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Using Responder for Penetration Testing
Responder is a powerful tool for penetration testing that exploits Windows networking behaviors to capture credentials. When a pen tester gains access to a network, they can use Responder to monitor requests from Windows machines trying to access shared drives or domains. If a Windows computer fails to locate a shared drive, it will broadcast a message on the local subnet, prompting all devices to respond. Responder takes advantage of this by impersonating the desired server, allowing it to trick the Windows machine into attempting to authenticate by sending its credentials. Although Microsoft ensures passwords are not sent directly over the network, password hashes are transferred instead. Responder captures these hashes along with usernames, granting attackers a foothold for further exploitation. The effectiveness of Responder hinges on its operation within the same subnet, making it a vital tool for gathering user credentials swiftly and discreetly during penetration tests. Additionally, while password hashes are not the actual passwords, they are susceptible to cracking, which can potentially reveal the original credentials.