Speaker 1: Okay, so you want to dive into the world of
Speaker 1: MS equal penetration testing with metasploit.
Speaker 2: You've come to the right place.
Speaker 1: We're going deep into. This document you provided.
Speaker 2: Reads like a hacker's playbook for exploiting vulnerabilities.
Speaker 1: In Microsoft SEQL servers.
Speaker 2: It's fascinating stuff and a little unnerving if you think
Speaker 2: about it. We're going to walk through this document step
Speaker 2: by step.
Speaker 1: Almost like we're right there with the attackers.
Speaker 2: Don't worry, though, we're just here to learn.
Speaker 1: No servers will be harmed in the making of this
Speaker 1: deep dive, and that's.
Speaker 2: The beauty of ethical hacking and penetration testing in general.
Speaker 1: We get to use the same tools and techniques as
Speaker 1: the bad guys.
Speaker 2: But with the goal of strengthening defenses.
Speaker 1: Not causing harm. Absolutely, so this document focuses on using metasploit.
Speaker 2: What makes this framework so special in the world of
Speaker 2: penetration testing.
Speaker 1: Metasploit is like the Swiss Army knife of cybersecurity.
Speaker 2: It's a framework packed with tools and exploits.
Speaker 1: That can be used to probe, scan, and ultimately compromise
Speaker 1: vulnerable systems.
Speaker 2: Security professionals use it to find weaknesses before the bad
Speaker 2: guys do.
Speaker 1: But sadly, it can be used for malicious purposes as well.
Speaker 2: Right, and in this case, the target is Microsoft Seql.
Speaker 1: Servers or MSQUEL for short.
Speaker 2: Why are these servers such juicy targets for attackers?
Speaker 1: Think of msseql servers as the digital vaults for countless
Speaker 1: organizations worldwide.
Speaker 2: They house a treasure trove of sensitive data, customer information,
Speaker 2: financial records, proprietary secrets, you name it.
Speaker 1: If an attacker can crack open that vault, the damage
Speaker 1: can be devastating.
Speaker 2: Okay, that's scary, so let's get into the document.
Speaker 1: It starts with the attacker needing to actually find these
Speaker 1: MSQL servers.
Speaker 2: It's not like they're just listed in some public directory,
Speaker 2: are they?
Speaker 1: Definitely not.
Speaker 2: This is where the cat and mouse game begins.
Speaker 1: Attackers use a variety of techniques to discover these servers
Speaker 1: on a.
Speaker 2: Network, often starting with a technique called port scanning.
Speaker 1: Port scanning is.
Speaker 2: That like digitally knocking on doors to see who answers.
Speaker 1: It's a free, accurate analogy. Each computer on a network
Speaker 1: has ports.
Speaker 2: Think of them as entry points for different services.
Speaker 1: MSSEQL servers typically use a specific.
Speaker 2: Port, and attackers can scan a range of IP addressers.
Speaker 1: Listening for servers that respond to that particular port.
Speaker 2: So it's like they're walking down a street.
Speaker 1: Trying every doorn off.
Speaker 2: Until they find one that's unlocked.
Speaker 1: Okay, let's say they've found.
Speaker 2: A server and the next hurdle is the password. Right.
Speaker 1: The document specifically calls out dictionary attacks.
Speaker 2: Right.
Speaker 1: While a dictionary attack might sound tame.
Speaker 2: It's a surprisingly effective brute force technique.
Speaker 1: Imagine an attacker using a program that throws thousands.
Speaker 2: Even millions of common passwords at the server every second.
Speaker 1: Hoping to get a match.
Speaker 2: It makes you realize how crucial strong unique passwords are.
Speaker 1: We've all heard it a million times.
Speaker 2: But this really drives the point home.
Speaker 1: Absolutely.
Speaker 2: It's the first line of defense.
Speaker 1: And sadly one that's often overlooked.
Speaker 2: Now here's where it gets really interesting.
Speaker 1: The document stresses the importance of grabbing the MSQL version number.
Speaker 2: Why would knowing this be so valuable to an attacker?
Speaker 2: King of it like that knowing the exact version of
Speaker 2: the software running on that server is like having the
Speaker 2: blueprints to a building.
Speaker 1: Older versions often have known vulnerabilities.
Speaker 2: Weaknesses that attackers can exploit.
Speaker 1: So it's not just about getting in.
Speaker 2: It's about knowing exactly where the weak points are.
Speaker 1: The document then goes into the enumeration phase.
Speaker 2: What exactly does that entail?
Speaker 1: This is where things get a little more surgical.
Speaker 2: Enumeration is all about gathering as much information as possible
Speaker 2: about the server's configuration, users, and even the data itself,
Speaker 2: so they're not.
Speaker 1: Just blindly poking around anymore. Right, Imagine an attacker mapping
Speaker 1: out the server.
Speaker 2: Structure, identifying databases, tables, user accounts.
Speaker 1: And most importantly, the privileges associated with each. They're basically
Speaker 1: building a roadmap for their attack, identifying the paths of
Speaker 1: least resistance and the most valuable targets.
Speaker 2: It's like a digital reconnaissance mission.
