> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://capcap-1.gitbook.io/capcap/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://capcap-1.gitbook.io/capcap/readme/ctf-modules/vulnerability-assessment/msf/payloads.md).

# Payloads

{% code title="FILTER USING GREP" %}

```bash
# Filter all Windows x64 payloads down to Meterpreter specific items
msf6 exploit(windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue) > grep meterpreter show payloads

# Chain multiple grep keywords to isolate a specific stager type
msf6 exploit(windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue) > grep meterpreter grep reverse_tcp show payloads
```

{% endcode %}

{% code title="SETTING AND VERIFYING" %}

```bash
# Select the payload by index number
msf6 exploit(windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue) > set payload 15

# View the unified exploit and payload variables
msf6 exploit(windows/smb/ms17_010_eternalblue) > options
```

{% endcode %}

<figure><img src="/files/o7Ua5mxbhPcnkAtDRuHk" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Payloads:

#### 1. Singles (Inline Payloads)

* Definition: A completely self-contained executable block containing both the exploit logic and the entire shellcode needed to execute the desired task.
* Syntax Indicator: Indicated by a single underscore (`_`) in the name (e.g., `windows/shell_bind_tcp`).
* Pros: Highly stable because everything is delivered in a single transmission block. No secondary network connections are required.
* Cons: The file sizes are large. Many software vulnerabilities restrict the amount of space available in memory buffers (buffer limits), making large inline payloads unusable.

#### 2. Stagers

* Definition: A highly compact, reliable piece of code designed exclusively to establish a network connection back to the attacker's machine.
* Role: It prepares the memory environment on the victim (e.g., configuring execution protections like NX/DEP compatibility) and pulls down the larger payload stage.

#### 3. Stages

* Definition: Advanced post-exploitation modules (like Meterpreter or VNC injection) downloaded directly into memory by the Stager.
* Syntax Indicator: Indicated by a forward slash (`/`) in the name (e.g., `windows/shell/reverse_tcp`).
* Note on Delivery: Large stages cannot be downloaded reliably via a single standard network read operation (`recv()`). To prevent transfer failure, Metasploit automatically injects a hidden Middle Stager to allocate dynamic memory and manage the bulk download.

<figure><img src="/files/THH03lzMV0b0zQmSQ2LD" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


---

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