devices, such as routers and firewalls, to detect and block malicious traffic. Organizations should also implement intrusion detection and prevention systems to detect and respond to DoS attacks in real-time.
*Note – Denial of Service exploits isn’t used for a penetration test unless the organization explicitly requests it to test their defenses against DoS attacks.
- · Privilege Escalation Exploits:
Privilege escalation exploits are attacks that allow malicious actors to gain elevated permissions on a system or network. With elevated privileges, attackers can access sensitive information, execute arbitrary code, and perform other malicious activities. Privilege escalation exploits are often used with other types of attacks, such as phishing or malware, to gain a foothold in a system.
Several types of privilege escalation exploits include local privilege escalation (LPE) and remote privilege escalation (RPE). LPE exploits vulnerabilities in local applications or system components to elevate privileges on a local machine. RPE exploits, on the other hand, take advantage of vulnerabilities in remote services or network protocols to gain elevated permissions on a network.
To help prevent privilege escalation exploits, administrators should ensure that systems and applications are patched and up-to-date, as many privilege escalation exploits rely on known vulnerabilities already patched by vendors. Organizations should also implement access controls and least privilege policies to limit the permissions granted to users and applications, reducing the attack surface for potential exploits.
In addition, organizations should conduct regular security testing, such as penetration testing and vulnerability scanning, to identify potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses in their systems. Security testing can help organizations identify and remediate privilege escalation exploits before attackers can exploit them.
- · Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Exploits:
A Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack is a common type of exploit involving intercepting communication between two parties to eavesdrop on or tamper with it. In penetration testing, a pentester may use a MitM exploit to simulate an attacker and assess a target system’s security. The MitM exploit is particularly useful when assessing the security of networked systems or applications that use unencrypted communication protocols.
One common technique for carrying out a MitM attack is ARP spoofing. In this attack, the attacker sends fake Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) messages to a target computer or device, tricking it into thinking that the attacker’s machine is the legitimate gateway or router. Once the target’s traffic is routed through the attacker’s machine, the attacker can intercept and modify the traffic as needed. This can include capturing login credentials or other sensitive information.
To carry out a MitM attack during a penetration test, a pentester may use a tool like Ettercap or Wireshark. These tools allow the pentester to capture and analyze network traffic and inject fake or modify legitimate traffic. Using a MitM exploit during a penetration test, a pentester can identify weaknesses in network security, identify vulnerable systems, and recommend appropriate countermeasures to improve the security posture of the target organization.
- · SQL Injection (SQLi) Exploits:
SQL Injection (SQLi) is a type of exploit that targets vulnerabilities in web applications that use SQL databases. The exploit involves inserting malicious SQL code into an application’s input fields, which the database can execute. If successful, the attacker can gain unauthorized access to the database, modify or delete data, or even execute commands on the server. In the context of penetration testing, a pentester may use SQLi exploits to assess the security of a target web application and identify any vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.
To carry out an SQLi exploit during a penetration test, a pentester may use a tool like SQLMap or Havij. These tools automate exploiting SQL injection vulnerabilities in web applications, allowing the pentester to quickly identify vulnerable input fields and execute SQL commands. The pentester may also use manual testing techniques, such as modifying input values and analyzing error messages, to identify vulnerabilities that automated tools cannot detect.
Using SQLi exploits during a penetration test, a pentester can identify vulnerabilities in a target web application that attackers could exploit. The pentester can then work with the organization to remediate the vulnerabilities and improve the overall security posture of the application. SQLi exploits are a common technique attackers use to gain access to sensitive data, and a successful SQLi attack can have severe consequences for an organization.
- · Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Exploits:
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a type of exploit that targets vulnerabilities in web applications that allow user input to be reflected in the application’s output. The exploit involves inserting malicious code into a web page, which is then executed by the victim’s browser when they visit the page. If successful, the attacker can steal session cookies, hijack user accounts, or inject malware into the victim’s system. In the context of penetration testing, a pentester may use XSS exploits to assess the security of a target web application and identify any vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.
To carry out an XSS exploit during a penetration test, a pentester may use a tool like the Browser Exploitation Framework (BeEF) or the XSStrike tool. These tools automate identifying and exploiting XSS vulnerabilities in web applications. The pentester may also use manual testing techniques, such as inserting scripts and analyzing the output, to identify vulnerabilities that automated tools cannot detect.
