Powershell Empire (C2)

PowerShell Empire (often called just "Empire") is a post-exploitation framework designed for red teaming, penetration testing, and adversary simulation. It provides stealthy and fileless access to compromised systems by leveraging PowerShell and Python to execute commands and maintain persistence.

Why is PowerShell Empire Used?
•    Fileless Execution: Runs entirely in memory, reducing chances of detection by antivirus and EDR solutions.
•    Command and Control (C2): Uses encrypted communication for secure interaction with compromised hosts.
•    Credential Dumping: Extracts credentials from Windows systems using tools like Mimikatz.
•    Lateral Movement: Moves across systems within a network using PowerShell remoting, WMI, and other techniques.
•    Bypassing Security: Can evade traditional security controls by using obfuscated and in-memory execution techniques.
 

Key Components of PowerShell Empire:
1.    Listener: Sets up a command-and-control (C2) server to receive connections from infected machines.
2.    Stager: Delivers the initial payload to the target system (e.g., via macros, exploits, or direct execution).
3.    Agent: The malicious script that runs on the compromised host, allowing attackers to issue commands.
4.    Modules: Prebuilt scripts that perform tasks like keylogging, privilege escalation, or lateral movement.