Network Protocol Attacks
Comprehensive guides to exploiting network protocols including SMB, FTP, SSH, RDP, DNS, SMTP, and WebDAV for penetration testing and security assessments.
Overview
Network protocol attacks form the foundation of penetration testing methodology. Understanding how to enumerate, exploit, and pivot through network services is essential for any security professional.
This section covers practical attack techniques against common network protocols you'll encounter during engagements.
Protocol Categories
File Transfer & Sharing
- SMB/CIFS Attacks - Windows file sharing exploitation
- FTP Attacks - File Transfer Protocol weaknesses
- WebDAV Attacks - Web-based file management exploitation
Remote Access
- SSH Attacks - Secure Shell exploitation and pivoting
- RDP Attacks - Remote Desktop Protocol attacks
Infrastructure Services
- DNS Attacks - Domain Name System exploitation
- SMTP Attacks - Email server reconnaissance and exploitation
Database Services
- SQL Attacks - Database protocol exploitation
Attack Methodology
- Service Discovery - Use Nmap to identify open ports and services
- Version Enumeration - Determine software versions for vulnerability matching
- Authentication Testing - Test for weak credentials and misconfigurations
- Exploitation - Leverage identified weaknesses
- Pivoting - Use compromised services for lateral movement
Related Resources
- Nmap Cheatsheet - Essential scanning commands
- Nmap Advanced Guide - NSE scripts and evasion
- Impacket Toolkit - Python-based protocol tools
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