- · File Inclusion Exploits:
File Inclusion exploits are an exploit against vulnerabilities that occurs in web applications that allow users to include files into the application’s output dynamically. The exploit involves manipulating the input to include malicious files, which the server can execute. If successful, the attacker can gain unauthorized access to sensitive files, modify the application’s behavior, or execute commands on the server. In the context of penetration testing, a pentester may use File Inclusion exploits to assess the security of a target web application and identify any vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.
During a penetration test, a pentester may use a tool like Burp Suite or ZAP to exploit File Inclusion. These tools automate identifying and exploiting File Inclusion vulnerabilities in web applications. The pentester may also use manual testing techniques, such as modifying the input values and analyzing the output, to identify vulnerabilities that automated tools cannot detect.
- · Remote File Inclusion (RFI) Exploits:
Remote File Inclusion (RFI) exploits are a type of vulnerability that occurs when an attacker can include and execute remote files on a target web server. These exploits are similar to file inclusion exploits, but instead of including local files, they include remote files from a server controlled by the attacker. In the context of penetration testing, a pentester may use Remote File Inclusion (RFI) exploits to assess the security of a target application and identify any vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.
To carry out a Remote File Inclusion exploit during a penetration test, a pentester may use a tool like Burp Suite or ZAP to identify vulnerabilities in the application’s input validation. The pentester may then craft a payload with a malicious file hosted on a remote server. The payload is designed to be included by the application and executed on the target server. Once executed, the attacker can gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or take control of the server.
- · Buffer Overflow Exploits:
Buffer Overflow is a type of vulnerability that occurs when a program attempts to write data beyond the boundary of a fixed-size buffer. The exploit involves inserting data into the buffer that overwrites adjacent memory, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary code or crash the program. In the context of penetration testing, a pentester may use Buffer Overflow exploits to assess the security of a target application and identify any vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.
To carry out a Buffer Overflow exploit during a penetration test, a pentester may use a tool like Immunity Debugger or GDB. These tools allow the pentester to analyze the program’s memory layout, identify vulnerable functions, and craft payloads that can exploit the buffer overflow. The pentester may also use manual testing techniques, such as fuzzing or reverse engineering, to identify vulnerabilities that automated tools cannot detect.
A penetration tester using Buffer Overflow exploits during a penetration test can identify vulnerabilities in a target application that attackers could exploit. The pentester can then work with the organization to remediate the vulnerabilities and improve the overall security posture of the application. Buffer Overflow exploits are a common technique used by attackers to gain access to sensitive data, and a successful exploit can have severe consequences for an organization. By proactively identifying and addressing Buffer Overflow vulnerabilities, organizations can prevent data breaches and protect their assets from malicious actors.
- · Authentication Bypass Exploits:
Authentication Bypass exploits are a type of vulnerability that occurs when an attacker can bypass the authentication mechanism of a web application or system without having valid credentials. The exploit involves manipulating the application’s authentication process by providing input that causes the application to bypass the authentication step. In the context of penetration testing, a pentester may use Authentication Bypass exploits to assess the security of a target application and identify any vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.
To carry out an Authentication Bypass exploit during a penetration test, a pentester may use various techniques, including SQL injection, cookie manipulation, or parameter tampering. The goal is to identify vulnerabilities in the authentication process and find ways to bypass them. The pentester may also use tools like Burp Suite or ZAP to automate identifying and exploiting authentication bypass vulnerabilities.
How are Exploits Used in Penetration Testing?
Penetration testers use exploits to identify vulnerabilities in a system and determine the level of risk they pose to an organization. By exploiting vulnerabilities, pentesters can demonstrate an attack’s potential impact and help organizations prioritize their security efforts.
The following are the steps involved in using exploits in penetration testing:
- Vulnerability Scanning:
The first step in using exploits in penetration testing is to identify vulnerabilities in a system. Vulnerability scanning tools like Nessus or OpenVAS can scan a system and identify vulnerabilities.
Vulnerability scanning (link to vulnerability scanning blog) is an important tool used in penetration testing to identify potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses in a system or network. Vulnerability scanners are automated tools that search for known software, applications, and network infrastructure vulnerabilities. Attackers can use these vulnerabilities to exploit systems, gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, or perform malicious activities.
In pentesting, vulnerability scanning is used to identify potential attack vectors that attackers could use to exploit a system or network. Penetration testers use vulnerability scanners to scan the target system or network, and the results are analyzed to identify potential vulnerabilities and their severity. This information can then be used to develop and execute targeted attacks to exploit these vulnerabilities and assess the system’s or network’s overall security posture.
