Проброс портов, брутфорс wordpress и jenkins! Прохожу машину Internal на TryHackMe, уровень тяжелый!

Exploring Port Forwarding and Brute Force Techniques: A Deep Dive into the Internal Machine on TryHackMe

Introduction to TryHackMe

In the world of cybersecurity, platforms like TryHackMe have emerged as invaluable resources for both beginners and seasoned professionals. Offering a hands-on learning experience, TryHackMe provides various challenges that simulate real-world scenarios. One such challenge is the "Internal" machine, which tests your skills in port forwarding and brute force techniques, particularly focusing on WordPress and Jenkins vulnerabilities.

Understanding Port Forwarding

What is Port Forwarding?

Port forwarding is a technique used to allow remote devices to connect to a computer or network service on a private local area network (LAN). This is especially useful when accessing services that might be blocked by firewalls or network restrictions.

How It Works

Essentially, port forwarding creates a path for external traffic to reach a specified port on an internal device. This is widely used in gaming, web servers, and remote access tools. In the context of penetration testing, understanding how to forward ports can be crucial for gaining access to hidden services or applications running on a target system.

Setting Up Port Forwarding

1. Identify the Target Port: Determine which port you need to forward. This could depend on the services running on the target machine.

2. Configure Your Router: Access the router interface and navigate to the port forwarding section. Enter the local IP address of the device you want to access and the port number.

3. Testing the Configuration: Use tools like nmap or online port checking websites to ensure that the port is open and accessible from outside the network.

Brute Forcing WordPress

Introduction to Brute Force Attacks

Brute force attacks are among the simplest yet effective forms of hacking. They involve systematically guessing passwords until the correct one is found. In the case of WordPress, which is a popular content management system, these attacks can be particularly damaging if proper security measures are not in place.

Common Vulnerabilities in WordPress

• Weak Passwords: Many users still opt for simple passwords, which makes them an easy target.

• Outdated Plugins: Plugins can introduce vulnerabilities if not regularly updated.

• Default Admin Username: Attackers often target the default "admin" username in their attempts.

Conducting a Brute Force Attack on WordPress

When tackling the Internal machine on TryHackMe, understanding how to launch a brute force attack on a WordPress site is critical.

1. Tool Selection: Tools like Hydra or WPScan can be invaluable.

2. Gathering Information: Before launching an attack, gather as much information as you can. Tools like wp-login.php give insight into the structure of the site.

3. Executing the Attack: Once armed with a list of possible usernames and passwords, use your selected tool to automate the guessing process.

4. Monitoring Results: Pay attention to the responses received. A successful login indicates you’ve cracked the password.

Brute Forcing Jenkins

Understanding Jenkins

Jenkins is an open-source automation server that provides hundreds of plugins to support building, deploying, and automating any project. Because it’s commonly used in development and CI/CD (Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment) environments, it can be a target for exploitation.

Vulnerabilities and Attack Techniques

• Insecure Configurations: Default configurations can often be exploited.

• Weak Credentials: Similar to WordPress, weak usernames and passwords make Jenkins susceptible to brute force attacks.

Steps to Brute Force Jenkins

1. Initial Reconnaissance: Identify the Jenkins URL and ensure it’s accessible.

2. Brute Force Tool: Tools like Hydra or Burp Suite can help automate the attack.

3. Credential List: Gather a list of common usernames and passwords to increase your chances of success.

4. Executing the Attack: Launch your brute force attack while monitoring the responses to identify a potential successful login.

Navigating the Challenge: The Internal Machine

Challenge Overview

The Internal machine on TryHackMe presents a series of tasks that necessitate the application of the techniques discussed above, including port forwarding and brute force attacks on both WordPress and Jenkins systems.

Step-by-Step Approach

1. Initial Setup: Ensure your VPN connection with TryHackMe is active. This is crucial for accessing the lab environment securely.

2. Scanning for Open Ports: Use tools like nmap to detect open ports on the Internal machine. This can provide insight into the services that are running.

3. Port Forwarding: If certain ports are not directly accessible, employ port forwarding techniques to navigate the network layers effectively.

4. Brute Force WordPress: If a WordPress site is identified, scour it for vulnerabilities and launch a brute force attack to gain access.

5. Switching to Jenkins: After gaining entry, turn your attention to any Jenkins installations. Follow a similar method to exploit weak credentials there.

Best Practices in Ethical Hacking

Continuous Learning

Ethical hacking requires a commitment to continuous learning. New vulnerabilities and attack vectors emerge regularly, so staying updated on the latest security trends is essential.

Responsible Disclosure

If you discover security holes during your efforts, practice responsible disclosure. Notify the relevant stakeholders to help fortify their systems instead of exploiting the vulnerabilities maliciously.

Using Legitimate Tools

Always utilize legitimate tools and methods when conducting penetration tests. This not only helps in ethical practices but also prepares you to deal with real-life scenarios that organizations face.

Conclusion

Mastering port forwarding and brute force techniques is essential for anyone venturing into the realm of cybersecurity, especially within the challenging landscape of the Internal machine on TryHackMe. By understanding the vulnerabilities of platforms like WordPress and Jenkins, you can enhance your skills and prepare for real-world scenarios. Emphasizing ethical practices and continual learning will set you on a path toward becoming a proficient cybersecurity professional, ready to tackle the challenges of this ever-evolving field.