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All About System Hacking - Process, Tools & Techniques - Codeliv
All About System Hacking - Process, Tools & Techniques - Codeliv
Home » Ethical hacking » All about System Hacking – Process, Tools & Techniques
ETHICAL HACKING
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In today’s interconnected digital landscape, the threat of system hacking looms large. The
security of our computer systems, networks, and sensitive data is constantly being
challenged by individuals with malicious intent. Understanding the common types of system
hacking techniques employed by these hackers is essential for individuals and organizations
to effectively safeguard their digital assets.
This article delves into the fascinating world of system hacking, exploring the techniques that
hackers employ to gain unauthorized access to computer systems. By shedding light on
these common hacking practices, we aim to enhance awareness and empower readers to
adopt robust defensive measures.
From password cracking and social engineering to exploiting software vulnerabilities and
network eavesdropping, we will uncover the modus operandi of hackers and the potential
risks they pose. By understanding these tactics, readers can better appreciate the
importance of implementing robust security measures to protect against such attacks.
Furthermore, this article will not only focus on the dark side of hacking but also shed light on
the defensive strategies and countermeasures individuals and organizations can employ to
fortify their systems. By embracing a proactive approach to system security, we can build
resilient defenses that effectively mitigate the risks associated with system hacking.
Whether you are an individual concerned about personal cybersecurity or a business aiming
to safeguard critical assets, this exploration of system hacking will provide valuable insights.
By staying informed and adopting appropriate security practices, we can navigate the ever-
evolving landscape of cyber threats with confidence and protect our digital presence from
malicious intruders.
A hacker can hack the computer system because the hacker knows the actual work of
computer systems and software inside the system. For this, a hacker has information about
the systems, networking, and knowledge of other areas related to computer science. Anyone
who is using a computer and is connected to the internet is susceptible to malicious hackers’
threats. These online villains generally use viruses, malware, Trojans, worms, phishing
techniques, email spamming, social engineering, exploit operating system vulnerabilities, or
port vulnerabilities to access any victim’s system.
Hacking Linux system
Linux is an operating system based on Unix OS created by Linus Torvalds. It is assembled
over the model of open-source software development and distribution.
Hackers use varied techniques to hack into Linux systems:
Hacking Linux using the SHADOW file.
Another technique used is bypassing the user password option in Linux.
Other technique includes detecting the bug on Linux distribution and taking advantage
of the same.
Hacking Mac OS
For hackers, hacking a Mac OS is as normal as hacking any other operating system. Various
ways that hackers adopt to hack into Mac OS are:
One Python command to bypass anti-virus
One Ruby command to bypass anti-virus
One Tclsh command to bypass
Use recovery mode to extract and brute-force the hash
Use single-user mode to configure a backdoor
Connect to backdoors from anywhere.
Hacking Android phone
Android system hacking is done in the following ways:
Install malware or a Trojan in the victim’s phone and control it remotely via your own
device.
Creating a shell terminal with admin access in the victim’s phone.
Using Spynote can also be one of the modes of android hacking.
METASPLOIT and MSFVENOM
Using ADB (Android Debug Bridge)
Spy apps
Stagefright exploit
Keyloggers- Kikde iOWL and Shadow- Kids keylogger
Hacking Windows
Out of the several tried techniques of hacking Windows systems, the one that is usually
preferred by hackers is Social Engineering. Once the hacker finds a Windows computer open,
he can easily modify the existing password and give a new one thereby taking control of the
same, without the owner being aware.
In the planning and reconnaissance phase of system hacking, the primary objective is to
gather information about the target system or network. This step is crucial for understanding
the system’s architecture, identifying potential vulnerabilities, and planning the hacking
approach.
During this phase, hackers engage in activities such as:
Defining the scope of the hacking exercise: They determine the specific target
systems, networks, or applications that will be subject to the hacking attempt. This helps
establish clear boundaries and objectives for the exercise.
Understanding the system architecture: Hackers analyze the target system’s structure,
including the network layout, hardware components, software applications, and
interconnections. This understanding allows them to identify potential entry points or
weak links within the system.
Conducting reconnaissance: Hackers gather additional information about the target
through various methods. This might include using search engines, browsing public
forums or websites related to the target system, or employing specialized tools for
passive information gathering.
