HackTheBox: Professional Challenge Guide

Core Machine Types:

• Boot2Root: Full system compromise (Linux/Windows)
• Challenge: Specific vulnerability exploitation
• Endgame: Multi-domain enterprise simulations

Notable Examples:

• Lame: Samba 3.0.20 exploit (Easy)
• SecNotes: Windows domain exploitation (Medium)
• Active: Active Directory attack chain (Hard)

Pro Tip:

Start with TJ_Null's OSCP-like machines list for exam preparation

Professional Approach:

1. Recon: Nmap, subdomain enumeration
2. Enumeration: Searchsploit, manual testing
3. Exploitation: Custom payload crafting
4. PrivEsc: Kernel exploits, misconfigurations

Command Examples:

# Full port scan with service detection
nmap -p- -sV -sC -T4 10.10.10.10 -oN full_scan.nmap

# Web directory brute-forcing
ffuf -w /usr/share/wordlists/dirb/common.txt -u http://10.10.10.10/FUZZ

# Windows privilege escalation check
winPEASany.exe quiet cmd fast
        

Expert-Level Tactics:

• Active Directory: Kerberoasting, AS-REP roasting
• Buffer Overflows: EIP control, ROP chains
• Web Exploits: Deserialization, SSTI attacks

Machine Walkthroughs:

• Forest: ADCS exploitation (ESC8)
• Buff: Custom stack buffer overflow
• Jeeves: Jenkins deserialization

HTB Academy Integration:

Complete "Attacking Enterprise Networks" module before Endgames

Challenge Types:

• Crypto: RSA, AES, custom algorithms
• Reversing: ELF, PE binary analysis
• Forensics: Memory dumps, packet analysis

Tool Recommendations:

• Ghidra: Advanced decompilation
• CyberChef: Data transformation
• Volatility: Memory forensics

Pro Tip:

Join HTB Discord for challenge-specific hints when stuck