pentest-metasploit

Metasploit Framework Penetration Testing

Overview

Metasploit Framework is the industry-standard platform for penetration testing, vulnerability validation, and exploit development. This skill provides structured workflows for authorized offensive security operations including exploitation, post-exploitation, and payload delivery.

IMPORTANT: This skill is for AUTHORIZED security testing only. Always ensure proper authorization, scoping documents, and legal compliance before conducting penetration testing activities.

Quick Start

Initialize Metasploit console and verify database connectivity:

# Start PostgreSQL database (required for workspace management)
sudo systemctl start postgresql

# Initialize Metasploit database
msfdb init

# Launch Metasploit console
msfconsole

# Verify database connection
msf6 > db_status

Core Workflow

Penetration Testing Workflow

Progress: [ ] 1. Verify authorization and scope [ ] 2. Configure workspace and target enumeration [ ] 3. Identify and select appropriate exploits [ ] 4. Configure payload and exploit options [ ] 5. Execute exploitation with proper documentation [ ] 6. Conduct post-exploitation activities (if authorized) [ ] 7. Document findings with impact assessment [ ] 8. Clean up artifacts and sessions

Work through each step systematically. Check off completed items.

1. Authorization Verification

CRITICAL: Before any testing activities:

• Confirm written authorization from asset owner
• Review scope document for in-scope targets
• Verify IP ranges and systems authorized for testing
• Confirm allowed testing windows and blackout periods
• Document point of contact for emergency escalation

2. Workspace Setup

Create isolated workspace for engagement:

msf6 > workspace -a <engagement-name>
msf6 > workspace <engagement-name>
msf6 > db_nmap -sV -sC -O <target-ip-range>

Import existing reconnaissance data:

msf6 > db_import /path/to/nmap-scan.xml
msf6 > hosts
msf6 > services

3. Exploit Selection

Search for relevant exploits based on enumerated services:

msf6 > search type:exploit platform:windows <service-name>
msf6 > search cve:<cve-id>
msf6 > search eternalblue

Evaluate exploit suitability:

• Reliability Ranking: Excellent > Great > Good > Normal > Average
• Stability: Check crash potential
• Target Compatibility: Verify OS version and architecture
• Required Credentials: Determine if authentication needed