Identifying potential attack vectors: By studying the target system, hackers start to
identify potential vulnerabilities or weaknesses that could be exploited. They may take
note of known vulnerabilities associated with specific software versions,
misconfigurations, or common security pitfalls.
Assessing the security measures in place: Hackers also evaluate the existing security
measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, or access controls, to
understand the level of protection implemented by the target system. This assessment
helps them plan for potential bypass or evasion techniques.
The planning and reconnaissance phase is critical as it sets the foundation for subsequent
steps in the hacking process. The more comprehensive and accurate the gathered
information, the higher the chances of successfully identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities
within the system.
2. Scanning and Enumeration: Gathering Detailed Information
In the scanning and enumeration phase of system hacking, hackers delve deeper into the
target system to gather more detailed information. This phase involves actively probing the
target system and its network to identify potential vulnerabilities, open ports, and services.
During this phase, hackers perform the following activities:
Port scanning: Hackers use specialized tools to scan the target system’s network for
open ports. This provides information about which services are running and can help
identify potential entry points.
Service enumeration: Once open ports are identified, hackers further probe the
services running on those ports to gather detailed information. They might attempt to
determine the service versions, software configurations, and any known vulnerabilities
associated with those services.
Vulnerability scanning: Hackers use vulnerability scanning tools to automatically
identify potential weaknesses or vulnerabilities within the target system. These tools
compare the system’s configuration and installed software versions against a database
of known vulnerabilities.
Banner grabbing: Hackers attempt to retrieve banners or information about specific
services running on open ports. This can provide valuable details about the service
versions, server types, or other system-specific information that can aid in identifying
potential exploits.
Network sniffing: Hackers may employ network sniffing tools to capture and analyze
network traffic. This allows them to observe data packets exchanged between devices
on the network, potentially revealing sensitive information, weak authentication
mechanisms, or other security weaknesses.
The scanning and enumeration phase helps hackers gain a deeper understanding of the
target system’s vulnerabilities and potential entry points. By identifying open ports, services,
and known weaknesses, hackers can refine their attack strategy and move forward with
exploiting the system’s vulnerabilities.
3. Vulnerability Analysis: Identifying Weaknesses
In the vulnerability analysis phase of system hacking, hackers focus on identifying specific
weaknesses and vulnerabilities within the target system. This phase involves a thorough
examination of the system’s components, software, and configurations to identify potential
points of exploitation.
During this phase, hackers perform the following activities:
Researching known vulnerabilities: Hackers conduct extensive research on the target
system’s software, operating system, and other components to identify any known
vulnerabilities associated with them. They refer to vulnerability databases, security
advisories, and exploit repositories to gather information about existing vulnerabilities.
Analyzing software versions: By identifying the software versions used in the target
system, hackers can determine whether any known vulnerabilities are associated with
those versions. Outdated or unpatched software often has publicly known vulnerabilities
that can be exploited.
Examining configurations: Hackers closely examine the system’s configurations,
including settings related to access controls, user permissions, network configurations,
and firewall rules. Misconfigurations or weak settings can introduce vulnerabilities that
can be exploited.
Manual code review: In some cases, hackers may perform a manual review of the
system’s source code or specific applications to identify security flaws or logic
vulnerabilities that may not be readily apparent. This requires expertise in programming
languages and understanding common coding pitfalls.
Using specialized vulnerability scanning tools: Hackers employ automated vulnerability
scanning tools that can analyze the target system for a wide range of vulnerabilities.
These tools check for common security flaws, such as cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL
injection, buffer overflows, or insecure configurations.
By conducting a comprehensive vulnerability analysis, hackers can identify specific
weaknesses within the target system. This information helps them determine which
vulnerabilities to exploit and select appropriate techniques or tools to carry out the
exploitation phase effectively.
4. Exploitation: Gaining Unauthorized Access
In the exploitation phase of system hacking, hackers aim to leverage the identified
vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to the target system. This phase involves taking
advantage of the weaknesses and executing specific techniques or exploits to breach the
system’s defenses.
During this phase, hackers perform the following activities:
Selecting the appropriate exploit: Based on the vulnerabilities identified during the
vulnerability analysis phase, hackers choose the most suitable exploit or technique to
exploit those weaknesses. This could involve using pre-existing exploit code, custom
scripts, or specialized tools designed for specific vulnerabilities.
