Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the OSCP SSI ObeliskSC Portal. This tutorial aims to provide a comprehensive walkthrough, ensuring you're well-equipped to tackle it effectively. We'll cover everything from initial reconnaissance to final exploitation, so buckle up and let's get started!

Understanding the ObeliskSC Portal

The ObeliskSC Portal is a deliberately vulnerable machine designed to test your penetration testing skills, particularly in the context of the Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) certification. It simulates real-world scenarios where security flaws can be exploited to gain unauthorized access. Before we even touch the machine, let's talk about understanding its purpose. This isn't just about following steps; it's about learning why those steps work. The ObeliskSC Portal is crafted to mimic common web application vulnerabilities, making it an excellent learning platform. It encourages you to think critically and creatively, essential skills for any aspiring cybersecurity professional. Remember, the OSCP isn't just about knowing tools; it's about understanding the underlying concepts that make those tools effective. As you go through this tutorial, constantly ask yourself, "Why does this work?" or "What's happening behind the scenes?" This approach will not only help you conquer the ObeliskSC Portal but also prepare you for the challenges you'll face in real-world penetration testing scenarios. Identifying the attack surface is the first key step. What services are exposed? Are there any obvious entry points? Taking meticulous notes throughout your process is also crucial. Document every command you run, every response you receive, and every potential vulnerability you identify. This documentation will not only aid you in your current assessment but also serve as a valuable reference for future engagements. Maintaining a clear and organized record of your findings demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail, qualities highly valued in the cybersecurity field. Finally, the portal is also about understanding the importance of ethical hacking and responsible disclosure. Always ensure you have proper authorization before conducting any penetration testing activities. Respect the boundaries of the target environment and avoid causing any disruption or damage. Remember, ethical hacking is about improving security, not exploiting it for malicious purposes. By adhering to these principles, you'll not only enhance your skills but also contribute to a more secure digital world.

Reconnaissance: Gathering Initial Information

Reconnaissance is the cornerstone of any successful penetration test. It involves gathering as much information as possible about the target. For the ObeliskSC Portal, we'll start with basic network scanning. Use tools like Nmap to identify open ports and services. This initial scan gives us a bird's-eye view of the attack surface. Consider this phase like a detective gathering clues before piecing together the puzzle. Start by identifying the IP address of the ObeliskSC Portal machine. Once you have the IP address, use Nmap to scan for open ports. A basic TCP scan can be performed using the command nmap -sT <IP_address>. This command sends TCP SYN packets to the target machine and analyzes the responses to determine which ports are open. Open ports indicate potential services running on the machine, which can be further investigated for vulnerabilities. Once the initial scan is complete, analyze the results carefully. Pay close attention to any unusual or unexpected ports. These may indicate custom services or misconfigurations that could be exploited. Also, take note of the versions of the services running on the open ports. Outdated versions are often vulnerable to known exploits. After identifying the open ports, the next step is to perform service enumeration. This involves identifying the specific services running on each open port and gathering as much information as possible about them. Nmap can be used to perform service enumeration using the -sV flag. This flag attempts to determine the version of the service running on each open port. The command nmap -sV -p <port_number> <IP_address> can be used to enumerate the service running on a specific port. For example, if port 80 is open, you can use the command nmap -sV -p 80 <IP_address> to determine the web server running on that port. Service enumeration can also be performed using other tools, such as netcat or telnet. These tools can be used to connect to the open ports and interact with the services directly. By examining the responses from the services, you can often gather valuable information about their configuration and functionality. Remember to document all the information you gather during the reconnaissance phase. This information will be invaluable in the later stages of the penetration test. Create a detailed report that includes the IP address of the target machine, the open ports, the services running on those ports, and any other relevant information. This report will serve as a reference throughout the assessment and will help you stay organized and focused.

