This directory contains resources for the project.
pentest_recordscontains studies on penetration testing with ChatGPT over sample machines (VulnHub, HackTheBox, etc.).example_chat_historycontains the penetration testing records, mostly manual communication between pentester and ChatGPT.HTB_logscontains the testing logs on HTB machine.
Below we show a demo conversation of how PentestGPT solves HTB challenge Templated (a walkthrough is here)
2023-04-23 21:24:26 [user]: I want to test a HTB challenge machine. It is a web challenge, and the target is
139.59.189.117:31877
2023-04-23 21:25:57 [user]: next
2023-04-23 21:26:07 [user]: Source: tool
I performed nmap, and seems like only port 80 is open
2023-04-23 21:26:31 [pentestGPT]: Based on the analysis, the following tasks are recommended:Based on the provided summary, I've analyzed the current situation and updated the to-do list:
1. Reconnaissance
1.1. Nmap scan (Completed)
1.2. Identify web technologies
2. Web Testing
2.1. Nikto
2.2. Gobuster
3. Vulnerability Analysis
3.1. Manual analysis
3.2. Automated tools
4. Exploitation
4.1. Web vulnerabilities
4.2. Remote Code Execution
--------
Next task: Perform a Nikto scan on the target IP (139.59.189.117) and port 80 to identify potential vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in the web server.
----------------------------------------
2023-04-23 21:28:20 [user]: next
2023-04-23 21:28:40 [user]: Source: tool
Nikto shows that the target server is running Python Flask. Other than that, it shows nothing interesting
2023-04-23 21:29:06 [pentestGPT]: Based on the analysis, the following tasks are recommended:Based on the provided summary, I've analyzed the current situation and updated the to-do list:
1. Reconnaissance
1.1. Nmap scan (Completed)
1.2. Identify web technologies (Completed)
2. Web Testing
2.1. Nikto (Completed)
2.2. Gobuster
2.3. Flask-specific tests
3. Vulnerability Analysis
3.1. Manual analysis
3.2. Automated tools
4. Exploitation
4.1. Web vulnerabilities
4.2. Remote Code Execution
--------
Next task: Use Gobuster to perform a directory and file enumeration on the target IP (139.59.189.117) and port 80, searching for hidden endpoints or directories that might expose vulnerabilities.
----------------------------------------
2023-04-23 21:31:48 [user]: next
2023-04-23 21:33:05 [user]: Source: tool
Whatever the directory I keyed in, the response will alwayse be the same, but with a different content like this:
```
<h1>Error 404</h1>
<p>The page '<str><directory></str>' could not be found</p>
```
where <directory> is the directory I keyed in for directory enumeration.
2023-04-23 21:33:31 [pentestGPT]: Based on the analysis, the following tasks are recommended:Based on the provided summary, I've analyzed the current situation and updated the to-do list:
1. Reconnaissance
1.1. Nmap scan (Completed)
1.2. Identify web technologies (Completed)
2. Web Testing
2.1. Nikto (Completed)
2.2. Gobuster (Completed)
2.3. Flask-specific tests
3. Vulnerability Analysis
3.1. Manual analysis
3.1.1. Analyze 404 error message behavior
3.2. Automated tools
4. Exploitation
4.1. Web vulnerabilities
4.2. Remote Code Execution
--------
Next task: Manually analyze the 404 error message behavior by attempting to access non-existent directories with different names and observing if the response remains consistent. This will help determine if the target system is configured to prevent directory enumeration attacks.
----------------------------------------
2023-04-23 21:34:32 [user]: next
2023-04-23 21:34:57 [user]: Source: tool
The response remain constant. For instance, if I access 139.59.189.117:31877/abc, the response is:
<h1>Error 404</h1>
<p>The page '<str>abc</str>' could not be found</p>
2023-04-23 21:35:27 [pentestGPT]: Based on the analysis, the following tasks are recommended:Based on the provided summary, I've analyzed the current situation and updated the to-do list:
1. Reconnaissance
1.1. Nmap scan (Completed)
1.2. Identify web technologies (Completed)
2. Web Testing
2.1. Nikto (Completed)
2.2. Gobuster (Completed)
2.3. Flask-specific tests
2.4. Investigate 404 error message behavior (Completed)
3. Vulnerability Analysis
3.1. Manual analysis
3.2. Automated tools
4. Exploitation
4.1. Web vulnerabilities
4.2. Remote Code Execution
--------
Next task: Conduct Flask-specific tests by looking for common vulnerabilities associated with Flask web applications, such as misconfigured routes, template injection, and insecure deserialization. Use tools like Burp Suite to intercept and modify HTTP requests if needed.
----------------------------------------
2023-04-23 21:37:24 [user]: more
2023-04-23 21:37:24 [user]: more
2023-04-23 21:37:27 [pentestGPT]: Sure! Here are some steps a junior penetration tester can follow to conduct Flask-specific tests:
Step 1: Identify the web application framework being used by reviewing the Nmap scan results or analyzing the HTTP response headers.
