The Metasploit Framework is a penetration testing platform that makes exploiting target machines simple. It is an intuitive tool that is an integral part of any penetration tester's toolkit. It is maintained by Rapid7, but there are many contributors in the security community.

In this chapter, we will explore the modularity and flexibility of the Metasploit Framework. Since there are regular exploits being developed which can be added into Metasploit's already large database, you will learn how to find and import these. We will explore the various options that exist for payloads and the difference between various shells. Building skills in Metasploit can enhance your penetration tests, making it easy by using exploits that already exist, as opposed to writing your own.

As you progress through this chapter, you will learn about the...