Vulnerability scanning is essential to pen testing because it helps organizations identify and remediate potential vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. Organizations can reduce the risk of a successful attack by identifying and patching vulnerabilities and protecting their systems and data from harm. However, it is important to note that vulnerability scanning is just one part of a comprehensive security strategy. Organizations should implement various security measures, including access controls, encryption, and intrusion detection and prevention systems, to protect against potential exploits.
- Exploit Selection:
When selecting exploits for a penetration test, a pentester must consider several factors, including the target system or network, the vulnerabilities that have been identified, and the attacker’s objectives. Exploit selection is a critical part of the penetration testing process because it determines the success of the test and the insights that can be gained from it.
One approach to exploit selection is to use vulnerability scanning tools to identify potential vulnerabilities and then search for exploits that target those vulnerabilities. This approach can help pentesters save time and effort by automating identifying potential vulnerabilities and corresponding exploits. However, it is important to note that not all vulnerabilities have corresponding exploits, and pentesters may need to develop custom exploits to target specific vulnerabilities.
Another approach to exploit selection is prioritizing high-risk vulnerabilities and focusing on developing and executing exploits for those vulnerabilities. This approach can help pentesters maximize the impact of their testing efforts by focusing on the most critical vulnerabilities that attackers could use to gain unauthorized access or cause damage.
Ultimately, the selection of exploits for a penetration test should be driven by the pentester’s objectives and the goals of the testing engagement. A skilled penetration tester will be able to evaluate the target system or network, identify potential vulnerabilities, and select exploits that are most likely to succeed in achieving their objectives while providing valuable insights into the overall security posture of the system or network.
- Exploit Execution:
When executing exploits during a penetration testing engagement, pentesters must consider the most effective approach to take, depending on the objectives and goals of the test. Exploit execution is crucial in identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in a target system or network.
To execute exploits effectively, penetration testing specialists can use various automated tools and manual techniques, such as reverse engineering and code analysis. Automated tools can help identify and test potential vulnerabilities. At the same time, manual techniques can provide valuable insights into the inner workings of the system or application, uncovering vulnerabilities that automated tools may have missed.
The selection of exploit execution techniques is driven by the pentester’s expertise, the type of vulnerabilities that have been identified, and the attacker’s objectives. The goal of exploit execution is to determine if a vulnerability can be exploited to gain unauthorized access or cause damage to the target system or network. Pentesters must be careful to avoid causing damage or disrupting normal operations of the target system or network and must be able to evaluate the results of automated scans and testing to determine the best course of action.
- Lateral Movement:
Lateral movement is a key strategy used by pentesters during a penetration test, as it allows them to move laterally across a network and gain access to resources beyond the initial point of entry. This can be achieved by using compromised credentials or exploiting vulnerabilities in other systems on the network.
One approach to lateral movement is to identify vulnerable systems on the network that can be exploited to gain access to other systems. By exploiting these vulnerabilities, the security consultant can move laterally across the network and access additional resources. This is particularly useful when the target network is segmented, making moving laterally through traditional means challenging.
Another technique used in lateral movement is to use stolen credentials acquired through password cracking or social engineering attacks. With these credentials, the pentester can move laterally across the network and access other systems and resources. This method is particularly effective in cases where strong password policies are not enforced or where users tend to use weak passwords.
The ultimate goal of lateral movement is to gain access to valuable resources on the target network and gather the information that can be used to further the objectives of the penetration test. By moving laterally across the network, the pen testing consultant can identify potential vulnerabilities and escalate privileges, gaining access to sensitive information that can be used to provide valuable insights to the client about the security posture of their network. Lateral movement is a critical component of the penetration testing process and can help identify potential security gaps that must be addressed.
- Post-Exploitation:
After gaining access to the target system or network, post-exploitation is a critical step in the penetration testing process. It involves various techniques and tools that enable the pentester to maintain access, escalate privileges, and collect valuable information from the target.
To maintain access to the target system, the security consultant can use backdoor shells or remote access tools that allow remote access to the system’s command prompt or a graphical interface. These tools can execute commands and maintain persistence on the target system.
To escalate privileges, the pentester may exploit vulnerabilities in the target system’s software or user accounts to gain administrative access or escalate to higher privileges. By doing so, the penetration tester can access more sensitive information and perform additional actions on the target system.
The ultimate goal of post-exploitation is to collect as much information as possible about the target system or network without being detected or causing damage. Information gathering can involve system configurations, files, user accounts, network configurations, and other sensitive information. By collecting this information, the pentester can provide valuable insights to the client about the security posture of their system or network and make recommendations for improving their security.