Step 2: Use a tool like Burp Suite to intercept and modify HTTP requests to the web application, in order to test for vulnerabilities like misconfigured routes, template injection, and insecure deserialization.
Step 3: Test for misconfigured routes by trying to access different URLs or endpoints that should not be accessible. For example, try accessing URLs like `/admin`, `/debug`, `/secret`, or `/test`.
Step 4: Test for template injection vulnerabilities by inserting malicious code into the input fields or URL parameters of the web application. You can use payloads like `{{7*'7'}}` or `{{config}}` to test for vulnerabilities.
Step 5: Test for insecure deserialization vulnerabilities by sending malicious payloads in serialized form. You can use a tool like ysoserial to generate payloads that exploit various deserialization vulnerabilities.
Step 6: Document all of your findings and report them to the relevant parties, along with recommendations for how to address any vulnerabilities or weaknesses you identify.
Remember to always prioritize safety and respect the boundaries set by the owner or administrator of the target system or network.
----------------------------------------
2023-04-23 21:40:36 [user]: next
2023-04-23 21:51:05 [user]: Source: tool
I think I found a template injection vulenrability here. When I input view-source:http://139.59.189.117:31877/%7B%7B7*'7'%7D%7D, the web page executes the 7*'7', and it is like this:
```
<h1>Error 404</h1>
<p>The page '<str>7777777</str>' could not be found</p>
```
How should I exploit it?
2023-04-23 21:51:38 [pentestGPT]: Based on the analysis, the following tasks are recommended:Based on the provided summary, I've analyzed the current situation and updated the to-do list:
1. Reconnaissance
1.1. Nmap scan (Completed)
1.2. Identify web technologies (Completed)
2. Web Testing
2.1. Nikto (Completed)
2.2. Gobuster (Completed)
2.3. Flask-specific tests (Completed)
2.4. Investigate 404 error message behavior (Completed)
3. Vulnerability Analysis
3.1. Manual analysis
3.2. Automated tools
4. Exploitation
4.1. Web vulnerabilities
4.1.1. Exploit template injection
4.2. Remote Code Execution
--------
Next task: Attempt to exploit the template injection vulnerability by injecting Python code to perform reconnaissance, such as reading sensitive files (e.g., configuration files, source code) or listing directories on the server. Use tools like Burp Suite to intercept and modify HTTP requests if needed.
----------------------------------------
2023-04-23 21:51:42 [user]: more
2023-04-23 21:51:42 [user]: more
2023-04-23 21:51:46 [pentestGPT]: Sure! Here are some steps a junior penetration tester can follow to attempt to exploit the template injection vulnerability and perform reconnaissance:
Step 1: Use Burp Suite or another intercepting proxy tool to capture and modify HTTP requests to the vulnerable endpoint.
Step 2: Identify the location of the injection point in the HTTP request, such as a URL parameter or form input field.
Step 3: Inject a payload that will execute Python code to perform reconnaissance, such as reading sensitive files or listing directories on the server. A sample payload might look like this:
```
{{''.__class__.mro()[1].__subclasses__()[71]('/etc/passwd').read()}}
```
This payload uses the `__subclasses__` method of the `str` class to access the `file` class, which can be used to read files on the server. Replace `'/etc/passwd'` with the path to the file you want to read.
Step 4: Submit the modified HTTP request and check the response for the output of the executed Python code.
Step 5: Document all of your findings and report them to the relevant parties, along with recommendations for how to address any vulnerabilities or weaknesses you identify.
Remember to always prioritize safety and respect the boundaries set by the owner or administrator of the target system or network.
----------------------------------------
2023-04-23 21:53:16 [user]: next
2023-04-23 21:54:12 [user]: Source: tool
I used the payload `{{''.__class__.mro()[1].__subclasses__()[71]('/etc/passwd').read()}}`. However, the page is different from previous result. It shows
```
Not Found
The requested URL was not found on the server. If you entered the URL manually please check your spelling and try again.
```
I doubt that I use the wrong payload. Can you further explain how to generate a valid template injection payload?
2023-04-23 21:54:48 [pentestGPT]: Based on the analysis, the following tasks are recommended:Based on the provided summary, I've analyzed the current situation and updated the to-do list:
1. Reconnaissance
1.1. Nmap scan (Completed)
1.2. Identify web technologies (Completed)
2. Web Testing
2.1. Nikto (Completed)
2.2. Gobuster (Completed)
2.3. Flask-specific tests (Completed)
2.4. Investigate 404 error message behavior (Completed)
3. Vulnerability Analysis
3.1. Manual analysis
3.2. Automated tools
4. Exploitation
4.1. Web vulnerabilities
4.1.1. Exploit template injection
4.1.1.1. Craft a valid template injection payload
4.2. Remote Code Execution
--------
Next task: Research and craft a new template injection payload that might work on the target system. Use various techniques to bypass potential filtering or security mechanisms that might be in place. Once the new payload is ready, attempt the template injection attack again.
