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Command and Control with Merlin

by Zach Roof

In this course, you will learn Command And Control using Merlin. Merlin’s “magic” is in the usage of modules (for attack automation), HTTP/3 (for evading packet inspection), and Golang (for cross-compiling agents on multiple Operating Systems).

What you'll learn

Want to learn how a C2 server can be leveraged to steal a database backup? If so, you’re in the right place! In this course, Command and Control with Merlin, we’ll cover how to utilize Merlin to execute data exfiltration in a red team environment. First, you’ll witness how Merlin evades network packet detection via the HTTP/3 protocol. Second, you’ll use Merlin’s HTTP/3 functionality to upload a recon script. Finally, you’ll use the results of the recon script to exfiltrate a database backup to the Merlin C2 server. During each step of the process, we’ll see what Merlin attacks are discovered by Wazuh (a host-based intrusion detection system) and Suricata (a network-based intrusion detection system). No previous Wazuh or Suricata experience is required. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to execute these techniques: Exfiltration Over C2 Channel (T1041), Ingress Tool Transfer (T1105), Application Layer Protocol (T1071) using Merlin.

About the author

Zach describes himself as “an ordinary guy who’s extraordinarily curious about technology.” This curiosity has led to roles in Software Development, Application Security, DevOps, and Security Engineering. Currently, Zach is the Lead Security Engineer at Credible where he helps lead the security vision of a highly sensitive Fintech product. Outside of his day job, Zach has spoken at SyntaxCon, created cybersecurity tutorials through Securing The Stack, led an AWS Meetup group, and has provided cy... more

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