If you’ve spent any time in penetration testing, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Metasploit. The second edition of Metasploit tries to bring the book in line with how pentesters are using the tool. It mostly succeeds, with some caveats depending on your experience level and what you’re hoping to get out of it.
About the Authors
David Kennedy – Founder of Binary Defense and TrustedSec, cybersecurity leader who advised on Mr. Robot. Mati Aharoni – OffSec founder and veteran penetration tester. Devon Kearns – Co-founder of the Exploit Database and Kali Linux. Jim O’Gorman – Heads the Kali Linux project at OffSec. Daniel G. Graham – Professor of computer science at the University of Virginia and former program manager at Microsoft.
Inside the Book
At its core, this book still functions as both a walkthrough and a reference. It covers the penetration testing methodology: preengagement, recon, scanning, exploitation, post-exploitation, and reporting. Each phase is mapped to how you might use Metasploit along the way, giving you a systematic approach.
The early chapters help set up a lab with Kali and Metasploitable and explain the framework’s structure. One of the strongest sections delves into exploitation and post-exploitation techniques with Meterpreter, including privilege escalation and persistence.
The writing is straightforward and practical, filled with command-line examples, and assumes you’re comfortable with scripting. Moreover, it allows readers to go beyond basic usage by building custom modules and understanding Metasploit’s inner workings.
Chapter 15 features a simulated pentest which effectively ties together concepts from earlier chapters, providing a realistic field application.
Who is it For?
This book is tailored for penetration testers or IT professionals looking to enhance their offensive skills with Metasploit. If you’re familiar with the tool but want to dive deeper, this resource is ideal.
However, seasoned red teamers who frequently write custom tooling may not find many new insights, though the structure can still serve as a useful refresher.
Metasploit, 2nd Edition is a solid update to a staple in the infosec community. It won’t turn you into an expert overnight, but it provides a robust foundation to build from, making it a worthwhile tool for IT professionals in security.
Key Insights
- The book aligns with current penetration testing practices and tools.
- Structured approach helps build a systematic understanding of penetration testing phases.
- Covers advanced techniques like exploitation and persistence effectively.
- Practical writing style with a focus on command-line use and scripting.
- Includes a simulated pentest for real-world application of learned skills.
Why should I read this?
If you’re into penetration testing or looking to sharpen your offensive skills with Metasploit, this book’s right up your alley. It’s your chance to level up and get a better grip on Metasploit, without the fluff. We’ve done the legwork so you can focus on what matters—becoming better at your craft!