During a penetration test, you have successfully exploited a vulnerability on a Windows server and have gained access to the cmd.exe command shell. You want to upgrade this shell to have enhanced capabilities, including the ability to transfer files securely and manipulate the Windows Registry from your attack platform. Which of the following actions would BEST accomplish this?
Initiate an SSH connection to the server to enable secure file transfers
Deploy an additional cmd.exe shell for registry manipulation
Connect to the server with a Telnet client to achieve persistent access
Use the cmd.exe shell to manually transfer files using FTP
Generate a Meterpreter payload and execute it on the target system to upgrade the shell
Open a PowerShell session to utilize its native features
Upgrading from a basic cmd.exe command shell to a Meterpreter shell would provide the most versatile and powerful functionalities for a penetration test. Meterpreter, as part of the Metasploit framework, offers enhanced features including the ability to upload/download files, manipulate the Windows Registry, interact with the file system, and use advanced pivoting techniques. Other types of shells or access methods, such as a simple SSH or Telnet connection, would not offer the same level of functionality and control over the Windows environment that the Meterpreter shell provides.
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