Ethical Hacker Tip of the Day: Get the Most Out of Burp Community Edition

Burp Suite has released an update that includes several bug fixes and expands on its already extensive features for the Community Edition. While the Pro version offers additional capabilities, the Community Edition is highly functional, especially when paired with tools like OpenVAS and ZAP for scanning. Extensions are key to maximizing Burp’s potential, and some essential free extensions include:

  • WAF Bypass
  • Sensitive Discoverer (a must-have for identifying sensitive data)
  • Parameter Analyzer

To stay anonymous while using Burp or similar tools, consider setting up a reverse SSH SOCKS proxy. Here’s how:

  1. Set up a free-tier AWS or Google Cloud box and create a user named burp.

2. Temporarily enable password logins.

  1. On Windows, download `plink.exe` from the Putty download site.

4. Rename `plink.exe` to `ssh.exe`.

  1. Use the following command to establish a reverse SSH tunnel:
    ssh -D5555 [email protected]
    
  2. Keep the connection alive by running `top` on the remote shell.
  3. In Burp, go to Settings -> Connections -> Network and configure the SOCKS proxy:

– Host: `localhost`
– Port: `5555`
– Check Use SOCKS proxy for DNS.
8. Enable the SOCKS5 proxy. Now, all Burp traffic will route through the shell box, masking your home IP.

To test the setup, open a browser through Burp (Proxy -> Open Browser) and navigate to google.com. You should see the traffic populate in Burp, confirming your anonymity.

What Undercode Say

Burp Suite Community Edition is a powerful tool for ethical hackers, especially when combined with the right extensions and techniques. By leveraging tools like OpenVAS and ZAP, you can compensate for the lack of a built-in scanner in the Community Edition. Extensions such as WAF Bypass, Sensitive Discoverer, and Parameter Analyzer enhance its functionality, making it a versatile choice for penetration testing.

Setting up a reverse SSH SOCKS proxy is a critical step for maintaining anonymity. Using a free-tier cloud instance and tools like `plink.exe` (or native SSH on Linux) ensures your traffic is routed through a remote server, protecting your identity. This technique is not only useful for Burp but also for other security tools where anonymity is crucial.

For Linux users, mastering SSH commands like `ssh -D` for dynamic port forwarding is essential. Additionally, tools like netstat, nmap, and `tcpdump` can help monitor and analyze network traffic. On Windows, PowerShell commands such as `Test-NetConnection` and `Invoke-WebRequest` are invaluable for network diagnostics.

To further enhance your skills, explore resources like:

By combining these tools and techniques, you can build a robust ethical hacking toolkit while maintaining security and anonymity.

References:

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