# Cisco Global Exploiter: A Comprehensive Pentest Course – Section 1/5: Installation & Configuration
## Introduction
In this section, we will delve into the intricacies of installing and configuring the popular penetration testing tool, Cisco Global Exploiter (CGE). This tool is instrumental for ethical hackers and penetration testers who aim to exploit vulnerabilities within Cisco devices. The information provided here is crucial for individuals looking to enhance their skills in cybersecurity and ethical hacking.
### What is Cisco Global Exploiter?
Cisco Global Exploiter is a powerful exploitation framework designed specifically for Cisco devices. It is an essential tool for penetration testers and security researchers aiming to identify and exploit security weaknesses. CGE provides automated and manual exploitation capabilities, allowing users to effectively analyze the security posture of Cisco routers and switches.
## Installation on Kali Linux
Kali Linux is a popular penetration testing Linux distribution that comes pre-installed with many security tools, including Cisco Global Exploiter. However, for the latest version and updates, it may be necessary to install CGE manually. The installation process is straightforward and consists of the following steps:
### Step 1: System Prerequisites
Before installing CGE, ensure your Kali Linux system is updated and has the necessary dependencies. Open a terminal and run:
"`bash
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
"`
### Step 2: Installing Dependencies
CGE requires several libraries and tools to function correctly. Install the required dependencies using the following command:
"`bash
sudo apt install python3 python3-pip git
"`
### Step 3: Downloading Cisco Global Exploiter
Clone the Cisco Global Exploiter repository from GitHub. In the terminal, navigate to your preferred directory and run:
"`bash
git clone https://github.com/your-repo/cisco-global-exploiter.git
"`
### Step 4: Installing CGE
Change into the cloned directory and install the required Python packages:
"`bash
cd cisco-global-exploiter
pip3 install -r requirements.txt
"`
### Step 5: Configuration
After installation, you may need to configure CGE to suit your environment. This typically involves editing the configuration files located in the `config` directory. Open the configuration file with a text editor:
"`bash
nano config/config.ini
"`
Ensure the settings match your network environment, including target IP ranges and authentication credentials if needed.
## Step-by-Step Usage of Cisco Global Exploiter
Now that we have installed and configured Cisco Global Exploiter, it is time to explore its functionality through a series of step-by-step usage examples, illustrating real-world scenarios where CGE can be effectively utilized.
### Example 1: Basic Configuration Check
#### Step 1: Launching Cisco Global Exploiter
Launch CGE from the terminal:
"`bash
python3 cge.py
"`
#### Step 2: Checking the Configuration
Use the following command to check the configuration and ensure that the tool is correctly set up:
"`bash
check_config
"`
This will validate the configuration and notify you of any issues.
### Example 2: Scanning for Vulnerabilities
#### Step 1: Target Specification
You can specify targets directly in the terminal or through a configuration file. Here is how to do it via the terminal:
"`bash
./cge.py -t 192.168.1.1
"`
Replace `192.168.1.1` with the IP address of the target Cisco device.
#### Step 2: Running the Vulnerability Scan
To initiate a comprehensive vulnerability scan, use the following command:
"`bash
./cge.py –scan –target 192.168.1.1
"`
CGE will then leverage its database of known vulnerabilities to scan the target.
#### Step 3: Interpreting Results
After the scan completes, you will receive a list of identified vulnerabilities along with their severity ratings. Here is an example output format:
"`
[+] Vulnerability Found: Cisco IOS HTTP Server Authentication Bypass
Severity: High
Description: Allows an attacker to bypass authentication.
[+] Vulnerability Found: Cisco IOS DHCP Relay Authentication Bypass
Severity: Medium
Description: Allows unauthorized access to the DHCP service.
"`
### Example 3: Exploiting a Vulnerability
Once vulnerabilities are identified, you can use CGE to exploit them. Here’s how to exploit a known vulnerability:
#### Step 1: Choosing an Exploit
First, select an exploit based on identified vulnerabilities. For instance, if you have a vulnerability with a known exploit, you can execute:
"`bash
./cge.py –exploit –target 192.168.1.1 –vuln "Cisco IOS HTTP Server Authentication Bypass"
"`
#### Step 2: Executing the Exploit
Upon selecting the appropriate exploit, execute it to gain access or further information about the target system:
"`bash
./cge.py –exploit –target 192.168.1.1 –exec
"`
This action may provide you with a shell or additional access, depending on the vulnerability exploited.
### Real-World Use Cases
Understanding how to use Cisco Global Exploiter with real-world scenarios will enhance your practical knowledge. Here are a couple of use cases:
#### Use Case 1: Network Assessment in a Corporate Environment
A penetration testing team may use CGE to assess a company's network of Cisco devices. By scanning and exploiting vulnerabilities, they can provide in-depth reports that help in implementing stronger security measures.
#### Use Case 2: Compliance Auditing
Companies that must adhere to specific compliance standards can utilize CGE to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in their Cisco infrastructure. This proactive approach ensures they maintain a secure environment and comply with regulations.
### Technical Explanations
Cisco Global Exploiter operates by leveraging known vulnerabilities outlined in various security databases, such as the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) and CVE databases. The exploits often utilize methodologies that target specific services within Cisco devices, such as HTTP, SSH, or SNMP.
For example, many Cisco devices run on a version of IOS that might have misconfigurations allowing attackers to bypass authentication or execute arbitrary commands. Cisco Global Exploiter automates this process, allowing security professionals to focus on analysis rather than manual exploitation.
### External References
For further reading and resources, consider the following links:
– [Cisco Security Advisories](https://tools.cisco.com/security/center/publicationListing.x)
– [Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE)](https://cve.mitre.org/)
– [National Vulnerability Database (NVD)](https://nvd.nist.gov/)
## Conclusion
The installation and configuration of Cisco Global Exploiter on Kali Linux is a fundamental step for cybersecurity professionals aiming to specialize in penetration testing of Cisco devices. By following the outlined steps and understanding the real-world applications of CGE, you will be better equipped to identify and exploit vulnerabilities efficiently.
In the next section, we will delve deeper into advanced techniques and strategies using Cisco Global Exploiter to enhance your penetration testing skills.
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Made by pablo rotem / פבלו רותם