Steps Involved in Hacking Process
In the world of cybersecurity, understanding the tactics used by hackers is crucial for organizations to protect themselves. Let's delve into the common techniques employed during various phases of a cyberattack, using real-life examples of high-profile breaches.
Reconnaissance
The first phase of an attack is reconnaissance, also known as footprinting or information gathering. During this stage, hackers collect data about the target system, including IP addresses, network topology, and DNS records. This information is gathered across three categories: Network, Host, and People involved. The Target attack in 2013 is a prime example, where hackers began with reconnaissance and gathered information from the company's external vendors [1].
Gaining Access
The next phase is Gaining Access, where hackers attempt to breach the target system. Common techniques include exploiting vulnerabilities in systems such as web applications or networks, using automated tools to crack passwords or escalate privileges, and deploying exploits to gain control without causing damage. Tools frequently used are Metasploit (for exploiting vulnerabilities), SQLmap (for SQL injection), and Hydra (for password brute forcing) [1]. In the Target breach, stolen vendor credentials gave hackers a foothold, allowing them to use malware to enter the point-of-sale (POS) systems and harvest card details.
Maintaining Access
Once inside, hackers focus on maintaining persistent control of the compromised system. Techniques include installing backdoors, Trojans, or rootkits, creating persistent user accounts with elevated privileges, and setting up remote shells. This phase tests how attackers can maintain long-term access despite security measures like password changes or system restarts. In the Sony Pictures hack in 2014, attackers gained access through a phishing campaign targeting employees [2].
During the Maintaining Access phase, an attacker may also escalate privileges, create new administrator accounts, or use zombie systems to launch further intrusions. In the Capital One breach in 2019, the attacker tried to hide their AWS activity logs but was eventually tracked through cloud service records [3].
Covering Tracks
In the final phase, hackers cover their tracks to avoid detection. Techniques used include deleting log files, modifying or corrupting system and application logs, uninstalling scripts or tools, altering registry values, deleting folders or directories, and removing any trace of the attack or attacker's presence. During the Target breach, malware (BlackPOS) was installed to continuously capture payment data, which persisted undetected for weeks [1].
Preparing the Report
After completing all phases, the ethical hacker prepares a comprehensive report detailing all discovered vulnerabilities and provides recommendations to fix them, helping the organization improve its overall security posture.
These techniques form essential parts of penetration testing to assess how attackers could breach and stay inside networks, allowing organizations to address these security gaps proactively [1][3].
| Phase | Common Techniques | Examples/Tools | |-------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------| | Gaining Access | Exploiting vulnerabilities (web apps, network ports), password cracking, privilege escalation | Metasploit, SQLmap, Hydra | | Maintaining Access | Installing backdoors, Trojans, rootkits; creating persistent admin accounts; remote shells | Persistent malware, remote shells, new admin users | | Covering Tracks | Deleting log files, modifying logs, uninstalling scripts, altering registry values, deleting folders, removing any trace of the attack | Deletion of logs, log modification, script uninstallation, registry alteration, folder deletion, trace removal |
[1] Krebs, B. (2013). Target Confirms Data Breach at 110 U.S. Stores. KrebsonSecurity.com. Retrieved from https://krebsonsecurity.com/2013/12/target-confirms-data-breach-at-110-us-stores/
[2] The Verge. (2014). Sony Pictures hack: everything we know so far. The Verge. Retrieved from https://www.theverge.com/2014/11/25/7287233/sony-pictures-hack-everything-we-know-so-far
[3] BBC News. (2019). Capital One data breach: What happened and what does it mean for you? BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/business-49372294
During the Gaining Access phase, hackers might exploit vulnerabilities in systems or use automated tools like Metasploit, SQLmap, and Hydra to crack passwords or escalate privileges, as seen in the Target breach where stolen vendor credentials were used to gain access.
In the Maintaining Access phase, attackers might install backdoors, Trojans, or rootkits, creating persistent user accounts with elevated privileges, as demonstrated in the Sony Pictures hack in 2014.
