Are you ready aliens htb write up for a cool journey into the world of hacking? Today, we’re diving into an “aliens HTB write up.” This is all about solving puzzles and uncovering secrets on the Hack The Box (HTB) platform. If you love adventures and learning new tech tricks, you’ll enjoy this write-up!
In this blog post, we’ll break down how to tackle the “aliens HTB” challenge step by step. You’ll find out what tools to use, how to solve tricky problems, and how to unlock all the secrets. So, let’s get started on this awesome hacking adventure together!
What Is Aliens HTB?
The “aliens HTB” challenge is a part of Hack The Box, a platform where you can practice your hacking skills. In this challenge, you’ll need to find and exploit vulnerabilities in a virtual machine. It’s like a game where you’re a detective trying to solve a mystery!
In this HTB challenge, you’ll be looking for clues and testing different methods to gain access to hidden parts of the machine. The goal is to learn how to find weaknesses and use them to your advantage. It’s a great way to improve your hacking skills and have fun at the same time.
To start, you’ll need some basic tools and knowledge about how to approach these types of challenges. Don’t worry if you’re new—this write-up will guide you through every step. So, let’s explore the “aliens HTB” challenge and see what it’s all about!
Getting Started with HTB Challenges
Before jumping into the “aliens HTB write up,” let’s talk about getting started with HTB challenges. First, you need to create an account on the Hack The Box platform. It’s free and easy to sign up. Once you’re in, you can start exploring different challenges.
The “aliens” challenge is a great place to begin. It has a mix of easy and tricky parts that are perfect for learning. Start by scanning the machine to find open ports and services. This will give you clues about where to look next.
Remember, every HTB challenge is a learning opportunity. Take your time and don’t rush. If you get stuck, you can always refer back to this write-up for help. So, let’s get started and see how you can solve the “aliens HTB” challenge!
Initial Scan and Finding Open Ports
The first step in the “aliens HTB write up” is scanning the machine to find open ports. This helps us know what services are running and where to focus our efforts. Use tools like Nmap to scan the target machine and list the open ports.
In this challenge, you’ll find ports like 22 (for SSH), 80 (for a web server), and 9000 (for another web service). Each port can give you clues about different parts of the machine. For example, port 80 might lead you to a website, while port 9000 could be a place to find more hidden information.
Once you have the list of open ports, you can start exploring them. Check out the websites and services running on these ports to find vulnerabilities. This is the beginning of our journey in the “aliens” HTB challenge!
Exploring the Website on Port 80
Port 80 is often used for web servers, and in the “aliens HTB write up,” it’s where we start exploring. Open your browser and visit the website running on port 80. Look for interesting features, like search bars or login forms, that might be vulnerable.
On this website, you’ll see a search bar and a long table with records. Try using the search bar to look for weaknesses. In this case, the website uses JavaScript to display data, so there’s no SQL injection vulnerability. This means we need to look somewhere else.
Next, check the source code of the website. Sometimes, you can find hidden files or directories that might be useful. For instance, we found a directory called /backup, which could contain important information. Keep exploring to find more clues!
Searching for Vulnerabilities in the Web App
In the “aliens HTB write up,” finding vulnerabilities is key to solving the challenge. After exploring the website, it’s time to dig deeper. Look for hidden directories and files that might reveal sensitive information.
Using tools like Gobuster, you can perform directory busting to find interesting paths on the server. For example, the /backup directory was crucial in this challenge. It contained a file called mysql.bak with valuable information like database credentials.
Keep searching for vulnerabilities by testing different methods and checking for hidden files. Each discovery brings you closer to solving the “aliens” HTB challenge. Stay curious and keep exploring!
Using Gobuster for Directory Busting
Directory busting is an essential part of the “aliens HTB write up.” This technique helps you find hidden directories and files on the target machine. Gobuster is a powerful tool for this task. It scans the server and lists all the directories it finds.
In this challenge, Gobuster helped us discover the /backup directory. This directory contained a file with sensitive information that we needed. Using Gobuster is a great way to uncover hidden parts of the web application.
Remember to be patient and methodical when using Gobuster. It might take some time to find valuable directories, but it’s worth the effort. Keep scanning and exploring to find all the hidden treasures in the “aliens” HTB challenge!
