Empire is a popular post-exploitation tool for Windows, Linux, and macOS. This article addresses all key aspects of this framework, including its most frequently used functions. Even if you are a seasoned pentester, you will likely find something new and useful in this material.

PWN challenges are my favorite tasks at CTF contests. Such tasks effectively train you in real-life code analysis, while their write-ups usually describe all fine details, even those already addressed by other authors. Today, I will explain how to solve a task named “Useless Crap” by its author (it’s available on TG:HACK 2020). The author estimates its difficulty as hard. The task is very challenging indeed, and it took me almost twelve hours to complete it at the contest.

Windows-based systems are significantly more resistant against MITM attacks in comparison with Linux-based ones. The reason is simple: Windows does not include a handy mechanism to forward transit packets. Today, I will explain how to use a minimalist Linux system running on a virtual machine as a gateway. The attack also involves bridged network interfaces that grant the guest OS full L2 access to the network segment where the compromised Windows system is located. The VM will be deployed using VirtualBox.