🗄️Exploiting FTP - Linux

Exploiting FTP

  • FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a protocol that uses TCP port 21 and is used to facilitate file sharing between a server and client/clients.

  • It is also frequently used as a means of transferring files to and from the directory of a web server.

  • FTP authentication requires a username and password combination. As a result, we can perform a brute-force attack on the FTP server in order to identify legitimate credentials.

  • In some cases, FTP servers may be configured to allow anonymous access, which consequently allows anyone to access to the FTP server without providing any legitimate credentials.

Attack Flow for Exploiting FTP Service with Hydra

1. Gather Credentials

Objective: Prepare lists of potential usernames and passwords for the brute-force attack.

Description: Create two text files:

  • Username List: A file with possible usernames for the FTP service.

  • Password List: A file with potential passwords for the FTP service.

2. Perform a Brute-Force Attack on FTP Service

Objective: Execute a brute-force attack to find valid FTP credentials.

Tool: Hydra

Command:

hydra -L <username_list_path> -P <pass_list_path> <target> ftp

Description: This command tells Hydra to perform a brute-force attack against the FTP service on the target system.

  • -L <username_list_path>: Path to the file containing a list of usernames.

  • -P <pass_list_path>: Path to the file containing a list of passwords.

  • <target>: IP address or hostname of the FTP server.

  • ftp: Specifies the FTP service for Hydra to target.

4. Access the FTP Service

Objective: Use the obtained credentials to access the FTP server.

Tool: FTP Client (e.g., ftp command, FileZilla)

Command:

ftp <target>

Description: Connect to the FTP server using the valid credentials found from the Hydra brute-force attack.

5. Explore the FTP Server

Objective: Investigate the FTP server for sensitive files or information.

Tool: FTP Client Commands (e.g., ls, cd, get, put)

Description: Use FTP client commands to navigate directories, download files, or upload data on the FTP server.

Example Commands:

  • List files: ls

  • Change directory: cd <directory>

  • Download file: get <filename>

  • Upload file: put <filename>




Hacker's Mantra:I really didn’t understand why hackers would want to hack into a classroom. Are they going to learn algebra? Maybe calculus? - Eric Yuan

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