Crafting and delivering payloads: Hackers create payloads, which are pieces of
malicious code or commands, tailored to the chosen exploit. These payloads are
designed to take advantage of the vulnerability and execute specific actions on the
target system, such as gaining remote access, executing commands, or installing
backdoors.
Executing the exploit: Hackers launch the exploit against the target system, attempting
to exploit the identified vulnerability. The exploit might involve sending crafted input,
manipulating network traffic, injecting malicious code, or tricking the system into
executing unauthorized commands.
Gaining unauthorized access: If the exploit is successful, hackers gain unauthorized
access to the target system. This access could provide them with varying levels of
control, ranging from user-level access to administrative privileges or even root access,
depending on the exploited vulnerability and the system’s security configuration.
Bypassing security measures: In some cases, hackers may encounter additional
security measures, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), or access
controls. They may employ evasion techniques to bypass or circumvent these security
measures, allowing them to maintain their unauthorized access without triggering alarms
or raising suspicion.
It’s important to note that the exploitation phase is where hackers cross the line into illegal
and unethical activities if performed without proper authorization. Ethical hacking, conducted
within a legal and authorized framework, follows strict guidelines to ensure that hacking
activities are done for legitimate purposes, such as identifying and remediating vulnerabilities
to enhance system security.
5. Privilege Escalation: Elevating Access Level
In the privilege escalation phase of system hacking, hackers aim to elevate their access level
within the compromised system. This phase involves finding ways to gain higher privileges or
administrative control, allowing the hacker to access more sensitive information, execute
critical commands, or perform advanced actions.
During this phase, hackers perform the following activities:
Exploiting privilege escalation vulnerabilities: Hackers search for vulnerabilities or
misconfigurations within the target system that can be exploited to escalate their
privileges. This could involve exploiting weaknesses in user management, operating
system configurations, or specific applications to gain elevated access.
Exploiting misconfigured permissions: Hackers look for misconfigured file permissions,
access control lists (ACLs), or user privileges that can be manipulated to gain higher-
level access. By exploiting these misconfigurations, they can elevate their privileges
within the system.
Exploiting software vulnerabilities: If hackers have gained initial access through a
lower-privileged account, they may search for software vulnerabilities or zero-day
exploits that can be leveraged to gain administrative or root-level access. Exploiting
such vulnerabilities can provide extensive control over the system.
Exploiting weak authentication mechanisms: Hackers might target weak authentication
mechanisms, such as default or easily guessable passwords, weakly protected
credentials, or poorly implemented authentication protocols. By exploiting these
weaknesses, they can bypass authentication and gain higher privileges.
Leveraging lateral movement: In some cases, hackers may move laterally within the
network, exploring other interconnected systems or devices to identify opportunities for
privilege escalation. They may exploit trust relationships, shared credentials, or
vulnerabilities in other systems to gain higher privileges across the network.
The privilege escalation phase is crucial for hackers to maximize their control and access
within the compromised system. By escalating privileges, they can overcome limitations and
gain more extensive control over sensitive data, critical systems, or perform actions that were
previously restricted.
However, it’s important to note that privilege escalation is an illegal and unethical activity if
performed without proper authorization. Ethical hackers operate within legal boundaries,
obtaining explicit permission and following established guidelines to conduct authorized
penetration testing or security assessments.
6. Maintaining Access: Ensuring Persistence
In the maintaining access phase of system hacking, hackers aim to ensure persistent access
to the compromised system. This phase involves taking measures to maintain their control
and presence within the system even if their initial entry point is discovered or closed.
During this phase, hackers perform the following activities:
Installing backdoors: Hackers may install backdoors, which are hidden or covert access
points, within the system. These backdoors provide a secret entry point that allows
them to regain access even if their initial method of entry is detected and remediated.
Creating hidden user accounts: Hackers might create hidden user accounts with
elevated privileges, which they can use to regain access to the system. These accounts
are often difficult to detect as they don’t appear in the system’s user management
interfaces or logs.
Modifying system configurations: Hackers may modify system configurations, such as
startup scripts, scheduled tasks, or system services, to ensure that their malicious code
or backdoors are executed whenever the system boots up or specific events occur. This
ensures persistence even after system reboots or updates.
