How to use the command 'msfconsole' (with examples)

The Metasploit Framework is a powerful open-source tool utilized widely for developing, testing, and executing exploits to check systems for vulnerabilities. msfconsole acts as the Metasploit Framework’s primary user interface, bringing a robust and flexible command-line experience to security professionals. Many of msfconsole’s functionalities can be tailored to meet specific needs through various command-line options, making it a vital utility for penetration testers and security researchers.

Use case 1: Launch the console

Code:

msfconsole

Motivation:

The command msfconsole is used to initiate the default interactive and text-based interface of the Metasploit Framework. By simply executing this command, security researchers and penetration testers can engage in activities such as vulnerability research, exploit development, and executing security assessments. It provides access to a plethora of security tools and exploits, thereby facilitating comprehensive testing of network defenses.

Explanation:

• msfconsole: The primary command to launch the Metasploit console, which is the starting point for performing various security testing activities.

Example Output:

Metasploit Park, Metasploit Pro
msf5 >

This indicates that the Metasploit Framework console has successfully loaded and is ready for command input.

Use case 2: Launch the console quietly

Code:

msfconsole --quiet

Motivation:

The objective of running msfconsole with the --quiet option is to suppress the display of the banner upon launching. This can be particularly useful for those who find the banner disruptive or superfluous when working with automation systems or scripts, where the focus is on outputs and efficiency over aesthetics.

Explanation:

• --quiet: Omits the banner and potentially other verbose introductory information, providing a cleaner start-up experience.

Example Output:

msf5 >

Here, there is no banner displayed; the user is directly taken to the Metasploit Framework prompt.

Use case 3: Launch the console without database support

Code:

msfconsole --no-database

Motivation:

This option is leveraged by users wanting to work without establishing a connection to any database backend, which can be useful when testing configurations, troubleshooting isolated issues, or trying features that do not require database interactions. It aids in reducing unnecessary overhead for simple tasks.

Explanation:

• --no-database: Disables the database connection features within Metasploit, useful for operations not reliant on storage or retrieval from a database.

Example Output:

msf5 >

Despite not connecting to any database, the console is launched and fully operational for tasks not requiring database functionalities.

Use case 4: Execute console commands

Code:

msfconsole --execute-command "use auxiliary/server/capture/ftp; set SRVHOST 0.0.0.0; set SRVPORT 21; run"

Motivation:

Utilizing the --execute-command option allows for the automation of Metasploit operations by executing defined commands directly after launching the console. This is highly beneficial for scripting repetitive tasks, streamlining workflow, and integrating Metasploit actions within broader automation scripts or testing frameworks.

Explanation:

• --execute-command: An option that indicates the following argument as a command to be executed within msfconsole.
• "use auxiliary/server/capture/ftp; set SRVHOST 0.0.0.0; set SRVPORT 21; run": This sets up and runs a module for capturing FTP credentials by specifying the server host and port. The commands are connected by semicolons to allow multiple commands in a single line.

Example Output:

[*] Auxiliary module execution completed
[*] Server started.

This output signifies that the auxiliary module is active and ready to capture FTP credentials being transmitted to the server.

Use case 5: Display version

Code:

msfconsole --version

Motivation:

Checking the version of msfconsole is critical in ensuring compatibility between the Metasploit Framework and its respective modules or plugins. Knowing the current version helps in troubleshooting, maintaining updated systems, and supporting documentation efforts.

Explanation:

• --version: When provided as an argument, it prompts the display of the current version number of the msfconsole and underlying Metasploit Framework.

Example Output:

Framework Version: 6.1.0-dev-f07f8e0ccf

This output provides a snapshot of the version, aiding in tasks such as updating documentation or validating feature compatibility.

Conclusion:

The msfconsole command is a backbone tool within the realm of penetration testing and security evaluations, providing users with a range of functionalities crucial for assessing and exploiting system vulnerabilities. Understanding the diverse use cases of msfconsole empowers users to tailor its application to fit specific scenarios, whether that involves quiet operation, automation, or database-independent testing. The examples provided showcase how to employ these functionalities effectively, maximizing the potential of the Metasploit Framework in real-world applications.