Using 'searchsploit' to Find Vulnerabilities (with examples)
SearchSploit is a command-line tool designed to provide security researchers, penetration testers, and ethical hackers with an easy way to search through the Exploit Database for known vulnerabilities, shellcodes, and related security papers. The Exploit Database is an archive of exploits and proofs-of-concept for security researchers. SearchSploit allows users to efficiently search and extract these exploits to aid in security assessments.
Use case 1: Search for an exploit, shellcode, or paper
Code:
searchsploit search_terms
Motivation:
This fundamental use of SearchSploit is indispensable for anyone working in cybersecurity who needs to find existing vulnerabilities related to a particular software or system. Whether assessing personal data security or preparing for a penetration test, fetching relevant exploits can save time and provide critical information.
Explanation:
searchsploit: Initiates the SearchSploit command.search_terms: Specifies keywords, such as a software name, that you are searching for exploits, shellcodes, or papers about.
Example Output:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exploit Title | Path
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Software Name/Version - Description | exploits/path/to/exploit.py
Another Software Vuln - Description | exploits/path/to/another_exploit.py
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Use case 2: Search for a known specific version, e.g., sudo version 1.8.27
Code:
searchsploit sudo 1.8.27
Motivation:
Version-specific searches are critical when dealing with known vulnerabilities that affect particular software versions. If a security update has not been applied, knowing about specific exploits can inform necessary security measures.
Explanation:
sudo 1.8.27: This search term specifies that we’re looking for vulnerabilities or exploits related to sudo version 1.8.27.
Example Output:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exploit Title | Path
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sudo 1.8.27 - Specific Vulnerability and Description | exploits/path/to/exploit_1.py
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Use case 3: Show the exploit-db link to the found resources
Code:
searchsploit --www search_terms
Motivation:
Displaying the web link for exploit details enables quick access to the web-based Exploit Database, where users can read full details, discussions, and updates about the vulnerabilities.
Explanation:
--www: This flag indicates that you would like the web links for the resulting exploits.search_terms: Specific software or keyword you are investigating.
Example Output:
http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/12345/
http://www.exploit-db.com/exploits/67890/
Use case 4: Copy (mirror) the resource to the current directory
Code:
searchsploit --mirror exploit_number
Motivation:
Copying the exploit locally is useful for further examination, especially if you need to conduct detailed code analysis or modify it for a test bed.
Explanation:
--mirror: Command to copy the exploit file locally.exploit_number: Numerical identifier of the exploit as shown by SearchSploit results.
Example Output:
Exploit 12345 successfully mirrored to ./12345.py
Use case 5: Examine the resource using the pager
Code:
searchsploit --examine exploit_number
Motivation:
Directly examining an exploit allows for quick insights into its workings without the need to download and open it separately. This is helpful in rapidly gaining context during an ongoing security assessment.
Explanation:
--examine: Opens the exploit with a pager (text viewer) set in the$PAGERenvironment.exploit_number: ID of the exploit to view.
Example Output:
<content of the exploit code displayed in the pager>
Use case 6: Update the local Exploit Database
Code:
searchsploit --update
Motivation:
Keeping the local exploit database up-to-date ensures you have information on the latest discovered vulnerabilities, crucial for maintaining a secure environment.
Explanation:
--update: Instructs SearchSploit to fetch the latest updates to the database.
Example Output:
* Exploit Database updated successfully.
Use case 7: Search for the common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVE) value
Code:
searchsploit --cve 2021-44228
Motivation:
Knowing the CVE ID of a vulnerability allows pinpointing its details across various platforms and exploit databases, assisting in precise patch management and risk assessment.
Explanation:
--cve: Target the search around a specific CVE identifier.2021-44228: The CVE number of the interest.
Example Output:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CVE-2021-44228 - Description and Exploit Information
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Use case 8: Check results in nmap’s XML output for known exploits
Code:
searchsploit --nmap path/to/nmap-output.xml
Motivation:
Integrating with nmap results can streamline vulnerability assessments by directly correlating discovered services with known exploits, allowing for more efficient security audits.
Explanation:
--nmap: Command to parse nmap XML output.path/to/nmap-output.xml: Path to the nmap result XML file containing service version information.
Example Output:
Services identified with known exploits detected from nmap XML output.
Conclusion:
SearchSploit is a powerful tool for security enthusiasts and professionals, providing instant access to exploit information and aiding in the proactive approach to system security. By mastering its use cases, users can efficiently identify vulnerabilities and explore suitable mitigation strategies.
