PowerShell for Hackers: Episode 1

Overview

• Series Introduction: A three-part series on using PowerShell from a hacker's perspective.

  • Focus on utilizing PowerShell for tasks akin to real Red Team operations, breaches, and cases.
  • Sponsored by Threat Locker, highlighting the balance between security and functionality.

• Presenters: Hosted by [Name Not Provided], featuring Jacobe, an experienced hacker.

Understanding PowerShell

• Basics:

  • PowerShell is a programming language standard in Windows.
  • Comes as PowerShell 5 or, with Windows 11, PowerShell 7.
  • Often perceived as a tool for system admins to automate tasks like file copying or setting adjustments.

• Potential:

  • Capable of more advanced, creative uses, especially in hacking.
  • Example: Using netsh command to retrieve Wi-Fi passwords.

Advanced PowerShell Techniques

Reverse Shells

• Project Example:
  • Setup of an API endpoint for generating a reverse shell.
  • Endpoint provides a polymorphic shell, making detection difficult.
  • Demonstrated with a netcat listener on a hosted server.

Living Off the Land Binaries (LOLBins)

• Definition:

  • Binaries/utilities that exist in the system by default, used maliciously.
  • Examples: invoke-webrequest, invoke-restmethod.
  • Monitored commands require alternatives to avoid detection.

• Tools and Resources:

  • LOLBoss Project: A resource for discovering common LOLBins on Windows.
  • GitHub Repo: Contains commands to interact with LOLBins without detection.

PowerShell Commands

• Common Commands:

  • Invoke-Expression (iex): Executes strings as commands.
  • Highly monitored due to its use in malware execution.
  • Alternative methods exist to avoid detection.

• Downloading and Executing Code:

  • Invoke-WebRequest: Pulls entire web content.
  • Invoke-RestMethod: Retrieves content directly without headers.
  • Techniques to run code filelessly and clear history post-execution.

• Advanced Techniques:

  • Use of certutil as an alternative to invoke-webrequest for downloading files undetected.

Developing PowerShell Skills

• Resources:

  • LOLBoss Project: Great for understanding the use of default binaries.
  • ChatGPT: Helpful for breaking down complex commands for deeper understanding.

• Building Skills:

  • Encouraged to experiment with commands and think creatively.
  • Emphasized learning from various resources to develop a "hacker mindset."

Conclusion

• Call to Action: Feedback requested for more content like this.
• Next Episode: Scheduled release in a week.

End of Episode 1 Summary