SSH Pentesting Tools: A Comprehensive Guide

SSH (Secure Shell) is a critical protocol for secure remote administration, but it’s also a prime target for attackers. Ethical hackers and penetration testers must master SSH pentesting tools to identify vulnerabilities and secure systems. Below, we explore essential tools and techniques.

You Should Know:

1. Nmap for SSH Reconnaissance

Nmap helps identify open SSH ports and service versions:

nmap -p 22 --script ssh2-enum-algos,ssh-hostkey,ssh-auth-methods <target_IP>

This reveals supported encryption algorithms, host keys, and authentication methods.

#### **2. Hydra for SSH Brute-Force Attacks**

Hydra cracks weak credentials:

hydra -l <username> -P /path/to/wordlist.txt ssh://<target_IP>

Replace `` and `` with your target and password list.

#### **3. Metasploit’s SSH Modules**

Metasploit offers exploits for SSH vulnerabilities:

msfconsole
use auxiliary/scanner/ssh/ssh_version
set RHOSTS <target_IP>
run

For brute-forcing:

use auxiliary/scanner/ssh/ssh_login
set USERNAME root
set PASS_FILE /path/to/passwords.txt
set RHOSTS <target_IP>
run

#### **4. SSH-Audit for Configuration Weaknesses**

This tool checks SSH server configurations:

git clone https://github.com/arthepsy/ssh-audit.git
cd ssh-audit
./ssh-audit.py <target_IP>

#### **5. Crowbar for SSH Key Attacks**

If private keys are exposed, Crowbar can test them:

crowbar -b sshkey -s <target_IP>/32 -u <username> -k /path/to/keys.txt

#### **6. Mitigating SSH Attacks**

• Disable root login:

  sudo sed -i 's/PermitRootLogin yes/PermitRootLogin no/' /etc/ssh/sshd_config
  

• Use key-based authentication:

  ssh-keygen -t ed25519
  ssh-copy-id user@<target_IP>
  

• Restrict SSH access via firewall:

  sudo ufw allow from <trusted_IP> to any port 22
  

### **What Undercode Say:**

SSH pentesting is vital for securing remote access. Tools like Nmap, Hydra, and Metasploit help uncover weaknesses, while proper hardening (key-based auth, firewall rules) mitigates risks. Always audit configurations with `ssh-audit` and monitor logs (/var/log/auth.log) for suspicious activity.

### **Expected Output:**

A secure SSH setup with logged brute-force attempts and disabled weak algorithms.

**Relevant Course URLs:**

1. Advanced Penetration Testing
2. Ethical Hacking Masterclass
3. Cybersecurity Defense Strategies

References:

Reported By: Zlatanh Check – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

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