🔒 A comprehensive cybersecurity portfolio demonstrating advanced penetration testing methodologies
Developed during the ShadowFox Cybersecurity Internship Program | Batch: October B1
🎯 View Projects • 🛠️ Tools Arsenal • 📊 Security Analysis • 🎓 Certifications
This repository showcases a comprehensive penetration testing portfolio developed during the prestigious ShadowFox Cybersecurity Internship. The collection demonstrates mastery of ethical hacking methodologies, vulnerability assessment techniques, and advanced exploitation strategies across multiple security domains.
| 🎯 Skill Level | 🔍 Projects | 💥 Vulnerabilities | ⚡ Max CVSS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🟢 Beginner | 3 | 9 | 7.5 |
| 🟡 Intermediate | 3 | 8 | 8.2 |
| 🔴 Advanced | 1 | 4 | 7.2 |
🔍 Project 1: Advanced Port Scanning & Reconnaissance
🎯 Target Environment: http://testphp.vulnweb.com/
🔍 Objective: Comprehensive port scanning and security posture assessment
| Discovery | Details | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 🌐 Open Port | HTTP (80) | |
| 📍 IP Address | 44.228.249.3 (AWS) | 🔍 Reconnaissance |
| 🔒 Encryption | None (HTTP) | 🚨 High Risk |
🛠️ Tools Deployed:
- Nmap - Network discovery and security auditing
- Kali Linux - Primary penetration testing platform
🚨 Critical Findings:
- ❌ Unencrypted HTTP traffic - Susceptible to eavesdropping
⚠️ Exposed web services - Potential attack vectors- 🎯 Attack Surface - XSS, SQL injection, CSRF vulnerabilities
📊 Risk Assessment: Medium to High (5-7/10)
📁 Project 2: Directory Enumeration & Hidden Path Discovery
🎯 Target Environment: http://testphp.vulnweb.com/
🔍 Objective: Discover hidden directories and sensitive file exposure
🔍 Critical Discoveries:
| Path | Function | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
/admin/ |
Administrative interface | 🔴 Critical |
/CVS/ |
Version control exposure | 🟡 Medium |
/cgi-bin/ |
CGI script directory | 🟠 High |
/crossdomain.xml |
Cross-domain policy | 🟡 Medium |
🛠️ Arsenal Used:
- Gobuster - High-speed directory enumeration
- SecLists - Comprehensive wordlist collection
📊 CVSS Score: 7.5 (High Severity)
🌐 Project 3: Network Traffic Interception & MITM Analysis
🎯 Target Environment: http://testphp.vulnweb.com/
🔍 Objective: Credential interception via network traffic analysis
⚔️ Attack Methodology:
- Attack Type: Man-in-the-Middle (MITM)
- Vector: Unencrypted HTTP transmission
- Impact: Complete credential compromise
🛠️ Technical Stack:
- Wireshark - Network protocol analysis
- Kali Linux - Attack platform
- Firefox - Traffic generation
📊 Impact Assessment: High severity due to plaintext transmission
🔐 Project 1: Advanced Cryptographic Analysis & Hash Cracking
🎯 Objective: VeraCrypt encrypted file decryption challenge
**🔍 Attack Methodology:
🎖️ TryHackMe: Complete Penetration Testing Methodology
🎯 Challenge: TryHackMe Basic Pentesting Room - Complete CTF Walkthrough
🏆 Results Achieved:
- 🔓 Cracked Password:
password123 - 🎯 Secret Code:
never giveup - 📊 CVSS Score: 7.5 (High)
🛠️ Tools Utilized:
- hash-identifier - Hash type detection
- Hashcat - GPU-accelerated password cracking
- VeraCrypt - Encrypted volume access
🔧 Project 2: PE File Analysis & Binary Exploitation
🎯 Objective: Portable Executable (PE) file structure analysis
🔍 Technical Analysis:
| Component | Value | Attack Vector |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Point | 004237B0 |
PE Header Manipulation |
| Architecture | x86/x64 | Binary Exploitation |
| Severity | High (7.5) | System Compromise |
🛠️ Analysis Platform:
- PE Explorer - Binary structure analysis
- Windows 11 - Target environment
💀 Project 3: Metasploit Payload Engineering & Remote Access
🎯 Objective: Advanced payload creation and remote system compromise
🏆 Mission Accomplished:
- ✅ Meterpreter Session - Full remote control established
- 🎯 System Compromise - Complete administrative access
- 📊 CVSS Score: 8.2 (Critical)
🛠️ Technical Arsenal:
- msfvenom - Payload generation
- Apache2 - Delivery mechanism
- Metasploit Framework - Exploitation platform
🎖️ TryHackMe: Complete Penetration Testing Methodology
🎯 Challenge: TryHackMe Basic Pentesting Room - Complete CTF Walkthrough
🎯 Detailed Attack Methodology:
| Phase | Technique | Tools Used | Results | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🔍 Reconnaissance | Network discovery | Nmap, Rustscan | Open ports identified | ℹ️ Intel |
| 📊 Enumeration | Service fingerprinting | Nmap scripts, Manual | SSH, HTTP services | 🔍 Discovery |
| 🔐 Credential Discovery | Username enumeration | Hydra, Custom scripts | Valid usernames | 🎯 Target |
| 💥 Exploitation | SSH brute force | Hydra, Wordlists | Valid credentials | 🚪 Access |
| ⬆️ Privilege Escalation | SUID binary abuse | LinEnum, Manual | Root privileges | 👑 Compromise |
