The Ethical Hacker Network - Hacking with Live Linux Distros

don

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Hacking with Live Linux Distros

« on: October 17, 2005, 12:06:42 AM »

We all know that Live Linux distros on a single CD are a great way to evaluate & learn Linux, but they also make for a great tool for you ethical hackers out there to do some penetration testing on your own netorks. Check out some of the Live Distros listed below (in alphabetical order) specifically created for this purpose:

F.I.R.E. Forensic and Incident Response Environment Bootable CD
http://biatchux.dmzs.com/

L.A.S. Linux. Live-CD security toolkit.
http://www.localareasecurity.com/

PHLAK: a modular live security Linux distribution.
http://www.phlak.org/modules/news/

WHAX: White Hat SLAX
http://www.iwhax.net

Share your thoughts,
Don


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Goders

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Re: Hacking with Live Linux Distros

« Reply #1 on: January 01, 2006, 06:01:25 PM »

Question, with Live Linux distros, you dont even have to install anything or what? How do they work? I have tried installing Linux in this computer many times, but all to no good. I can install it easily if I run VirtualPC, but that is it. Would a Live Linux be a good alternative?


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don

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Re: Hacking with Live Linux Distros

« Reply #2 on: January 01, 2006, 06:22:13 PM »

All you do is insert the CD of the live Linux distro of your choice, and then boot to that CD.

If you want to play with Linux or use some of its features without having to lose your Windows installation, then it is a great choice. Especially if you just want to play with Linux to learn. As for it being an alternative to a full install of a Linux distro, that's up to you. Clearly a full install will perform better.

I am a big fan of virtualization, although VirtualPC at the moment does not support Linux. So either wait for the next update or use VMWare Workstation today (http://www.vmware.com/).

Good luck,
Don


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mitchmcse

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Re: Hacking with Live Linux Distros

« Reply #3 on: February 25, 2006, 02:36:31 AM »

Another decent one to use is Knoppix STD (security tools distribution)
http://www.knoppix-std.org/


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piroman

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Re: Hacking with Live Linux Distros

« Reply #4 on: March 01, 2006, 12:20:08 PM »

BackTrack is the result of the merging of two Innovative Penetration Testing live Linux distributions

Whax and Auditor

http://www.remote-exploit.org/index.php/BackTrack


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don

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Re: Hacking with Live Linux Distros

« Reply #5 on: March 01, 2006, 01:26:44 PM »

Check out this posting on the release of BackTrack Beta.

http://www.ethicalhacker.net/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,35/topic,169.0

Don


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Negrita

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Re: Hacking with Live Linux Distros

« Reply #6 on: March 01, 2006, 02:34:43 PM »

Almost everyone at work including me uses Kubuntu (install version). As far as live CD's are concerned I must agree with mitchmcse and vote for Knoppix. It's really easy to use and very intuitive. It' s shame it only comes as a live disk, though one of my colleagues recomended installing a raw Linux kernel, and copying on top of that all the programs, desktop, features, shell, tools etc. from the Knoppix disk. Wink

Another one of my colleagues swears by Whax and refuses to hear about anything else.

Regarding Don's comments about VMware, or rather continuing on from them, VMware have ready made open source appliances. Check it out here. You would never be able to get something like this from Virtual PC, because it's a Microsoft product, and for them consent to have open source software virtually installed on their OS would be like fraternising with the devil. Roll Eyes


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don

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Re: Hacking with Live Linux Distros

« Reply #7 on: March 02, 2006, 11:50:53 AM »

How could we forget Helix? Maybe because it is meant for forensics and incident response as opposed to pen testing. Should I put this in the Forensics board? Anyway, here's the link.

http://www.e-fense.com/helix/downloads.php

Quote

Helix is a customized distribution of the Knoppix Live Linux CD. Helix is more than just a bootable live CD. You can still boot into a customized Linux environment that includes customized linux kernels, excellent hardware detection and many applications dedicated to Incident Response and Forensics.

