BeEF: Using it on a Public Network

TL;DR

Yes, BeEF can work on public networks, but requires careful setup to avoid detection and ensure you’re only targeting systems you have permission to test. This guide covers the necessary steps for setting up BeEF in a public environment, including using proxies, configuring your hook URL, and understanding potential risks.

Setting Up BeEF for Public Networks

1. Understand the Risks: Using BeEF on a public network without permission is illegal. This guide assumes you have explicit consent to test the target systems.
2. Choose a Proxy Server: A proxy server hides your IP address and adds an extra layer of security. Consider using tools like Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, or a dedicated VPS with a proxy service (e.g., Squid).
3. Configure BeEF to Use the Proxy:
   • Edit the beef.conf file located in your BeEF installation directory.
   • Find the proxy_host and proxy_port settings.
   • Set these values to your proxy server’s address and port. For example:

     
     proxy_host 127.0.0.1
     proxy_port 8080
     

4. Set Up a Hook URL: The hook URL is the address BeEF uses to receive connections from compromised browsers.
   • Ideally, use a subdomain pointed to your server’s public IP. This makes it easier to bypass some security measures.
   • Ensure this subdomain has a valid SSL certificate (HTTPS) for increased reliability and to avoid browser warnings.
   • Configure the beef.conf file with the correct hook URL:

     
     hook_url http://your-subdomain.example.com
     

5. Firewall Configuration: Ensure your firewall allows incoming connections on the port BeEF is listening on (default 80 and 443).
6. Start BeEF: Run the BeEF server using the command:

   
   bef.sh
   

7. Test Your Setup: Launch a browser through BeEF to verify it connects successfully.
   • In the BeEF web interface, go to Report > New Report.
   • Copy the generated hook URL.
   • Use this URL in a test browser (e.g., using a social engineering technique).
   • Check if the browser appears in the BeEF dashboard.
8. Obfuscation Techniques: To avoid detection, consider:
   • Using JavaScript obfuscators to hide the BeEF hook code.
   • Employing different delivery methods for the hook URL (e.g., embedding it in images or iframes).
   • Rotating your IP address regularly using a VPN or proxy rotation service.

Important Considerations

• Legal Implications: Always obtain explicit permission before testing any system. Unauthorized access is illegal and can have severe consequences.
• Detection Risk: BeEF’s traffic patterns are identifiable. Using proxies, obfuscation techniques, and careful planning can reduce the risk of detection but cannot eliminate it entirely.
• SSL/TLS: Always use HTTPS for your hook URL to avoid browser warnings and improve security.
• Regular Updates: Keep BeEF updated with the latest version to benefit from bug fixes and security improvements.