The Art of Pivoting: How Hackers Infiltrate Networks

Have you ever wondered how hackers infiltrate enterprise networks and become the almighty domain admin? In this article, we'll dive deep into the world of cyber espionage and explore the technique that makes it all possible: Pivoting!
Pivoting is a high-stakes game of cat-and-mouse that requires cunning, skill, and a deep understanding of network security. Join us as we embark on a thrilling journey into the world of cybercrime and uncover the secrets of Pivoting!
Understanding Pivoting
Imagine you're a penetration tester hired by Dundler Mifflin to test their security systems. You've managed to infiltrate one of their machines using a phishing email attack. However, you quickly realize that the machine you're currently on is not the one that holds the sensitive information you were hired to find. Now, you could simply throw in the towel and report back to the company that their security is impenetrable. But, that's not what a good ethical hacker does, and you know that. Instead, you begin to pivot.
Pivoting helps a hacker move laterally across a network and gain deeper access to more sensitive information. Think of it like exploring a dungeon in The Legend of Zelda - you start in the first room, and as you solve puzzles and battle monsters, you gain access to the next room. Similarly, with Pivoting, you start with a compromised system, and by "solving security riddles," you gain access to the next machine in the network.
Pivoting Techniques
There are different types of Pivoting techniques that hackers can use to move laterally across a network. One of the most common techniques is Port Forwarding, which allows a hacker to forward traffic from one machine to another within the network. This technique is often used when a hacker has already gained access to a machine that can't be accessed directly from the Internet.
Another technique is SSH Tunneling, which allows a hacker to create an encrypted tunnel between two machines within the network. This technique is often used when a hacker wants to access a machine that is behind a firewall.
Other Pivoting techniques include VPN Tunnels, DNS Tunneling, and HTTP Tunneling. Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages, and hackers often use a combination of techniques to achieve their objectives.
Stages of Pivoting
Pivoting can be divided into four stages: Reconnaissance, Gaining Access, Expanding Access, and Achieving Objectives.
Reconnaissance is the first stage of Pivoting and involves gathering information about the target network. This information can include IP addresses, network topology, and operating systems used by machines within the network.
Gaining Access is the second stage of Pivoting and involves gaining access to a compromised system within the network. This can be achieved through phishing attacks, social engineering, or by exploiting vulnerabilities in software or hardware.
Expanding Access is the third stage of Pivoting and involves using the compromised system to launch attacks on other machines within the network. This can be achieved by using the different Pivoting techniques mentioned earlier.
Achieving Objectives is the final stage of Pivoting and involves achieving the hacker's ultimate goal, which could be stealing sensitive information, installing malware, or causing disruption to the target network.
Protecting Against Pivoting
To protect against Pivoting, it's essential to have a layered security approach. This approach should include firewalls, intrusion detection systems, antivirus software, and regular security audits.
It's also important to ensure that all software and hardware within the network are up-to-date with the latest security patches.