----------------------------------------
2023-04-23 21:55:22 [user]: more
2023-04-23 21:55:22 [user]: more
2023-04-23 21:55:26 [pentestGPT]: Sure! Here are some steps a junior penetration tester can follow to research and craft a new template injection payload:
Step 1: Review the findings from previous reconnaissance and vulnerability analysis to identify potential targets for the new template injection payload. This might include configuration files, source code, or other sensitive data.
Step 2: Research common techniques for bypassing template injection filters or security mechanisms. For example, you might try encoding the payload, using different syntax or delimiters, or combining multiple payloads to achieve the desired result.
Step 3: Craft a new template injection payload that targets the identified vulnerability and uses the selected technique for bypassing filters or security mechanisms.
Step 4: Test the new payload using a tool like Burp Suite or manually by submitting the modified HTTP request and checking the response for the output of the executed Python code.
Step 5: If the new payload is successful, document the findings and report them to the relevant parties, along with recommendations for how to address the vulnerability. If not, repeat steps 2-4 with different techniques or targets until a successful payload is found.
Remember to always prioritize safety and respect the boundaries set by the owner or administrator of the target system or network.
----------------------------------------
2023-04-23 21:55:43 [user]: next
2023-04-23 21:57:10 [user]: Source: user-comments
I did some further research， and the valid payload that bypasses the template injection looks like this：
```
{{request.application.__globals__.__builtins__.__import__('os').popen('id').read()}}
```
I now need to capture the flag. What should I do?
2023-04-23 21:57:51 [pentestGPT]: Based on the analysis, the following tasks are recommended:Based on the provided summary, I've analyzed the current situation and updated the to-do list:
1. Reconnaissance
1.1. Nmap scan (Completed)
1.2. Identify web technologies (Completed)
2. Web Testing
2.1. Nikto (Completed)
2.2. Gobuster (Completed)
2.3. Flask-specific tests (Completed)
2.4. Investigate 404 error message behavior (Completed)
3. Vulnerability Analysis
3.1. Manual analysis
3.2. Automated tools
4. Exploitation
4.1. Web vulnerabilities
4.1.1. Exploit template injection (Completed)
4.2. Remote Code Execution
5. Capture the Flag
5.1. Identify the flag file or location
5.2. Use the template injection vulnerability to read the flag
--------
Next task: Identify the flag file or location on the target system. It's often stored in a file called "flag.txt" or similar. Once identified, use the template injection vulnerability with an adapted payload to read the content of the flag file. Note that the exploitation should be performed only if it's authorized and part of the educational challenge.
----------------------------------------
2023-04-23 21:57:55 [user]: more
2023-04-23 21:57:55 [user]: more
2023-04-23 21:57:59 [pentestGPT]: Sure! Here are some steps a junior penetration tester can follow to identify the flag file or location on the target system and use the template injection vulnerability to read its content:
Step 1: Review the findings from previous reconnaissance and vulnerability analysis to identify potential targets for the flag file or location. This might include configuration files, source code, or other sensitive data.
Step 2: Use the template injection vulnerability to execute Python code that will read the content of the flag file. A sample payload might look like this:
```
{{''.__class__.mro()[1].__subclasses__()[71]('path/to/flag/file').read()}}
```
Replace `path/to/flag/file` with the actual path to the flag file or location on the target system.
Step 3: Submit the modified HTTP request and check the response for the output of the executed Python code. The response should contain the content of the flag file.
Step 4: Document the findings and report them to the relevant parties, along with any recommendations for addressing the vulnerability or improving the security of the target system.
Remember to always prioritize safety and respect the boundaries set by the owner or administrator of the target system or network, and only perform the exploitation if it's authorized and part of the educational challenge.
----------------------------------------
2023-04-23 21:58:16 [user]: discuss
2023-04-23 21:58:16 [pentestGPT]: Please share your thoughts/questions with PentestGPT.
----------------------------------------
2023-04-23 21:58:21 [user]: Thanks. I get the flag:D
2023-04-23 21:58:42 [pentestGPT]: Congratulations on successfully capturing the flag in this educational challenge! I hope that the experience provided valuable learning and insight into penetration testing techniques and methodologies. Based on your achievement, I've updated the to-do list:
1. Reconnaissance (Completed)
2. Web Testing (Completed)
3. Vulnerability Analysis (Completed)
4. Exploitation (Completed)
5. Capture the Flag (Completed)
--------
As you have completed the challenge, there are no further tasks for this specific scenario. However, you can continue to develop your penetration testing skills by participating in additional educational challenges, attending workshops, and staying up-to-date with the latest security research and best practices. Always remember to engage in ethical hacking and ensure you have proper authorization when testing systems.
Good luck in your future endeavors!
----------------------------------------
2023-04-23 21:58:47 [user]: quit
2023-04-23 21:58:47 [pentestGPT]: Thank you for using PentestGPT!
----------------------------------------