In order to gain remote code execution privileges I shall use the Metasploit Framework. That way, you could see what a malicious hacker might use these tools for. In an effort to give context to the usage of some of these tools I shall use them after having obtained system level access to a computer here in my lab. Bearing these thoughts in mind, it is likely a good idea to use these tools in a controlled lab environment to see how they work, and just what or why you would use them for. That is where the thoughts of a hacker come to mind when I think of command line driven tools, and even more so when PsTools comes to mind. What all of these things have in common is the manipulation of a computer, and typically remotely at that. It is really handy to have a small program which will allow you to remotely reboot a computer, or list system information for example. The tools are nice and small in size, and they are also quite functional. Now the tools that are included in the PsTools suite are liked by both hackers and sys admins for several reasons. Well what we shall do in this article is explore the functionality of the PsTools suite and how it could impact you as a system administrator or practicing security professional. A good chunk of the good hacking tools are used via a command prompt. It could be a hacker breaking into a system, or furthering their exploitation of an already compromised network. Do many of you think as I do when it comes to command line driven tools? When I think of command line tools I immediately think of mischief. All of the tools contained within PsTools are driven from the command line via a cmd.exe session. We have Mark Russinovich and Dave Solomon of Sysinternals to thank for in this case, as it is they who developed a wide selection of freeware tools called PsTools. The free part is great, but also is the sheer versatility of some of these tools that is pretty darn nice.

You really have to admire people who donate their time and expertise to develop free tools for the community.

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