Discovering the /backup Directory
In the “aliens HTB write up,” discovering the /backup directory was a big breakthrough. This directory often contains old or backup files that might include sensitive information. Once you find it, check the files inside for useful data.
In this case, the /backup directory had a file named mysql.bak. This file contained the database username and password. With this information, we could access phpMyAdmin, a web-based tool for managing databases.
Be careful when accessing backup files. They can sometimes contain important information that can help you solve the challenge. Keep an eye out for these files as you explore the “aliens” HTB challenge!
Accessing Sensitive Files: mysql.bak
The mysql.bak file found in the /backup directory was crucial in the “aliens HTB write up.” This file contained sensitive information like database credentials. With these credentials, we could log in to phpMyAdmin and start exploring the database.
To access phpMyAdmin, use the credentials from mysql.bak and log in through the web interface. Once inside, you can perform different actions, like running SQL queries to upload files or execute commands. This step is important for gaining further access to the target machine.
Always handle sensitive files with care. They can provide valuable information for solving the challenge. In the “aliens” HTB write up, accessing these files was a key step in our journey!
Working with phpMyAdmin on Port 9000
Port 9000 in the “aliens HTB write up” is where we found phpMyAdmin. This tool allows you to manage databases through a web interface. Once you have the credentials from mysql.bak, you can log in and start working with the database.
In phpMyAdmin, you can run SQL queries to perform various tasks. For example, you can upload a reverse shell to gain access to the target machine. This step is crucial for exploiting the vulnerabilities you’ve discovered.
Make sure to explore all the features of phpMyAdmin. It can be a powerful tool for managing and manipulating data. In the “aliens” HTB challenge, phpMyAdmin played a significant role in our success!
Uploading a Reverse Shell: How to Do It
Uploading a reverse shell is an important part of the “aliens HTB write up.” A reverse shell allows you to execute commands on the target machine. To upload one, use an SQL query in phpMyAdmin. This query will write the reverse shell file to the server.
To do this, you’ll need to use the INTO OUTFILE command in SQL. Specify the path where you want to upload the file. If you’re unsure of the path, try different Linux directories like /var/www/html. Once the file is uploaded, you can access it through your browser.
After uploading the reverse shell, set up a listener on your attacking machine to catch the connection. This will give you an interactive shell to execute commands on the target machine. Uploading a reverse shell is a key step in the “aliens” HTB challenge!
Finding the Right Path for File Uploads
Finding the correct path for uploading files is a crucial part of the “aliens HTB write up.” When you’re working with a reverse shell, you need to choose a directory where you have write permissions. In this challenge, /var/www/html was the right choice.
To find a writable directory, you can try uploading a test file to different locations. For example, try directories like /var/www or /tmp. If you receive a “permission denied” error, you’ll need to choose a different path.
Once you find the correct path, you can upload your malicious PHP file and execute it. This will give you access to the target machine. Finding the right path is essential for success in the “aliens” HTB challenge!
Setting Up a Reverse Shell Connection
Setting up a reverse shell connection is an exciting part of the “aliens HTB write up.” After uploading your reverse shell file, you need to set up a listener on your attacking machine. This listener will catch the connection from the target machine.
Use a tool like Netcat (nc) to start the listener. Make sure you specify the correct port and IP address. Once the listener is set up, execute the reverse shell file on the target machine by accessing it through your browser.
With the reverse shell connection established, you’ll have an interactive shell on the target machine. This allows you to run commands and explore the system. Setting up the reverse shell is a key step in solving the “aliens” HTB challenge!
Escalating Privileges: Finding SUID Files
Privilege escalation is an important step in the “aliens HTB write up.” Once you have a reverse shell, you need to find ways to gain higher privileges on the target machine. One method is to look for SUID files, which can be used to execute commands with elevated permissions.
SUID files are special files that allow users to run them with the privileges of the file owner, usually root. Check the /usr/bin directory for files with the SUID bit set. In this challenge, files like /usr/bin/bwrap and /usr/bin/date were worth investigating.