Speaker 1: Mapping out the terrain before launching the main assault.
Speaker 2: The document actually gives an example of attackers going after
Speaker 2: credit card information.
Speaker 1: This is where it hits home that these aren't just
Speaker 1: theoretical attacks.
Speaker 2: They have real world consequences. Absolutely, data breaches are a constant.
Speaker 1: Threat, and sensitive information like credit card numbers is incredibly
Speaker 1: valuable on the black market.
Speaker 2: This is why robust security measures aren't optional, they're central.
Speaker 2: The document highlights two specific techniques used in this phase
Speaker 2: scheme dumb THEMP.
Speaker 1: And hash dump the sound pretty ominous. What's the difference
Speaker 1: between the two schem A dump is like stealing the
Speaker 1: blueprints to a bank vault.
Speaker 2: It's all about understanding the structure of the.
Speaker 1: Database, where the tables are, what kind of data they hold,
Speaker 1: how it's organized.
Speaker 2: With this information, attackers can be much more targeted in
Speaker 2: their attacks, going.
Speaker 1: Straight for the most valuable data.
Speaker 2: So it's about efficiency and minimizing.
Speaker 1: Their footprint, making it harder to detect them. What about
Speaker 1: hash dump That sounds even more serious.
Speaker 2: Hash dump is where things get really scary.
Speaker 1: Imagine, instead of stealing the blueprints.
Speaker 2: The attackers get their hands on the actual keys the vault.
Speaker 1: That's essentially what a hash dump.
Speaker 2: Is, gaining access to the password hashes stored on.
Speaker 1: The server, and password hashes can be cracked right.
Speaker 2: Revealing the actual passwords users have chosen exactly. There are
Speaker 2: tools and techniques attackers use to unscramble those hashes.
Speaker 1: And if users haven't chosen strong, unique passwords, well, the
Speaker 1: attackers are in.
Speaker 2: And depending on whose credentials they managed.
Speaker 1: To crack, they could gain access to even more sensitive
Speaker 1: data or.
Speaker 2: Even higher levels of privilege within the system. Okay, so
Speaker 2: they might.
Speaker 1: Be in their gathering information.
Speaker 2: And potentially even getting their hands on user credentials.
Speaker 1: The document then shifts gears to talk about how attackers
Speaker 1: leverage this access to actually take control of the server.
Speaker 2: It starts getting pretty technical.
Speaker 1: Here, talking about exploiting system commands with something called xpcmd show.
Speaker 2: XPCMD shell is a powerful feature, but in the wrong hands,
Speaker 2: it's incredibly dangerous.
Speaker 1: Imagine giving someone complete control over your computer.
Speaker 2: That's essentially what XPCMD shell allows.
Speaker 1: But within the context of the sea cool server, attackers
Speaker 1: can execute commands, install back doors, potentially even gain full
Speaker 1: control of the underlying operating system.
Speaker 2: So it's not just about stealing data anymore.
Speaker 1: They can potentially take over the entire server.
Speaker 2: It's the difference between robbing a house and planting a
Speaker 2: flag on the roof claiming it is your own.
Speaker 1: And the document outlines several techniques for achieving this level
Speaker 1: of control.
Speaker 2: Including another method for remote command.
Speaker 1: Execution called ms GLEGZAC.
Speaker 2: So even if there are strong passwords in place.
Speaker 1: There might be other vulnerabilities attackers can exploit to gain control.
Speaker 2: It's a sobering thought.
Speaker 1: It highlights the importance of a layered security approach.
Speaker 2: You don't want to rely on just one line of defense.
Speaker 2: Strong passwords are essential, but so are regular security updates,
Speaker 2: proper configuration, and vigilant monitoring.
Speaker 1: The document also delves into exploiting something called CLR assembly.
Speaker 1: What is that and how does it factor into these attacks?
Speaker 2: CLR assembly is a powerful feature within msqul.
Speaker 1: That allows users to execute code within the SQL server environment.
Speaker 2: It's intended for legitimate purposes.
Speaker 1: But attackers can leverage it to bypass security measures.
Speaker 2: And potentially gain full control of the system.
Speaker 1: So even seemingly benign features can be weaponized in the
Speaker 1: wrong hands.
Speaker 2: It's like using a butter knife to pick a lock exactly.
Speaker 2: It's about finding creative and often unexpected ways to exploit
Speaker 2: weaknesses in the system.
Speaker 1: The document wraps up by focusing on what's arguably the
Speaker 1: ultimate goal for many attackers, privilege escalation. What exactly does
Speaker 1: that mean in the context of ms SQL servers. Think
Speaker 1: of it like this, You've managed to sneak into a castle, but.
Speaker 2: You're still just a guest with limited access.
Speaker 1: Privileged escalation is all about working your way up to
Speaker 1: becoming the.
Speaker 2: King, gaining the highest level of access.
Speaker 1: Which in the world of MS. Squel is the cissedmin
Speaker 1: role and what kind of power does the sissiedman have.
Speaker 2: It's essentially the keys to the kingdom.
Speaker 1: A system in has complete control over the end hire
Speaker 1: SQL server instance.
Speaker 2: They can create, read, update and delete.
