🛡️ Penetration Testing Cybersecurity Lab Setup

This project demonstrates the complete setup of a basic penetration testing cybersecurity lab using virtual machines. The lab provides a safe and controlled environment for practicing ethical hacking, network scanning, and vulnerability analysis.

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📌 Project Objective

The main objective of this project is to:

• Build a secure virtual penetration testing lab
• Understand real-world cyberattack simulation
• Practice ethical hacking techniques
• Learn network scanning and system exploitation
• Improve hands-on cybersecurity skills

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🧰 Lab Environment Overview

Component	Description
Host OS	Windows 10
Attacker Machine	Kali Linux
Target Machine	Metasploitable 2
Virtualization Software	VMware Workstation
Network Type	NAT / Host-Only
Purpose	Ethical Hacking & Security Testing

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🖥️ System Requirements

• Minimum 8 GB RAM
• Minimum 60 GB Free Disk Space
• Intel / AMD Virtualization Enabled in BIOS
• Stable Internet Connection
• Windows 10 / 11 Host System

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🛠️ Software Used

• VMware Workstation Pro
• Kali Linux ISO
• Metasploitable 2 Virtual Machine
• Nmap
• Metasploit Framework

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📥 Step-by-Step Lab Setup

✅ Step 1: Install VMware Workstation

Download and install VMware Workstation Pro on your Windows host system.

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✅ Step 2: Download Virtual Machines

Download:

• Kali Linux ISO
• Metasploitable 2 VM Image

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✅ Step 3: Create Virtual Machines

• Create a new VM for Kali Linux
• Import the Metasploitable 2 VM into VMware

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✅ Step 4: Configure Network

Set both VMs to the same network mode:

• NAT (Recommended)
• OR Host-Only

This enables internal communication between machines.

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✅ Step 5: Power On the Virtual Machines

Start:

• Kali Linux
• Metasploitable 2

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🌐 Network Verification

🔹 On Windows Host:

ipconfig
ping 192.168.152.10
ping 192.168.152.20
Username: msfadmin
Password: msfadmin
ifconfig
nmap 192.168.152.20