Use tools like GTFObins to find ways to exploit these files for privilege escalation. This will help you gain higher access levels on the target machine. Privilege escalation is a crucial part of the “aliens” HTB challenge!
Using GTFObins for Privilege Escalation
GTFObins is a helpful resource for privilege escalation in the “aliens HTB write up.” It lists various binaries and their known exploits. By using GTFObins, you can find ways to exploit SUID files to gain root access on the target machine.
In the challenge, we found SUID files like /usr/bin/date. Using GTFObins, we learned how to exploit this file to read protected files, such as /etc/shadow. This allowed us to brute-force passwords and gain higher privileges.
Always use GTFObins to explore potential exploits for SUID files. It’s a valuable tool for finding ways to escalate your privileges. In the “aliens” HTB challenge, GTFObins played a key role in our success!
Scanning the Target Machine
The first step in the “aliens HTB write up” is scanning the target machine to identify open ports and services. Scanning helps you understand what is running on the machine and where to focus your efforts. Tools like Nmap are perfect for this task. They provide valuable information about which ports are open and what services are listening on those ports.
In the “aliens” challenge, you’ll find that the target machine has ports 22, 80, and 9000 open. Port 22 is used for SSH, which allows for secure connections. Ports 80 and 9000 are used for web services. By scanning these ports, you can determine which services are available and what kind of vulnerabilities might be present.
Once you have the results of the scan, you can start exploring each open port. For instance, port 80 might host a website, while port 9000 could be running a web application like phpMyAdmin. Understanding these details is crucial for finding and exploiting vulnerabilities in the “aliens” HTB challenge.
Exploring Web Applications and Searching for Vulnerabilities
After scanning the target machine, the next step is to explore the web applications running on the open ports. In the “aliens HTB write up,” you’ll first look at port 80, which is commonly used for web servers. By visiting the website hosted on this port, you can start searching for potential vulnerabilities.
The website on port 80 features a search bar and a long table of records. Initially, you might try common attacks like SQL injection, but in this case, the website uses JavaScript to display data, making SQL injection ineffective. Instead, look for hidden directories or files that might contain sensitive information.
Directory busting is a helpful technique in this process. By using tools like Gobuster, you can discover hidden directories such as /backup. This directory might contain backup files with important data, like database credentials. Exploring and finding such directories is a key part of the “aliens” HTB write up.
Accessing and Using phpMyAdmin
Port 9000 in the “aliens HTB write up” is where phpMyAdmin is running. PhpMyAdmin is a web-based interface for managing MySQL databases. If you’ve found the database credentials, you can log in to phpMyAdmin and start exploring the database.
Once inside phpMyAdmin, you can use SQL queries to perform various tasks. For example, you can upload a reverse shell to the target machine. This involves running a query that writes a PHP file to the server. The reverse shell file will allow you to execute commands on the target machine remotely.
Remember to set up a listener on your own machine to catch the connection from the reverse shell. This listener will enable you to interact with the target machine and execute commands. Accessing phpMyAdmin and using it effectively is crucial for progressing through the “aliens” HTB challenge.
Completing the Challenge and Finding the Final Flag
The final part of the “aliens HTB write up” is finding the last flag and completing the challenge. After gaining root access, you need to locate and read the final flag file, which is usually found in a location like /root or /home/user. This file contains a special string that confirms you’ve successfully solved the challenge.
Reading the final flag is a rewarding experience. It shows that you’ve completed all the steps and learned valuable skills along the way. Congratulations on solving the “aliens” HTB challenge!
Remember to review your steps and see what you’ve learned from the challenge. Each HTB challenge helps you improve your hacking skills and prepares you for more complex tasks in the future. Keep practicing and exploring new challenges to continue growing in the field of cybersecurity.
Conclusion
Congratulations on finishing the “aliens HTB write up” challenge! You’ve learned a lot about scanning, finding vulnerabilities, and gaining access to a target machine. By following each step, you’ve improved your hacking skills and solved an exciting puzzle. Great job!
Remember, every HTB challenge is a chance to learn something new. Keep practicing and exploring more challenges to get even better. The skills you’ve gained from the “aliens” HTB write up will help you in future challenges. Keep up the good work, and happy hacking!