What Is the Role of a Payload Handler in Metasploit?
Understand the purpose of the payload handler in Metasploit and how it manages incoming connections from exploited systems. Learn how handlers maintain communication between the attacker and the victim after successful exploitation.
Question
What does the “payload handler” in Metasploit do?
A. Listens for and manages incoming connections from payloads
B. Stores payloads for later reuse
C. Encrypts payloads before delivery
D. Executes the exploit on the target
Answer
A. Listens for and manages incoming connections from payloads
Explanation
The handler manages payload communications between attacker and victim.
In Metasploit, the payload handler is a component that listens for and manages incoming connections from payloads deployed on target machines. Once an exploit successfully delivers a payload (such as a reverse shell or Meterpreter), the handler initiates a communication channel and maintains the session between the attacker’s system and the compromised host.
When using payloads like reverse_tcp, the handler waits for the target to connect back. This functionality is typically managed by the multi/handler module, which can handle multiple connections simultaneously. Handlers also manage session stability, reconnection attempts, and payload communication routing.
The other options are incorrect:
B. Stores payloads for later reuse – Metasploit modules store payload definitions, but handlers do not serve as storage mechanisms.
C. Encrypts payloads before delivery – Encryption may be used in certain payloads (like reverse_https), but it’s not the handler’s function.
D. Executes the exploit on the target – Exploits initiate attacks, while the handler only manages the communication after a successful attack.
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