The Cyber Kill Chain Framework: Analyzing attack progressions using the structured Lockheed Martin model: Reconnaissance, Weaponization, Delivery, Exploitation, Installation, Command and Control (C2), and Actions on Objectives.
Passive Reconnaissance & OSINT: Gathering target intelligence without direct system interaction by querying public WHOIS databases, performing passive DNS enumeration, searching Shodan for internet-facing assets, using Google Dorking queries, and scraping social media.
Active Reconnaissance (Nmap Scanning): Probing target networks directly to discover active hosts and open ports, executing TCP Connect, stealthy SYN, and UDP scans, identifying running services, and performing OS fingerprinting.
Service Enumeration: Extracting system metadata, user accounts, network shares, and software banners by querying active SMB, SNMP, and LDAP protocols on target servers.
Exploitation Mechanics (Metasploit Framework): Selecting and executing stable public exploits against target vulnerabilities, distinguishing the exploit payload from the shell, and managing raw TCP bind shells vs. egress-friendly reverse shells.
Local Privilege Escalation Tactics: Elevating permissions on a compromised host, exploiting Linux flaws (such as SUID binaries, misconfigured sudoers privileges, or kernel bugs) and Windows vulnerabilities (such as Token Impersonation or Unquoted Service Paths).
Post-Exploitation Methodologies: Securing long-term access post-compromise by pillaging local files and databases, executing lateral movement to adjacent hosts, passing cryptographic credentials (Pass-the-Hash), and establishing persistent execution paths via scheduled tasks or registry keys.
Covert Operations & Covering Tracks: Evading local host detection by selectively clearing system and application event logs, modifying file metadata timestamps to match original system files (Timestomping), and masking outbound network connections.
Wireless Exploitation: Compromising over-the-air communication, capturing WPA2 4-way handshakes to perform offline dictionary cracking, launching Evil Twin decoy access points, and deploying unauthorized rogue routers on target network segments.