Helix has been modified very carefully to NOT touch the host computer in any way and it is forensically sound. Helix wil not auto mount swap space, or auto mount any attached devices. Helix also has a special Windows autorun side for Incident Response and Forensics.

Helix focuses on Incident Response & Forensics tools. It is meant to be used by individuals who have a sound understanding of Incident Response and Forensic techniques. That said Helix is used by the following organizations for Incident Response/Forensics Training:

e-fense: Helix Incident Response & Computer Forensics
NW3C: Linux Forensics
SANS Track 508: System Forensics, Investigation and Response.
InfoSec Institute: Computer Forensics Training
SEARCH: Basic Investigators Training

Don


« Last Edit: March 02, 2006, 11:55:55 AM by don »	Logged

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pcsneaker

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Re: Hacking with Live Linux Distros

« Reply #8 on: March 04, 2006, 07:52:24 AM »

Quote

It' s shame it only comes as a live disk, though one of my colleagues recomended installing a raw Linux kernel, and copying on top of that all the programs, desktop, features, shell, tools etc. from the Knoppix disk.

No need to do so. Knoppix includes a script to install theLive-CD on Harddisk.


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Negrita

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Re: Hacking with Live Linux Distros

« Reply #9 on: March 05, 2006, 01:33:59 PM »

Quote from: pcsneaker on March 04, 2006, 07:52:24 AM

Quote

No need to do so. Knoppix includes a script to install theLive-CD on Harddisk.

Yes, I've discovered it here. I've actually decided to give it a go. I've become a bit dissappointed with Kubuntu, because I've come across some irritating bugs that just won't go away, and with the Knoppix live CD it works fine.

I'll install the Knoppix 4.0.2 on my hard drive using the "sudo knoppix-installer" command from one CD, and then install the tools from my Knoppix-STD 0.1 CD using the "apt-cdrom add" command. If all goes well I'll stick with the Knoppix, if not I'll revert back to Kubuntu.


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Re: Hacking with Live Linux Distros

« Reply #10 on: June 29, 2006, 10:41:44 AM »

I have tried a lot of different Distros , but for me Backtrack is the best. I like it so much I decided to DL to the hard drive on one of my laptops for a more permanent install.


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don

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Re: Hacking with Live Linux Distros

« Reply #11 on: June 29, 2006, 11:29:19 AM »

I agree. Now that Backtrack v1.0 has been officially released, I've been using it with great satisfaction. In fact, I'm using it in a virtual machine for testing in my CEH boot camp (right now BTW).

I do like your thought on making it permanent on a laptop. When I get time, I plan on doing the same. Until I get there, would you be willing to share the method in which you did this with the community? If yes, start a new thread.

Thanks in advance,
Don


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Negrita

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Re: Hacking with Live Linux Distros

« Reply #12 on: June 29, 2006, 12:59:47 PM »

There's a new security distro out! Nubuntu 6.06 which stands for Network Ubuntu (for the security aware). It's basicly a linux kernel based on Ubuntu linux with a fluxbox desktop and a whole lot of tools.

I've downloaded and burned a copy, but have yet to play around with it. The beta copy I tried a few months ago was quite disappointing, but then again that was a beta. The beta version of Backtrack was also not impresive but the final version is quite a masterpiece. Maybe Nubuntu will also impress.


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don

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Re: Hacking with Live Linux Distros

« Reply #13 on: June 29, 2006, 03:08:09 PM »

There's yet another based on SUSE. Look for it at VMware's site:

http://www.vmware.com/vmtn/appliances/directory/

Filter 'Solution Area' by 'Security.'

Don


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ZoZa

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Re: Hacking with Live Linux Distros

« Reply #14 on: September 03, 2006, 08:53:28 AM »

www.irongeek.com/videos/vmwareplayerlivecd.swf
Wink


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