# Windows Privilege Escalation Check Using windows-privesc-check$
## Section 1: Installation and Configuration on Kali Linux
### What is windows-privesc-check$?
`windows-privesc-check$` is a powerful post-exploitation tool used to identify potential privilege escalation vectors in Windows environments. By running this tool, penetration testers can gather information about misconfigurations, token permissions, and other weaknesses that may allow non-privileged users to escalate their privileges to those of an administrator.
### Installation on Kali Linux
Before using `windows-privesc-check$`, ensure that you have Kali Linux installed and updated. You can install it on a virtual machine or a physical server.
#### Step 1: Update your System
First, ensure that your Kali Linux installation is up to date. Open a terminal and run the following commands:
"`bash
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
"`
#### Step 2: Install Required Dependencies
`windows-privesc-check$` requires several dependencies to run correctly. Make sure the following packages are installed:
"`bash
sudo apt install wget unzip
"`
#### Step 3: Downloading windows-privesc-check$
You can download `windows-privesc-check$` directly from its GitHub repository. Use the following command:
"`bash
wget https://github.com/GoogleCloudPlatform/windows-privesc-check/archive/refs/heads/master.zip
"`
#### Step 4: Extract the Downloaded Archive
Once downloaded, extract the contents of the ZIP file:
"`bash
unzip master.zip
"`
This will create a new directory called `windows-privesc-check-master`.
#### Step 5: Navigate to the Tool's Directory
Change into the newly created directory:
"`bash
cd windows-privesc-check-master
"`
### Configuration of windows-privesc-check$
`windows-privesc-check$` is primarily a PowerShell script designed for Windows environments. Since you will be using it against a target Windows machine, ensure you have the required access.
#### Step 1: Transfer the Script to the Target Machine
You can use tools like `scp`, `wget`, or `curl` to transfer the `windows-privesc-check.ps1` script to your target Windows machine. Here's an example using `scp`:
"`bash
scp windows-privesc-check.ps1 user@target-ip:C:pathtodestination
"`
Replace `user`, `target-ip`, and the destination path as necessary.
### Step 2: Configuring Execution Policy
Before running PowerShell scripts on Windows, you need to ensure that the execution policy allows script execution. Use the following command in an elevated PowerShell prompt:
"`powershell
Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser
"`
## Step-by-Step Usage of windows-privesc-check$
Now that `windows-privesc-check$` is installed and configured, you can proceed with its usage.
### Step 1: Running the Script
To execute `windows-privesc-check$`, open an elevated PowerShell window (Run as Administrator) on the target machine and navigate to the directory where you saved the script. Run the following command:
"`powershell
.windows-privesc-check.ps1
"`
### Step 2: Analyzing the Output
After the script runs, it will provide a detailed report on potential privilege escalation vectors. The output will include sections such as:
– **User Privileges**: Analyzes the current user privileges and token information.
– **Permissions**: Checks for misconfigured ACLs (Access Control Lists) on sensitive files and directories.
– **Installed Software**: Lists installed software and their known vulnerabilities.
– **Scheduled Tasks**: Identifies scheduled tasks that could be exploited.
### Real-World Use Cases
1. **Misconfigured User Privileges**: A user might have permissions over sensitive directories or files that could allow them to gain elevated privileges.
2. **Exploiting Installed Software**: If a software package has a known vulnerability, an attacker can leverage it to escalate privileges.
3. **Abusing Scheduled Tasks**: Scheduled tasks running with elevated privileges can be abused by replacing their executable with malicious code.
For example, if the script identifies a scheduled task that runs as an administrator, an attacker could create a payload to execute when that task runs.
## Detailed Technical Explanations
### Understanding Privilege Escalation Techniques
Privilege escalation can be broadly classified into two categories: **Vertical escalation** and **Horizontal escalation**.
– **Vertical Escalation**: This involves gaining higher access levels (e.g., from a standard user to an administrator).
– **Horizontal Escalation**: This involves gaining access to accounts or resources of users with the same privilege level.
The `windows-privesc-check$` tool focuses more on vertical escalation by uncovering vulnerabilities that could allow a lower-privileged user to perform administrative functions.
### Key Vulnerabilities Identified by windows-privesc-check$
– **Service Misconfigurations**: Services running with high privileges might use files or folders that are writable by low-privileged users.
– **Insecure Registry Keys**: Some registry keys can be manipulated to change program behavior or security settings.
– **Weak ACLs on Executables**: If an executable is writable by a non-privileged user, it could be replaced with a malicious version.
### External Reference Links
For deeper insights into Windows privilege escalation techniques, refer to the following resources:
– [Windows Privilege Escalation – Offensive Security](https://www.offensive-security.com/knowledge-base/windows-privilege-escalation/)
– [Microsoft Security Documentation](https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/security/)
– [CVE Details – Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures](https://www.cvedetails.com/)
## Code Examples in Markdown Code Blocks for WordPress
To embed code snippets in your WordPress blog efficiently, you can use the following format:
"`markdown
"`powershell
# This is a PowerShell script example
Get-LocalGroupMember -Group "Administrators"
"`
"`
Make sure to adjust your WordPress settings to allow appropriate code formatting.
### Conclusion
The `windows-privesc-check$` tool is an essential asset for ethical hackers and penetration testers focusing on Windows environments. Proper installation, configuration, and understanding of its output can significantly enhance your ability to identify and exploit privilege escalation vectors.
With the information provided in this section, you should now have a solid foundation for using `windows-privesc-check$` in your pentesting toolkit.
—
Made by pablo rotem / פבלו רותם