Web Application Analysis

If port 80 or 443 is open, it's highly likely there's a web application running. Use tools like Nikto or dirb to enumerate directories and files. These tools help uncover hidden pages, configuration files, and potential vulnerabilities. Think of it as exploring the website's architecture to find weak spots. Start by using a web browser to access the web application and explore its functionality. Identify the different pages, forms, and features of the application. Pay close attention to any input fields, as these are potential areas for exploitation. As you explore the web application, use your browser's developer tools to examine the HTTP requests and responses. This can provide valuable insights into how the application works and how it handles data. Pay attention to any cookies, headers, or parameters that are being used. After exploring the web application manually, use automated tools like Nikto or dirb to enumerate directories and files. These tools send a large number of requests to the web server, attempting to identify hidden or unprotected resources. Nikto is a web server scanner that performs a variety of checks for common vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and outdated software. It can identify potential security issues such as default files, insecure configurations, and known vulnerabilities. The command nikto -h <IP_address> can be used to scan the web server for vulnerabilities. Dirb is a directory brute-forcer that attempts to identify hidden directories and files by sending a large number of requests to the web server. It uses a dictionary of common directory and file names to guess the location of hidden resources. The command dirb http://<IP_address> can be used to brute-force directories on the web server. As you enumerate directories and files, pay attention to any interesting or unusual findings. Look for files that may contain sensitive information, such as configuration files, database connection strings, or API keys. Also, look for directories that may be vulnerable to directory traversal attacks. After enumerating directories and files, analyze the web application's code. If possible, obtain a copy of the web application's source code and examine it for vulnerabilities. Look for common web application vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and command injection. Use static analysis tools to automate the process of code analysis. These tools can identify potential vulnerabilities and highlight areas of the code that require further investigation. Remember to document all your findings during the web application analysis phase. This documentation will be invaluable in the later stages of the penetration test. Create a detailed report that includes the web application's functionality, the directories and files you enumerated, and any vulnerabilities you identified.

Exploitation: Gaining Access

With the information gathered, it's time for exploitation. This is where you leverage the identified vulnerabilities to gain access to the system. For example, if you find an SQL injection vulnerability, use it to extract sensitive data or even gain shell access. Remember, always proceed with caution and respect the target environment. Think about exploitation like a surgeon performing a delicate operation. Precision, knowledge, and a steady hand are essential for a successful outcome. Always aim to minimize the impact on the target system and avoid causing any disruption or damage. Before attempting any exploitation, carefully plan your attack. Identify the specific vulnerability you want to exploit and the steps required to exploit it. Consider the potential risks and consequences of your actions. Have a contingency plan in place in case something goes wrong. During exploitation, document every step you take and every command you run. This documentation will be invaluable for troubleshooting and for reporting your findings. Also, be prepared to adapt your approach as needed. Exploitation is not always a straightforward process, and you may need to try different techniques or strategies to achieve your goals. If you find an SQL injection vulnerability, start by testing it to confirm that it is indeed exploitable. Use simple SQL queries to extract data from the database. Once you have confirmed that the vulnerability is exploitable, you can use more advanced techniques to extract sensitive information or even gain shell access. Tools like sqlmap can be used to automate the process of SQL injection exploitation. If you find a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability, start by crafting a simple XSS payload. Use this payload to inject JavaScript code into the web application. Once you have confirmed that the vulnerability is exploitable, you can use more advanced techniques to steal cookies, redirect users, or even deface the website. If you find a command injection vulnerability, start by testing it to confirm that it is indeed exploitable. Use simple commands to execute arbitrary code on the server. Once you have confirmed that the vulnerability is exploitable, you can use more advanced techniques to gain shell access or even compromise the entire system. Remember to clean up after yourself after exploitation. Remove any files or data that you created or modified during the exploitation process. Restore the system to its original state as much as possible. This will help minimize the impact of your actions and avoid causing any disruption or damage.

