Question 1

What is Metasploit and what does it do?

Accepted Answer

Metasploit is the world's most popular penetration testing framework. It provides security professionals with tools to discover, exploit, and validate vulnerabilities in systems and applications. Metasploit includes thousands of exploit modules, payloads, auxiliary scanners, and post-exploitation tools. It's used for authorized security assessments, vulnerability validation, and developing security defenses.

Question 2

Is it legal to use Metasploit?

Accepted Answer

Using Metasploit on systems you own or have explicit written authorization to test is legal and common practice for security professionals. However, using it without permission is illegal and may violate laws like the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) in the US. Always obtain written authorization before conducting any penetration testing activities.

Question 3

What is the difference between exploits and auxiliary modules?

Accepted Answer

Exploits are modules designed to take advantage of vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or execute code on target systems. Auxiliary modules are non-exploit tools that perform tasks like port scanning, version detection, brute force attacks, and information gathering. Exploits typically require a payload, while auxiliary modules run standalone tasks.

Question 4

What is a payload in Metasploit?

Accepted Answer

A payload is the code that runs on a target system after successful exploitation. Common payload types include reverse shells (target connects back to you), bind shells (you connect to target), and Meterpreter (advanced post-exploitation agent). Reverse shells are most common because they bypass firewalls by having the target initiate the connection.

Question 5

What is Meterpreter?

Accepted Answer

Meterpreter is Metasploit's advanced payload that provides an interactive shell with extensive post-exploitation capabilities. It runs in memory (leaving minimal forensic traces), can pivot through networks, capture keystrokes, take screenshots, dump credentials, and execute post-exploitation modules. Meterpreter is the preferred payload for most penetration testing engagements.

Question 6

How do I set up a listener to catch reverse shells?

Accepted Answer

Use the exploit/multi/handler module. Set your LHOST (your IP address) and LPORT (listening port, commonly 4444). Choose a payload matching what you're expecting (e.g., windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp). Run "exploit -j" to start the listener as a background job. When the target connects back, you'll get a session.

Question 7

What is the difference between RHOST and RHOSTS?

Accepted Answer

RHOST (singular) is used for exploit modules targeting a single host - you must specify one IP address. RHOSTS (plural) is used for auxiliary and scanner modules that can target multiple hosts - you can specify IP ranges, CIDR notation (192.168.1.0/24), or multiple IPs. Most scanning modules use RHOSTS.

Question 8

Can this tool actually run Metasploit exploits?

Accepted Answer

No, this is a command builder and reference guide only. It generates msfconsole commands for you to copy and run in your local Metasploit installation. You must have Metasploit Framework installed on your system. This browser-based approach ensures you maintain full control over testing and prevents unauthorized exploitation from our servers.

Question 9

How do I install Metasploit Framework?

Accepted Answer

Installation varies by platform. On Kali Linux, Metasploit is pre-installed - just run "sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade metasploit-framework". For Ubuntu/Debian, use the official installer script from Rapid7. Windows users should download the .msi installer from windows.metasploit.com and add antivirus exclusions before installing. macOS users can download the .pkg installer from osx.metasploit.com. After installation, initialize the PostgreSQL database with "sudo msfdb init" to enable full functionality. For detailed step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and platform-specific guidance, see our complete guide: How to Install Metasploit Framework.

Question 10

How do I search for modules in Metasploit?

Accepted Answer

Use the search command with filters: "search type:exploit platform:windows" finds Windows exploits, "search cve:2017" finds modules for 2017 CVEs, "search name:smb" finds SMB-related modules. You can combine filters like "search type:auxiliary name:scanner platform:linux". Use "info <module_path>" to see detailed information about a specific module.

Question 11

What should I do after getting a Meterpreter session?

Accepted Answer

First, run "sysinfo" and "getuid" to understand the system and your privilege level. Then consider: privilege escalation ("getsystem"), credential dumping ("hashdump"), system enumeration (post/windows/gather/enum_system), persistence mechanisms, and lateral movement. Always document your actions and stay within the scope of your authorization.

Module Type	Purpose	Example
Exploits	Take advantage of vulnerabilities to gain access	exploit/windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue
Auxiliary	Scanning, fuzzing, DOS, and other non-exploit tasks	auxiliary/scanner/smb/smb_version
Payloads	Code that runs on target after exploitation	windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp
Post	Post-exploitation modules for compromised systems	post/windows/gather/hashdump
Encoders	Obfuscate payloads to evade detection	x86/shikata_ga_nai

Payload	Description	Use Case
generic/shell_reverse_tcp	Basic command shell (Linux/Unix)	Simple reverse shell access
windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp	Full-featured Windows Meterpreter	Advanced Windows post-exploitation
linux/x64/meterpreter/reverse_tcp	Linux 64-bit Meterpreter	Advanced Linux post-exploitation
cmd/unix/reverse	Unix command shell	Basic Unix/Linux access
python/meterpreter/reverse_tcp	Python-based Meterpreter	Cross-platform with Python

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