The logs indicate that the penetration testing team’s objective was to create persistence in the network.
Log Analysis:
schtasks /query: This command lists all the scheduled tasks on the system. It is often used to understand what tasks are currently scheduled and running.
schtasks /CREATE /SC DAILY: This command creates a new scheduled task that runs daily. Creating such a task can be used to ensure that a script or program runs regularly, maintaining a foothold in the system.
Persistence:
Definition: Persistence refers to techniques used to maintain access to a compromised system even after reboots or other interruptions.
Scheduled Tasks: One common method of achieving persistence on Windows systems is by creating scheduled tasks that execute malicious payloads or scripts at regular intervals.
Other Options:
Enumerate Current Users: The logs do not show commands related to user enumeration.
Determine Users' Permissions: Commands like whoami or net user would be more relevant for checking user permissions.
View Scheduled Processes: While schtasks /query can view scheduled tasks, the addition of the schtasks /CREATE command indicates the intent to create new scheduled tasks, which aligns with creating persistence.
Pentest References:
Post-Exploitation: Establishing persistence is a key objective after gaining initial access to ensure continued access.
Scheduled Tasks: Utilizing Windows Task Scheduler to run scripts or programs automatically at specified times as a method for maintaining access.
By creating scheduled tasks, the penetration testing team aims to establish persistence, ensuring they can retain access to the system over time.
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