Hack The Box Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS)

The Certified Penetration Testing Specialist (CPTS) certification by Hack The Box is a comprehensive program that covers all stages of a penetration test. From reconnaissance and enumeration to web application exploitation, network attacks, privilege escalation, and Active Directory takeover, the CPTS certification emphasizes hands-on skills. Candidates are required to conduct a full assessment and submit a professional, commercial-grade report detailing their findings and recommendations.

The course is designed to provide an extensive and insightful journey into penetration testing, packed with valuable techniques. The exam is both challenging and engaging, with a significant focus on real-world documentation standards, as the reporting phase makes up nearly 50% of the overall assessment.

You Should Know:

Here are some essential commands and techniques related to penetration testing that align with the CPTS certification:

1. Reconnaissance and Enumeration:

Nmap: `nmap -sV -sC -oA scan_results `
– Gobuster: `gobuster dir -u http:// -w /usr/share/wordlists/dirbuster/directory-list-2.3-medium.txt`
– DNS Enumeration: `dnsenum `

2. Web Application Exploitation:

SQL Injection: `sqlmap -u “http:///vulnerable_page?id=1″ –dbs`
– XSS Testing: Use tools like Burp Suite or manually test with payloads like ``
– File Inclusion: Test with `http:///index.php?page=../../../../etc/passwd`

3. Network Attacks:

ARP Spoofing: `arpspoof -i eth0 -t `
– Man-in-the-Middle (MITM): Use Ettercap or Bettercap for MITM attacks.
Exploiting SMB Vulnerabilities: `smbclient -L // -N`

4. Privilege Escalation:

Linux: Search for SUID binaries with `find / -perm -u=s -type f 2>/dev/null`
– Windows: Use Mimikatz for extracting credentials: `privilege::debug` followed by `sekurlsa::logonpasswords`

5. Active Directory Takeover:

Kerberoasting: Use Impacket tools: `GetUserSPNs.py -request -dc-ip /`
– Pass-the-Hash: `pth-winexe -U % // cmd`
– Golden Ticket Attack: Use Mimikatz to create a golden ticket.

6. Reporting:

Dradis Framework: For collaborative reporting and documentation.
Metasploit Pro: For generating professional reports.

What Undercode Say:

The CPTS certification is a rigorous and rewarding journey for anyone looking to master penetration testing. It not only tests your technical skills but also emphasizes the importance of professional reporting, which is crucial in real-world scenarios. Below are some additional Linux and Windows commands that can enhance your penetration testing toolkit:

Linux:
Check Open Ports: `netstat -tuln`
– Check Running Processes: `ps aux`
– Search for Exploits: `searchsploit `
– Capture Network Traffic: `tcpdump -i eth0 -w capture.pcap`
Windows:
Check Open Ports: `netstat -an`
– List Users: `net user`
– Check Scheduled Tasks: `schtasks /query /fo LIST /v`
– Extract Passwords with Mimikatz: `sekurlsa::logonpasswords`

For more information on the CPTS certification, visit the official Hack The Box website: Hack The Box CPTS.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the CPTS certification and equips you with practical commands and techniques to excel in penetration testing. Whether you’re preparing for the CPTS exam or looking to enhance your cybersecurity skills, these tools and commands will be invaluable in your journey.