Privilege Escalation

Once you have initial access, the next step is often privilege escalation. This involves escalating your privileges to gain root or administrator access. Look for misconfigurations, weak permissions, or exploitable services that can help you achieve this. Privilege escalation is like climbing a ladder, each rung representing a higher level of access. To successfully ascend, you must carefully assess each step and identify the weaknesses that allow you to progress. Always maintain a stealthy approach and avoid drawing unnecessary attention to your actions. Before attempting any privilege escalation, carefully analyze the system to identify potential vulnerabilities. Look for misconfigurations, weak permissions, or exploitable services that can be used to elevate your privileges. Use tools like LinEnum.sh or PowerUp.ps1 to automate the process of system enumeration. These tools can identify potential vulnerabilities and highlight areas of the system that require further investigation. If you find a misconfiguration, such as a file with weak permissions, exploit it to gain access to sensitive information or execute arbitrary code. If you find an exploitable service, such as a vulnerable kernel module, use it to elevate your privileges. If you find a weak password, use it to log in as a privileged user. Always remember to cover your tracks after successful privilege escalation. Remove any files or data that you created or modified during the escalation process. Restore the system to its original state as much as possible. This will help minimize the impact of your actions and avoid causing any disruption or damage. Document every step you take during the privilege escalation process. This documentation will be invaluable for reporting your findings and for reproducing your results. Also, be prepared to adapt your approach as needed. Privilege escalation is not always a straightforward process, and you may need to try different techniques or strategies to achieve your goals. Consider this phase an important aspect of post-exploitation, where you solidify your control over the compromised system. The goal is to gain the highest level of privileges possible, typically root or administrator, to have unrestricted access and control. This allows you to perform tasks such as accessing sensitive data, installing backdoors, or modifying system configurations. It's important to note that privilege escalation should only be performed within the scope of the engagement and with proper authorization. Always respect the boundaries of the target environment and avoid causing any disruption or damage.

Reporting: Documenting Your Findings

Finally, reporting is a crucial part of the process. Document every step you took, every vulnerability you found, and every piece of evidence you gathered. A well-written report is essential for communicating your findings to the client or stakeholders. Think of reporting as the final chapter of your penetration testing story. It's your opportunity to showcase your skills, communicate your findings effectively, and provide valuable insights to the client. A well-written report should be clear, concise, and comprehensive, providing a detailed account of your assessment. Start by summarizing the scope and objectives of the penetration test. Clearly define the target environment and the goals that were set. This will provide context for the rest of the report. Next, describe the methodology you used during the assessment. Explain the tools and techniques you employed, and the rationale behind your approach. This will demonstrate your understanding of the penetration testing process. For each vulnerability you identified, provide a detailed description of the issue. Explain how you discovered the vulnerability, how you exploited it, and the potential impact it could have on the organization. Include screenshots and code snippets to illustrate your findings. Provide clear and actionable recommendations for remediation. Explain how the organization can fix the vulnerabilities you identified and prevent them from being exploited in the future. Prioritize your recommendations based on the severity of the vulnerabilities and the potential impact they could have. Include a detailed list of all the evidence you gathered during the assessment. This includes screenshots, log files, configuration files, and any other data that supports your findings. Organize the evidence in a clear and logical manner, making it easy for the client to review. Proofread your report carefully before submitting it. Ensure that it is free of grammatical errors, typos, and inconsistencies. A well-written and polished report will make a positive impression on the client and demonstrate your professionalism. Remember, the report is often the only deliverable that the client will see, so it is important to make it as comprehensive and informative as possible. This will ensure that the client understands the risks they face and can take appropriate action to protect their systems.

Conclusion

The OSCP SSI ObeliskSC Portal is an excellent resource for honing your penetration testing skills. By following this tutorial and practicing diligently, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of ethical hacking. Keep practicing, keep learning, and never stop exploring! Remember, the key to success in the OSCP exam and in the cybersecurity field is continuous learning and improvement. Always strive to expand your knowledge and skills, and stay up-to-date with the latest security trends and technologies. Embrace the challenges that come your way, and never be afraid to ask for help when you need it. The cybersecurity community is a supportive and collaborative environment, and there are many resources available to help you succeed. So, go forth and conquer the ObeliskSC Portal, and may your penetration testing endeavors be fruitful and rewarding!