The Ultimate Guide to VulnHub Machines for Beginners: Master Network & Web Pentesting
Introduction: Why VulnHub?
If you’re a beginner in Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT), you’ve probably asked:
“Where do I start?”
VulnHub provides a free and safe environment to practice real-world hacking skills. Whether you’re aiming to master Linux enumeration, web security, or CMS vulnerabilities, there’s a VulnHub machine for you.
In this guide, I’ve handpicked the best machines to help you build a solid VAPT foundation step by step.
Let’s dive in!
1. Network Security: Linux Enumeration & Exploitation
If you’re new to network pentesting, start with these Linux-based machines to develop skills in enumeration, privilege escalation, and exploitation.
Beginner-Friendly Machines
DC-1 — Learn basic enumeration & privilege escalation.
Kioptrix: Level 1 — A classic beginner machine focusing on Linux services.
Basic Pentesting: 1 — Great for Linux enumeration & SSH exploitation.
Intermediate Machines
DC-2 — Builds on DC-1, teaching deeper enumeration techniques.
Stapler: 1 — Features multiple attack vectors (SSH, SMB, misconfigurations).
Empire: LupinOne — Learn network misconfigurations & Linux privilege escalation.
🛠 Tools to Use: Nmap, Gobuster, Nikto, LinPEAS, GTFOBins
2. Web Security: SQLi, LFI, RCE & Admin Takeover
Want to break into web security? These labs will teach you SQL Injection, Local File Inclusion (LFI), Remote Code Execution (RCE), and admin panel takeovers.
Beginner Machines
billu: b0x — Covers SQLi, RCE & file uploads.
FristiLeaks: 1.3 — Learn LFI & privilege escalation.
HA: Infinity Stones — Exploit SQLi, LFI, and RCE vulnerabilities.
Intermediate Machines
Sidney: 0.2 — Focuses on admin panel takeover & SQLi.
Thales: 1 — Learn advanced web pentesting techniques.
Deathnote: 1 — Exploit web-based misconfigurations to gain access.
🛠 Tools to Use: Burp Suite, SQLmap, WFuzz, Nikto, FFUF
3. CMS Security: Exploiting WordPress & Other CMS
CMS platforms (like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal) are commonly targeted in real-world attacks. These machines help you exploit CMS vulnerabilities, outdated plugins, and misconfiguration.
Best CMS Exploitation Machines
VulnCMS: 1 — Great for beginners, covering CMS enumeration.
Mr. Robot: 1 — Inspired by the TV show Mr. Robot; focuses on WordPress security.
DC: 6 — A CMS-based challenge requiring enumeration & privilege escalation.
Droopy: v0.2 — Exploits a lesser-known CMS with multiple vulnerabilities.
Pinky’s Palace: v1 — A multi-vector CMS exploitation challenge.
🛠 Tools to Use: WPScan, Droopescan, Joomscan, Nikto
4. Advanced Machines: Take Your Skills to the Next Level
Once you’re comfortable with basic and intermediate labs, challenge yourself with these harder machines to improve lateral movement, privilege escalation, and advanced enumeration.
Hardest Machines on VulnHub (above intermediate)
Empire: Breakout — Learn advanced privilege escalation techniques.
doubletrouble: 1 — Features multiple misconfigurations leading to root access.
Vikings: 1 — Covers various attack vectors & lateral movement.
Hacksudo: FOG — Mix of web & Linux privilege escalation.
Hacksudo: Thor — Explores unique privilege escalation techniques.
🔥 Pro Tip: Don’t just exploit the machines — document your process. Write reports, post write-ups, or share your journey on Medium/LinkedIn!
Next Steps: How to Progress in VAPT?
1️⃣ Start with:
- DC-1, Kioptrix Level 1, Basic Pentesting: 1 (for Linux enumeration & privilege escalation).
- billu: b0x, FristiLeaks, HA: Infinity Stones (for web pentesting).
2️⃣ Move to Intermediate Machines:
- DC: 6, Mr. Robot, Pinky’s Palace (for CMS exploitation).
3️⃣ Take on the Advanced Challenges:
- Empire: Breakout, Hacksudo: Thor, Vikings: 1 (for hardcore pentesting skills).
🎯 Final Thoughts: Why You Should Try These Machines
Builds Real-World Skills — Learn what’s used in actual pentesting engagements.
Prepares You for Certifications — Helps in CEH, OSCP, PNPT, eJPT, and more.
Enhances Your Resume — Write CTF write-ups & showcase them to employers.
🔥 Ready to become a VAPT expert? Start hacking, document your findings, and share your progress with the community!
📢 If you found this helpful, share it with other cybersecurity learners! Let’s grow together in the infosec world!
That’s all for now, folks! If you found this guide helpful, drop a comment, share it, and let’s keep hacking!
🔗 Connect with me on: LinkedIn
