# Metasploit Cheatsheet

> Download a free Metasploit cheat sheet PDF covering msfconsole setup, module search, payload options, sessions and post-exploitation commands. Grab your copy.

Canonical: https://resources.codelivly.com/product/metasploit-cheatsheet-codelivly/
Last updated: 2026-11-05

This **Metasploit Cheatsheet** gives you a quick, organized reference for all essential commands — from **basic setup** to **post-exploitation**.

## Details

| | |
|---|---|
| Price | Free |
| Format | PDF, instant download, DRM-free |
| Level | Beginner |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Codelivly |
| Categories | Cheatsheet, Free |
| Rating | 5.0/5 from 1 review |

Buy or download: https://resources.codelivly.com/product/metasploit-cheatsheet-codelivly/

Part of the bundle [The Ultimate Bug Bounty Starter Pack – From Recon to Report](https://resources.codelivly.com/product/the-ultimate-bug-bounty-starter-pack/) (15 books, £104.99, on sale for £74.99).

## Description

> **Master Exploitation with Ease – Your Quick Guide to msfconsole**

Mastering the Metasploit Framework is a non-negotiable skill for any ethical hacker or penetration tester. This **Metasploit Cheatsheet** provides a curated, organized reference for the most essential commands—moving from your initial database setup to advanced post-exploitation tradecraft.

Whether you are a beginner learning the ropes or a pro looking for a faster workflow, keep this guide by your side for smarter pentesting.

## 1. Core System & Database Commands

Before launching an attack, ensure your framework and database are correctly initialized to track your results.

- **Start Metasploit:** `msfconsole`.
- **Initialize Database:** `msfdb init` (Run in terminal before msfconsole).
- **Check DB Status:** `db_status` (Ensures PostgreSQL is connected).
- **Update Framework:** `msfupdate`.

## 2. Finding & Loading Modules

Metasploit's power lies in its modularity. Use these commands to navigate its thousands of exploits and scanners.

- **Search for Modules:** `search [name/cve/platform]`.
- **Load a Module:** `use [path/to/module]`.
- **Get Module Info:** `info`.
- **Go Back:** `back` (Unloads the current module).

## 3. Configuring Options & Payloads

Every exploit requires specific parameters to be set before execution.

- **Show Options:** `show options` (Lists required variables like RHOSTS).
- **Set Target IP:** `set RHOSTS [target_ip]`.
- **Set Local IP:** `set LHOST [your_ip]` (Crucial for reverse shells).
- **List Payloads:** `show payloads`.
- **Set Payload:** `set PAYLOAD [payload_name]`.

## 4. Running & Sessions Management

Once configured, use these commands to launch your attack and manage active connections.

- **Launch Exploit:** `exploit` or `run`.
- **Check Vulnerability:** `check` (Tests if a target is vulnerable without exploiting).
- **List Active Sessions:** `sessions -l`.
- **Interact with Session:** `sessions -i [id]`.

## 5. Post-Exploitation & Meterpreter Tips

After gaining access, use the Meterpreter shell to maintain control and escalate privileges.

- **System Info:** `sysinfo`.
- **Get System (Priv-Esc):** `getsystem`.
- **Dump Hashes:** `hashdump`.
- **Download/Upload Files:** `download [file]` or `upload [file]`.

## Frequently asked questions

### What are the basic commands for Metasploit?

Start the framework with msfconsole, use search to find modules, use to load one, info for module details, and back to unload the current module. Configure with show options, set RHOSTS for the target IP and set LHOST for your own IP, then run the exploit. Initialize the database first with msfdb init.

### How do I set a payload in Metasploit?

You can view the available payloads with show payloads and set one using set PAYLOAD followed by the name, such as windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp. Setting LHOST is crucial for reverse shells. The cheat sheet groups these under Configuring Options and Payloads so you can find the right command in seconds.

### Is this Metasploit cheat sheet really free?

Yes, it is a free download. The cheat sheet is a curated, organized reference to the most essential Metasploit commands, moving from initial database setup through to advanced post-exploitation tradecraft. Whether you are a beginner learning the ropes or a pro looking for a faster workflow, keep it beside you while you work.

## Related

- [Python for the Ethical Hacking – 2nd Edition](https://resources.codelivly.com/product/python-for-the-ethical-hacking-2nd-edition/)
- [Metasploit Mastery: The Ultimate Command & Automation Handbook](https://resources.codelivly.com/product/metasploit-mastery-the-ultimate-command-automation-handbook/)
- [Malware Analysis for Beginners – Vol. 1](https://resources.codelivly.com/product/malware-analysis-for-beginners/)
- [Practical Malware Analysis Guide – Vol. 2](https://resources.codelivly.com/product/practical-malware-analysis-guide/)
- [More in Cheatsheet](https://resources.codelivly.com/product-category/cheatsheet/)
- [More in Free](https://resources.codelivly.com/product-category/free/)