🏆 Mission Intelligence:
| Category | Discovery | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 👥 User Accounts | jan, kay | Account enumeration |
| 🔐 Compromised Credentials | jan:armando | Initial access vector |
| 🎯 Target Flag | heresareallystrongpasswordthatfollowsthepasswordpolicy$$ |
Mission objective |
| 📊 CVSS Score | 7.2 (High) | Critical system compromise |
🔍 Technical Deep Dive:
Phase 1: Reconnaissance & Discovery
- Port Scanning: Comprehensive TCP/UDP port discovery
- Service Detection: Version enumeration and banner grabbing
- OS Fingerprinting: Target system identification
- Vulnerability Assessment: Initial security posture evaluation
Phase 2: Enumeration & Intelligence Gathering
- Service Enumeration: SSH, HTTP, and additional services
- Directory Brute-forcing: Web application structure discovery
- User Enumeration: Valid account identification
- Technology Stack: Framework and software identification
Phase 3: Exploitation & Initial Access
- Credential Attacks: Dictionary-based SSH brute force
- Authentication Bypass: Weak password exploitation
- Session Establishment: Remote shell access
- Foothold Confirmation: Initial system compromise
Phase 4: Privilege Escalation & Full Compromise
- System Enumeration: SUID binary discovery
- Privilege Vectors: Exploitable binary identification
- Root Access: Complete administrative control
- Mission Completion: Flag retrieval and documentation
🛠️ Advanced Technical Arsenal:
| Tool | Purpose | Usage | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nmap | Network reconnaissance | Port scanning, service detection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Hydra | Authentication attacks | SSH credential brute force | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| LinEnum | Privilege escalation | SUID binary enumeration | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Burp Suite | Web application testing | HTTP analysis and manipulation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Custom Scripts | Automation | Targeted enumeration | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
🎯 Key Learning Outcomes:
- Complete Kill Chain: End-to-end penetration testing methodology
- Advanced Reconnaissance: Multi-layered information gathering
- Credential Attacks: Sophisticated brute-force techniques
- Privilege Escalation: SUID binary exploitation mastery
- Professional Reporting: Comprehensive documentation standards
🚨 Security Implications:
- Weak Authentication: Default/simple passwords enable initial access
- Privilege Escalation Vectors: Misconfigured SUID binaries
- Network Exposure: Unnecessary service exposure
- Access Control Failures: Inadequate user privilege management
🔧 Recommended Mitigations:
- Strong Password Policies: Complex password requirements
- Multi-Factor Authentication: Additional authentication layers
- SUID Binary Audit: Regular privilege escalation vector assessment
- Network Segmentation: Service isolation and access control
- Regular Security Audits: Continuous vulnerability assessment
📊 Impact Assessment:
- Confidentiality: Complete system data exposure
- Integrity: Full system modification capabilities
- Availability: Potential for system disruption
- Overall Risk: High (7.2/10 CVSS Score)
🎖️ Advanced Penetration Testing Methodologies Demonstrated
🔍 Comprehensive Testing Framework:
| Methodology | Implementation | Mastery Level |
|---|---|---|
| OWASP Testing Guide | Web application security assessment | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| NIST Cybersecurity Framework | Risk assessment and management | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard) | Structured testing approach | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| OSSTMM (Open Source Security Testing Methodology) | Comprehensive security analysis | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
🎯 Advanced Techniques Mastered:
- Advanced Reconnaissance: OSINT, social engineering, and technical discovery
- Sophisticated Exploitation: Multi-stage attack chains and payload development
- Post-Exploitation: Persistence, lateral movement, and data exfiltration
- Professional Reporting: Executive summaries and technical documentation
| Achievement | Description | Completion Status |
|---|---|---|
| 🎯 Complete Kill Chain | End-to-end penetration testing | ✅ Mastered |
| 🔍 Advanced Reconnaissance | Multi-source intelligence gathering | ✅ Expert |
| 💥 Sophisticated Exploitation | Complex attack vector execution | ✅ Proficient |
| ⬆️ Privilege Escalation | System-level compromise techniques | ✅ Advanced |
| 📋 Professional Reporting | Industry-standard documentation | ✅ Excellent |
