Last updated at Tue, 25 Jul 2017 14:21:22 GMT

Each month we use the exploit database (DB) to compile a list of the top 10 most searched exploit and auxiliary modules from Metasploit. The data base analyzes searches conducted on Metasploit.com from the webserver's logs. (We do not track actual Metasploit usage to preserve users' privacy.)

This month's list has the top 5 hanging strong from last month, with three new additions coming in at numbers 8, 9, and 10. Tod Beardsley broke down the top 10 to give some valuable insight into the exploits.

  1. Microsoft Server Service Relative Path Stack Corruption (CVE-2008-4250, MSB-MS08-067): A four year old vulnerability that tends to give the most reliable shells on Windows 2003 Server and Windows XP. It's also got a great pile of language pack targets. All of Metasploit's exploits provide US English targeted shellcode, a few might provide Chinese, Spanish, French, or other popular languages; this one has targets in pretty much every language you've ever heard of. This exploit is also not ancient, so it's reasonable to expect to find some unpatched systems in a medium to large enterprise vulnerable to it. More on this topic at Microsoft's Security TechCenter. Same position as last month.

  2. MS12-020 Microsoft Remote Desktop Use-After-Free DoS (CVE-2012-0002, MSB-MS12-020): This is the 2012 RDP Bug, where it was implied -- but never proven in public -- that a pre-auth bug in RDP can allow for remote code execution. This is likely the most popular module we have due to both recency bias and because there was an unusual level of spontaneous organization of the Metasploit developer community to search for the correct path to remote code execution. So far, nobody's gotten RCE yet (in public), but the Metasploit module provides the most clues. More on this topic in an article on ZD Net. Same position as last month.

  3. Microsoft Server Service NetpwPathCanonicalize Overflow (CVE-2006-3439, MSB-MS06-040): A six year old vulnerability that's notable in that there's no official patch from Microsoft for this on Windows NT 4.0. This was discovered after NT went end-of-life, so if you need remote root on an NT machine (and there are still plenty out there), this is going to be your first choice. More on this topic in at Microsoft's Security TechCenter. Same position as last month.

  4. Microsoft RPC DCOM Interface Overflow (CVE-2003-0352, MSB-MS03-026): A nine year old vulnerability that used to be the de-facto standard exploit for Windows machines - this is the RPC DCom bug, and it affects ancient NT machines. It was most notable in that it was used by the Blaster and Nachi worms to transit networks. It's now pretty much a case study in stack buffer overflows in Windows, so it's got a lot of historical value. If memory serves, this was the most reliable exploit in Metasploit v2. More info on that at Windows IT Pro. Same position as last month.

  5. MS12-037 Internet Explorer Same ID Property Deleted Object Handling Memory Corruption (CVE-2012-1875): This module was mentioned in the IE Zero-Day Exploits blog post along with the XML Core Services bug, CVE-2012-1889. Also like the XML Core services bug, this bug was being actively exploited in the wild in June of 2012. Unlike the XML Core Services bug, though, this one had a patch. I suspect there was some confusion about which bug was patched and which wasn't, given the modules were released close together and both were mentioned in the same post. Regardless, given the recency of these modules, it's not surprising to see them leap into the top ten for June. Same position as last month.

  6. Adobe PDF Embedded EXE Social Engineering (CVE-2010-1240): This module exploits CVE-2010-1240 in Adobe Reader. The idea is that you can embed and execute a Meterpreter PE Executable in a PDF, and when the user opens the PDF, surprise shells! Since it's on this list, it's probably the most popular social engineering-style module. More on this topic in at the National Vulnerability Database.  Up 4 places from #10 this month.

  7. Microsoft Windows Authenticated User Code Execution (CVE-1999-0504): The PSExec module is a utility module -- given an SMB username and password with sufficient privileges on the target machine, the user can get a shell. It's not sexy, but it's super handy for testing payloads and setup. Even though it's a lowly #10, I'd bet it's the most-used module in classroom and test environments. More on this topic in at the National Vulnerability Database. Up 1 place from #8 since last month.

  8. Java Signed Applet Social Engineering Code Execution: This module has been a long-time coming to the Top 10 list. Like the Adobe PDF Embedded EXE Social Engineering module, this is a really solid go-to module for social engineering payloads. A simple Google search turns up dozens of demonstration videos from all around the world on how to use this module. New entry this month.

  9. PHP CGI Argument Injection: This module is a returning contender from the May 2012 Top 10 list. This exploits CVE-2012-1823, a vulnerability in the way PHP-CGI handles parameters passed on GET requests. The vulnerability was discovered during a capture-the-flag exercise at NullCon in January 2012, and the bug's life cycle is pretty thoroughly documented over at De Eindbazen. Here's the short story: this bug, which allows for command execution via GET requests to PHP-CGI installtions, has been knocking around PHP installations since 2004. It was first reported to PHP in January of 2012 (yes, eight years after it was introduced), subsequently leaked accidentally in May of 2012, and actively exploited shortly thereafter. More info on this on a blog at Serge Security. Returning entry from May 2012.
  10. Joomla 1.5.12 TinyBrowser File Upload Code Execution: A bit of a surprise entry, this bug is two and a half years old and not on common software. However, there are how-to videos which appear in search results for "Joomla Metasploit." Links related to videos often have higher-click through rates. New entry this month.

Do you have any insight into July's Top 10 Exploits? Please let us know in the comments below.

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