How to Use Nessus: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

In this article, we will explore the world of penetration testing using Nessus, a popular vulnerability scanner. Before we dive into the tutorial, let's set up our lab environment. In the video that accompanies this tutorial, we are working with two machines: Metasploitable-2 as the target host and Backtrack 5-R2 as the test host. Both machines are running on a VirtualBox host-only network.

The first step in setting up our lab is to locate the Metasploitable-2 machine using Nmap. This is a powerful tool that allows us to scan networks and identify hosts. In this case, we use Nmap to find the IP address of the Metasploitable-2 machine, which is 192.168.56.102.

Once we have located the target host, we can begin our penetration test using Nessus. Nessus is a vulnerability scanner that allows us to identify potential vulnerabilities on our target host and exploit them. In this tutorial, we will walk through the phases of a typical pen-test: recon, scanning, exploitation, post-exploitation, and maintaining access.

The first phase of a pen-test is reconnaissance, where we gather information about our target host. We use tools like Nmap to scan the network and identify open ports and services. In this case, we have identified that Metasploitable-2 has several open ports, including port 22, which is running SSH.

The next phase of a pen-test is scanning, where we use Nessus to scan our target host for potential vulnerabilities. Nessus uses a variety of techniques to identify vulnerabilities, including buffer overflows and SQL injection attacks. In this case, we have identified several vulnerabilities on Metasploitable-2, including a vulnerable version of SSH.

The exploitation phase of a pen-test is where we use the information gathered during the scanning phase to exploit the vulnerabilities we have identified. In this case, we will use Nessus to exploit the vulnerable version of SSH and gain access to our target host.

Once we have gained access to our target host, the post-exploitation phase begins. During this phase, we gather more information about our target host and its systems. We can use tools like Nessus to identify potential backdoors or other vulnerabilities that could be exploited.

The final phase of a pen-test is maintaining access, where we ensure that our access to the target host remains stable and secure. In this case, we will use Nessus to maintain our access to Metasploitable-2 and prevent it from being detected by security personnel.

In conclusion, Nessus is a powerful tool for penetration testing that can be used to identify potential vulnerabilities on your target host and exploit them. By following the phases of a typical pen-test, you can gain valuable experience and skills in using Nessus and other tools to conduct penetration tests.

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