Speaker 1: Any data, create new users, brand permissions, and even shut
Speaker 1: down the entire system.
Speaker 2: It's the ultimate prize for an attacker.
Speaker 1: The document outlines a technique called public to sissedmin.
Speaker 2: Which sounds almost harmless.
Speaker 1: Like a community outreach program rather than a hacking technique.
Speaker 2: It's anything but harmless.
Speaker 1: This technique involves exploiting vulnerabilities in the system's trust model.
Speaker 2: It's like convincing a security guard that you're not only
Speaker 2: supposed to be in the building.
Speaker 1: But that you're actually the CEO.
Speaker 2: It's a clever manipulation tactic that can give attackers complete control.
Speaker 1: So it's not always about brute force.
Speaker 2: It's about understanding and exploiting the intricacies of the system.
Speaker 1: The document also mentions another technique for escalating privileges, impersonation.
Speaker 2: Impersonation is all about assuming the identity of a privileged user.
Speaker 1: Imagine finding a spare set of keys that belong to
Speaker 1: the building manager.
Speaker 2: Suddenly you have access to restricted areas.
Speaker 1: In the context of mssequel.
Speaker 2: This could involve stealing credentials.
Speaker 1: Or exploiting vulnerabilities that allow an attacker to temporarily assume
Speaker 1: the identity of a user with higher privileges.
Speaker 2: So they're in the They're escalating privileges, impersonating users.
Speaker 1: It's starting to feel like a scene out of a
Speaker 1: Mission Impossible movie.
Speaker 2: The document then dives into some specific techniques attackers can
Speaker 2: use once they've gained a foothold.
Speaker 1: One that caught my eye was this XPMD shell exploit.
Speaker 2: What's the deal with that?
Speaker 1: Xpcmd shell is like handing someone a loaded repin inside
Speaker 1: a server room.
Speaker 2: It's a powerful feature that allows execution of operating system commands.
Speaker 1: Directly from within the SQL server environment.
Speaker 2: In the wrong hands, it can be disastrous.
Speaker 1: Imagine an attacker using xpcmd shell to install.
Speaker 2: Backdoors, manipulate files, or.
Speaker 1: Even launch attacks on other systems within the network.
Speaker 2: It's the ultimate escalation.
Speaker 1: Going from stealing data to potentially controlling the entire network exactly,
Speaker 1: and this document doesn't pull.
Speaker 2: Any punches on to describe MS.
Speaker 1: Click x another method for remote command execution.
Speaker 2: This reinforces the point that relying solely on strong passwords
Speaker 2: isn't enough.
Speaker 1: Attackers are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities and
Speaker 1: gain control.
Speaker 2: It's like having a fortress with impenetrable walls.
Speaker 1: But someone finds a way to tunnel in through the
Speaker 1: sewer system, a rather unpleasant but accurate analogy.
Speaker 2: And this document highlights another.
Speaker 1: Even more insidious technique, exploiting CLR assembly.
Speaker 2: This one's a bit technical, but bear with me, okay,
Speaker 2: laid on me. So. CLR assembly is a feature that
Speaker 2: allows users to run custom.
Speaker 1: Code within the SQL server environment.
Speaker 2: It's intended for legitimate purposes, of course.
Speaker 1: But attackers can use it to bypass security measures.
Speaker 2: Effectively slipping past the guards unnoticed.
Speaker 1: It's like forging a security badge.
Speaker 2: That gives them free rein within the system. Precisely, it's
Speaker 2: a way to execute malicious code without triggering the usual alarms.
Speaker 1: And this document, as you can see, provides a chillingly
Speaker 1: detailed roadmap for how attackers might go about doing just that.
Speaker 2: It's amazing, and by amazing, I mean terrifying.
Speaker 1: How resourceful these attackers can be.
Speaker 2: That's why staying informed about these techniques is so crucial.
Speaker 2: Knowledge is power, especially in the world of cybersecurity.
Speaker 1: The more we understand how attackers operate, the better we
Speaker 1: can defend our systems. Absolutely, this document has been eye opening,
Speaker 1: to say the least.
Speaker 2: It's a stark reminder that cybersecurity is an ongoing battle.
Speaker 1: One that requires constant vigilance and a deep understanding of
Speaker 1: the threats we face. Well said, and remember, this deep
Speaker 1: dive focused specifically on msseqel servers and metasploit.
Speaker 2: But the techniques and principles we've discussed apply to a
Speaker 2: wide range of systems and attack vectors.
Speaker 1: So what you're saying is this is just the tip
Speaker 1: of the iceberg. The rabbit hole goes deep, my friend.
Speaker 2: The more you learn, the better equipped you'll be to
Speaker 2: navigate the.
Speaker 1: Complex in constantly evolving world of cybersecurity.
Speaker 2: On that note, I think we'll wrap up this deep
Speaker 2: dive into the world of msequal penetration tests.
Speaker 1: A huge thank you to you are expert for guiding
Speaker 1: us through this fascinating, if a little unsettling subject, and
Speaker 1: to you our listeners, stay curious
Speaker 2: Stay informed, and most importantly, stay safe out there in
Speaker 2: the digital wild West.