| Category | Tool | Purpose | Mastery Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔍 Reconnaissance | Nmap | Network discovery | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 📁 Enumeration | Gobuster | Directory brute-force | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🌐 Network Analysis | Wireshark | Traffic inspection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🔐 Cryptography | Hashcat | Password cracking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 💀 Exploitation | Metasploit | Payload delivery | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| ⚡ Brute Force | Hydra | Authentication attack | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 🔓 Password Recovery | John the Ripper | Hash cracking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Platform | Role | Expertise |
|---|---|---|
| 🐉 Kali Linux | Primary attack platform | Expert |
| 🪟 Windows 7/11 | Target environments | Advanced |
| 📦 VirtualBox | Virtualization | Intermediate |
| Skill Level | Projects | Vulnerabilities | Severity Range | Primary Attack Vectors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🟢 Beginner | 3 | 9 | Medium → High | Unencrypted traffic, directory exposure |
| 🟡 Intermediate | 3 | 8 | High → Critical | Weak encryption, binary manipulation |
| 🔴 Advanced | 1 | 4 | High | Complete system compromise |
| Domain | Recommendations | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| 🌐 Network Security | HTTPS implementation, IDS deployment | 🔴 Critical |
| 🔐 Authentication | MFA, strong password policies | 🔴 Critical |
| ⚙️ System Hardening | Regular patching, service minimization | 🟠 High |
🌐 Network Security Implementation
- ✅ HTTPS Encryption - Implement SSL/TLS across all services
- ✅ Firewall Configuration - Deploy next-generation firewalls
- ✅ Intrusion Detection - Real-time threat monitoring
- ✅ Network Segmentation - Isolate critical systems
🔐 Authentication Security Enhancement
- ✅ Multi-Factor Authentication - Implement MFA across all accounts
- ✅ Password Policies - Enforce complex password requirements
- ✅ Regular Audits - Continuous security assessments
- ✅ Access Controls - Principle of least privilege
⚙️ System Hardening Protocols
- ✅ Patch Management - Automated security updates
- ✅ Service Minimization - Disable unnecessary services
- ✅ Endpoint Protection - Advanced threat detection
- ✅ Backup Strategies - Regular data protection
| Credential | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 🎓 Program | ShadowFox Cybersecurity Internship | ✅ Completed |
| 📅 Batch | October B1 | ✅ Certified |
| 👨💻 Intern | Himangshu Rana | ✅ Active |
| 📆 Year | 2024 | ✅ Current |
| Skill Domain | Proficiency | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 🔍 Network Security | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Port scanning, service enumeration |
| 🌐 Web App Security | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Directory traversal, traffic analysis |
| 🔐 Cryptographic Analysis | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Hash cracking, encryption bypass |
| 💀 System Exploitation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Payload creation, privilege escalation |
| 📝 Professional Documentation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Security reporting standards |
- 🔍 Reconnaissance & Intelligence Gathering
- 📊 Vulnerability Assessment & Analysis
- 💥 Exploitation & Payload Development
- ⬆️ Privilege Escalation Techniques
- 📋 Professional Security Reporting
| Resource | Category | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Nmap Documentation | Network Security | nmap.org |
| OWASP Testing Guide | Web Security | owasp.org |
| Metasploit Framework | Exploitation | metasploit.com |
| TryHackMe Platform | Training | tryhackme.com |
| CVE Database | Vulnerabilities | cve.mitre.org |
🎯 Educational Purpose Only
All penetration testing activities documented in this repository were conducted in controlled environments for educational purposes only. Testing was performed exclusively on authorized systems and designated training platforms.
⚖️ Legal Compliance: All techniques demonstrated should only be used in legal and ethical contexts with proper authorization.
This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.
We welcome contributions, issues, and feature requests! Feel free to check the issues page for open tasks.
📋 How to Contribute:
- 🍴 Fork the repository
- 🌿 Create a feature branch
- 💻 Make your changes
- 📝 Submit a pull request
🎓 Himangshu Rana
ShadowFox Cybersecurity Intern
Batch Code: October B1
🛡️ This repository serves as a comprehensive portfolio showcasing advanced penetration testing methodologies and cybersecurity expertise developed during the ShadowFox internship program.
🎯 "Security is not a product, but a process" - Bruce Schneier