- Reporting:
The pentest report is a crucial part of the penetration testing process. It involves documenting the findings, recommendations, and potential vulnerabilities discovered during the test. The report’s primary goal is to provide the client with a comprehensive analysis of their security posture, highlighting areas where improvements can be made to reduce the risk of a successful attack. The report should also include detailed information about the exploits used during the test, including the impact of the vulnerabilities on the organization.
During a penetration test, the consultant will document their findings in real-time, noting any vulnerabilities or weaknesses discovered during the test. After the test is complete, the pentester will analyze the data gathered and compile a report that provides a detailed analysis of the vulnerabilities and the potential risks they pose to the organization. The report will also include recommendations for remediation, including steps that can be taken to improve security and reduce the likelihood of a successful attack.
Pentest reporting is essential because it helps the client understand the scope of their security vulnerabilities and provides a roadmap for improving their security posture. The report should be easy to understand, highlighting the most significant risks and providing clear and concise recommendations for remediation. The pentester should also be available to answer client questions about the report and provide additional information about the vulnerabilities and exploits used during the test.
Why Verify Vulnerabilities Using Exploits in Penetration Testing?
Exploits are an essential tool in penetration testing because they demonstrate the potential impact of an attack on an organization’s systems. Without exploits, penetration testers would only be able to identify vulnerabilities in a system, but they would not be able to demonstrate the severity of the risk they pose.
Using exploits also allows ethical hackers to prioritize their testing efforts. By exploiting vulnerabilities, they can determine which vulnerabilities are critical and need to be addressed immediately and which are lower risk and can be addressed later.
Exploits also help organizations identify weaknesses in their security defenses. By demonstrating how attackers can exploit vulnerabilities, organizations can better understand their security posture and take measures to improve it.
Finally, using exploits in penetration testing helps organizations and businesses comply with regulatory requirements. Many regulations, such as PCI DSS and HIPAA, require organizations to conduct regular penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities and demonstrate compliance with security standards. Using exploits in pen testing helps organizations meet these requirements and avoid potential fines and legal action.
Conclusion:
Exploits are an essential tool in penetration testing. They allow pen testers to demonstrate the potential impact of an attack on an organization’s systems and help organizations identify and prioritize their security efforts. Exploits also help organizations to comply with regulatory requirements and improve their security posture. When using exploits in pen testing, obtaining proper permissions and legal authorization is important. Exploiting vulnerabilities without proper authorization can lead to legal consequences and damage an organization’s reputation. By following best practices and using exploits responsibly, organizations can ensure that they conduct effective penetration testing that helps them improve their security defenses and protect against cyber threats.
Want to learn more about penetration testing or have additional questions about pentesting? Visit our Ultimate Guide to Penetration Testing page.
Interested in obtaining a pentest for your company? Book a call with Artifice Security today!
Artifice Security is an established cybersecurity services provider that specializes in penetration testing. There are several compelling reasons why companies should consider working with Artifice Security to conduct a penetration test:
- Skilled and Experienced Testers: Artifice Security has a team of penetration testers with extensive experience and knowledge of the latest threats and attack techniques. With exposure to a wide range of industries, they possess a broad perspective on security challenges and solutions.
- Thorough Testing: Artifice Security’s comprehensive penetration testing methodology covers all facets of a company’s security posture. They utilize a combination of automated and manual testing techniques to identify vulnerabilities and assess the overall effectiveness of security controls.
- Tailored Approach: Artifice Security’s penetration testing is customized to the client’s specific needs, with the scope and depth of the test adjusted accordingly. They collaborate closely with clients to understand their objectives and goals before developing a testing plan to meet them.
- Actionable Reporting: Artifice Security delivers in-depth and actionable reports that clearly identify vulnerabilities and provide remediation recommendations. The reports are designed to be easily understood by technical and non-technical stakeholders, providing clear guidance on enhancing the organization’s security posture.
- Compliance: Artifice Security’s penetration testing services adhere to various compliance regulations, including PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR. By engaging Artifice Security to conduct a penetration test, companies can ensure they comply with the relevant requirements and avoid possible legal issues and fines.
Artifice Security is a dependable partner for companies that take cybersecurity seriously. Their expertise, comprehensive testing methodology, tailored approach, actionable reporting, and experience make Artifice Security an excellent option for businesses seeking to enhance their security posture.