Exploiting persistence mechanisms: Hackers can leverage existing persistence
mechanisms within the target system, such as registry keys, startup folders, or
scheduled tasks, to maintain their access. By modifying or adding entries to these
mechanisms, they ensure that their malicious activities continue even if the system is
restarted or undergoes changes.
Using rootkits or stealth techniques: Hackers might employ rootkits or stealth
techniques to hide their presence and activities within the compromised system. These
techniques involve modifying or manipulating system components to avoid detection by
security tools, intrusion detection systems, or antivirus software.
The maintaining access phase is crucial for hackers to retain control over the compromised
system for as long as possible. By establishing persistence, they can continue to gather
information, carry out unauthorized activities, or even use the compromised system as a
launching pad for further attacks within the network.
It’s important to note that maintaining access without proper authorization is illegal and
unethical. Ethical hackers, in controlled and authorized scenarios such as penetration testing,
follow strict guidelines and ensure that they remove any unauthorized access or backdoors
once their testing is complete. Their objective is to assist organizations in identifying and
remediating vulnerabilities, rather than causing harm or exploiting systems for personal gain.
7. Post-Exploitation and Covering Tracks: Completing Objectives and
Hiding Traces
In the post-exploitation and covering tracks phase of system hacking, hackers focus on
completing their objectives and concealing their tracks to avoid detection. This phase
involves performing specific actions, gathering valuable information, manipulating data, and
removing evidence of their presence within the compromised system.
During this phase, hackers perform the following activities:
Gathering sensitive information: Hackers may explore the compromised system to
gather valuable data, such as confidential documents, login credentials, financial
information, or personal records. This information can be used for personal gain, sold on
the dark web, or leveraged for future attacks.
Manipulating or modifying data: Hackers might manipulate or modify data within the
compromised system to achieve specific objectives. This could involve altering records,
planting false information, or sabotaging critical data to cause harm or disrupt
operations.
Installing additional malware: Hackers may introduce additional malware or malicious
tools within the compromised system to maintain control, gain further access to the
network, or establish a foothold for future attacks. This can include keyloggers, remote
access trojans (RATs), or other forms of malware.
Removing or modifying logs: Hackers attempt to delete or modify log files and system
event records to eliminate any evidence of their presence or activities within the
compromised system. This can help evade detection and hinder forensic analysis
efforts.
Erasing digital footprints: Hackers take steps to erase any digital footprints or artifacts
that could link their activities back to them. This includes deleting temporary files,
clearing browser history, removing traces of command execution, and sanitizing system
logs or activity records.
Covering their tracks: Hackers may employ techniques such as obfuscation, encryption,
or steganography to hide their malicious activities or communications within legitimate-
looking files or data. This makes it harder for security analysts or forensic investigators
to identify their actions.
The post-exploitation and covering tracks phase is crucial for hackers to achieve their
objectives while minimizing the chances of being detected or traced back to their activities. It
is important to note that these activities are illegal and unethical when performed without
proper authorization. Ethical hackers work within a legal and authorized framework, where
their objective is to identify vulnerabilities, assist in remediation, and improve system security
rather than causing harm or engaging in malicious activities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, system hacking is a complex process that involves various phases, including
planning and reconnaissance, scanning and enumeration, vulnerability analysis, exploitation,
privilege escalation, maintaining access, post-exploitation, and covering tracks. Hackers
employ a combination of technical skills, tools, and techniques to gain unauthorized access to
systems, manipulate data, and achieve their objectives.
However, it’s important to note that system hacking is illegal and unethical when performed
without proper authorization. Ethical hacking, conducted within a legal and authorized
framework, focuses on identifying vulnerabilities, assisting in remediation, and improving
system security.
To protect against system hacking, individuals should take human precautions such as using
strong and unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping software up to
date, being cautious of phishing attempts, using secure networks, backing up data, adjusting
social media privacy settings, staying informed about cybersecurity, and utilizing antivirus
and firewall protection.
By implementing these precautions, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of falling
victim to system hacking and enhance their overall cybersecurity defenses. It’s essential to
remain vigilant, continuously educate oneself about evolving threats, and stay proactive in
safeguarding personal information and digital assets from potential malicious activities.
Rocky
Rocky is a versatile author sharing in-depth tutorials on web development, AI, and ethical
hacking. Unlock new possibilities and expand your knowledge with Rocky's empowering
content.
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