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Ethical Hacking: Which Metasploit Module Type Is Designed for Network Scanning and Reconnaissance?

What Are Auxiliary Modules and How Do They Differ from Exploits and Payloads?

Understand the function of Metasploit’s auxiliary modules for tasks like network scanning, service enumeration, and information gathering. Learn the key differences between auxiliary, exploit, payload, and post modules for ethical hacking.

Question

Which Metasploit module type is typically used for scanning networks and gathering information?

A. Auxiliary
B. Payload
C. Exploit
D. Post

Answer

A. Auxiliary

Explanation

Auxiliary modules are used for tasks like scanning, fuzzing, or brute forcing.

Auxiliary modules are a broad category of modules within the Metasploit Framework used for actions that do not involve direct exploitation. Their primary purpose is reconnaissance and information gathering. This includes a wide range of tasks essential for the pre-exploitation phase of a penetration test.

Key uses for auxiliary modules include:

  • Scanning: Port scanning, service version detection, and vulnerability scanning.
  • Fuzzing: Sending malformed data to discover vulnerabilities in protocols or applications.
  • Enumeration: Gathering information about users, shares, and services.
  • Denial of Service (DoS): Testing a system’s resilience to DoS attacks.

The other options represent different stages of an attack:

B. Payload: This is the code that is executed on the target system after an exploit is successful. Its purpose is to give the attacker control, such as opening a command shell or a Meterpreter session.

C. Exploit: This is the code that takes advantage of a specific vulnerability in a system or application to gain unauthorized access. Its goal is to deliver the payload.

D. Post: Post-exploitation modules are used after a system has been successfully compromised. Their purpose is to escalate privileges, pivot to other systems on the network, or exfiltrate data.

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