How to Set Up a Lab for Pen Tests Using Metasploit and Termux

How to Set Up a Lab for Pen Tests Using Metasploit and Termux square
How to Set Up a Lab for Pen Tests Using Metasploit and Termux

Pen tests, or penetration tests, are critical in assessing the security posture of systems, networks, and applications. By simulating cyber-attacks, pen tests reveal vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. For cybersecurity professionals and ethical hackers, having a secure and controlled environment for conducting these tests is essential.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to transform your Android device into a mobile penetration testing lab using Termux and Metasploit. Termux, a powerful terminal emulator for Android, combined with Metasploit’s vast collection of exploits and scanning tools, creates a flexible platform for conducting pen tests anywhere. This setup allows you to practice offensive security techniques, develop exploits, and learn how to secure systems in a controlled environment. Whether you’re just getting started in penetration testing or are a seasoned security expert, this guide will help you create and secure your pen testing lab on the go.


Table of Contents


Installing Metasploit in Termux for Pen Tests

To start conducting pen tests on your mobile device, you’ll first need to install Metasploit in Termux.

Here’s how to get Metasploit up and running:

Update Packages: Make sure your Termux environment is up to date by running:

pkg update && pkg upgrade

Install Metasploit:Install Metasploit using the following commands:

pkg install unstable-repo pkg install metasploit

Launch Metasploit: After installation, start Metasploit by typing:

msfconsole

Now that Metasploit is installed, you’re ready to start using it for various pen tests and vulnerability assessments. For more detailed installation steps, check out this comprehensive guide on installing Metasploit in Termux.


Setting Up Virtual Machines as Vulnerable Targets

No pen testing lab is complete without vulnerable machines to practice on. Virtual machines (VMs) provide an isolated environment where you can run pen tests safely, without affecting real-world systems.

Some commonly used virtual machines for penetration testing include:

  • Metasploitable: A deliberately vulnerable Linux VM designed for testing Metasploit.
  • DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web Application): A web application full of vulnerabilities designed for pen tests.

To set up these virtual machines:

  1. Download and install the virtual machine on a PC or server.
  2. Connect your Android device (running Termux) to the same network.
  3. Use Termux to target these virtual machines with Metasploit for practice.

Using a virtual machine as a vulnerable target will give you real-world-like scenarios to test your skills and tools. For more options on setting up vulnerable systems, check out VulnHub, which provides a variety of downloadable virtual machines designed specifically for pen tests.


Securing Your Lab for Ethical Pen Tests

When running pen tests, it’s crucial to maintain security and control over your testing environment. A poorly secured lab can lead to unintended consequences, such as affecting other networks or leaking sensitive data. Follow these tips to ensure your pen testing lab is safe and isolated:

  1. Network Isolation: Make sure your lab is completely isolated from production environments. This can be done by setting up a separate network or using virtual local area networks (VLANs) to contain your tests. Network isolation prevents unintended damage during pen tests.
  2. Use a VPN: If you plan to access your lab remotely, always use a VPN to secure the connection. This ensures your data is encrypted and inaccessible to unauthorized users.
  3. Regular Backups: Regularly back up your virtual machines and testing environment. Should an exploit or test break your system, you can quickly restore the lab to its previous state without losing progress.

Securing your lab is essential for responsible testing. For more detailed steps on hardening your environment, check out our guide on Tips for Securing Your Termux Environment.


Running Pen Tests with Metasploit in Termux

Once your lab is set up and secured, you can begin conducting pen tests. With Metasploit in Termux, you have access to a wide array of auxiliary scanners, exploits, and payloads. Here’s how you can start:

Network Scanning:Use Metasploit’s auxiliary scanner modules to map out networks and discover potential vulnerabilities. For example, to scan a target’s open ports, use:

use auxiliary/scanner/portscan/tcp 
set RHOSTS <target_ip>
run 

This will scan the target machine for open ports that could be used for further exploitation.

Choosing an Exploit:After identifying vulnerable services, search for relevant exploits. For example, to target an Apache server, you can use:

search apache 

This will display a list of Metasploit modules specifically designed to exploit known vulnerabilities in Apache servers.

Running an Exploit:After choosing an exploit, you’ll need to configure it with the appropriate options and then execute it:

use exploit/unix/ftp/vsftpd_234_backdoor 
set RHOST <target_ip> 
run 

This will attempt to exploit the vulnerability and provide you with access to the target machine.

For a deeper dive into scanning and exploiting systems, refer to our guide on Performing Basic Network Scans with Nmap in Termux and Using Nmap for Advanced Scanning Techniques in Termux.


Conclusion

Building a secure lab for pen tests using Metasploit and Termux provides you with a portable, flexible platform to practice ethical hacking. By isolating your testing environment and using the power of Metasploit’s modules, you can safely identify vulnerabilities and test defenses. Always ensure your tests are conducted responsibly and only target systems for which you have explicit permission.

For more resources on ethical hacking and penetration testing, visit the OWASP Web Security Testing Guide and our Termux Ethical Hacking Archive for additional tutorials.

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