Full Ethical Hacking Course - Network Penetration Testing for Beginners (2019)

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to ethical hacking and network penetration testing for beginners, based on the full course offered by freeCodeCamp.org. You will learn essential skills in network security, including how to set up a lab environment, perform reconnaissance, exploit vulnerabilities, and document your findings.

Step 1: Course Overview and Preparation

• Familiarize yourself with the course structure and topics covered.
• Set up a dedicated environment for practicing ethical hacking. This can include:
  • Virtual machines (VMs) using software such as VirtualBox or VMware.
  • A Windows Active Directory lab that you will make vulnerable for hands-on practice.
• Ensure you have tools like Kali Linux, which is commonly used for penetration testing.

Step 2: Introduction to Linux and Notekeeping

• Learn the basics of Linux as it is vital for ethical hacking.
• Create a note-taking system to document your learning and experiments. Consider using:
  • Markdown editors for easy formatting.
  • Digital notebooks like Notion or OneNote.

Step 3: Basic Python Programming

• Understand Python fundamentals, as scripting can automate many tasks in penetration testing.
• Explore Python libraries relevant to network security, such as:
  • socket for networking.
  • os for operating system interaction.

Step 4: Building a Simple Port Scanner

• Start building a basic port scanner in Python to understand how to check for open ports on a network:

  import socket
  
  def scan(host, ports):
      for port in ports:
          sock = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
          result = sock.connect_ex((host, port))
          if result == 0:
              print(f"Port {port}: Open")
          sock.close()
  
  scan('127.0.0.1', range(1, 1024))
  

• Experiment with modifying the scanner to include additional features.

Step 5: Passive OSINT Techniques

• Learn about Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) to gather information without alerting the target.
• Utilize tools and websites like:
  • Maltego for data mining.
  • Shodan for device searches.

Step 6: Scanning Tools and Tactics

• Familiarize yourself with various scanning tools such as:
  • Nmap for network discovery.
  • Nessus for vulnerability scanning.
• Understand the importance of different scanning techniques (TCP, UDP, SYN scans).

Step 7: Enumeration Techniques

• Learn to enumerate users, groups, and services on a network.
• Practice using tools like:
  • Enum4linux for gathering information from Windows machines.
  • LDAP queries to extract user data.

Step 8: Exploitation and Shell Access

• Understand how to exploit discovered vulnerabilities to gain shell access.
• Familiarize yourself with concepts like:
  • Reverse shells.
  • Web application exploits (SQL injection, XSS).

Step 9: Building Your Active Directory Lab

• Set up your Active Directory lab in Windows.
• Make it intentionally vulnerable by misconfiguring settings.
• Practice attacks such as LLMNR poisoning and NTLMv2 cracking using Hashcat.

Step 10: Advanced Attacks

• Explore advanced techniques like:
  • NTLM relay attacks.
  • Token impersonation and Pass-the-Hash methods.
• Use tools such as PsExec for executing commands on remote systems.

Step 11: Understanding CVE Exploits

• Study specific vulnerabilities like MS17-010.
• Learn to exploit these vulnerabilities and understand their implications on security.

Step 12: Reporting and Career Guidance

• Document your findings clearly and concisely in a report format.
• Consider including:
  • An executive summary.
  • Detailed findings and remediation steps.
• Explore career paths in cybersecurity and ethical hacking.

Conclusion

This tutorial summarized key steps and techniques in ethical hacking and penetration testing. By following these steps, you can build a solid foundation in network security. As you progress, consider participating in Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges to further enhance your skills and knowledge in real-world scenarios. Keep learning and practicing to stay updated on the latest security trends and techniques.