HomeLab-Infrastructure

Overview:

This home lab is simulated network enviroment running on Oracle VM VirtualBox. It hosts two virtual machines

Machines	Purpose	Connected
Kali Linux	for penetration testing practice	NAT Network
Ubuntu Server	for general administration and services	NAT Network
METASPLOITABLE2	To test vulnerabilities	NAT Network

System Specs:

Machines	CPU	RAM	STORAGE
Windows 10 pro (HOST)	Intel core i9 - 7900X	64 GB DDR4	2TB
Kali Linux	2	4000mb	25GB
Ubuntu Server	4	8000mb	25GB
METASPLOITABLE2	1	512mb	8GB

Networking Table:

Machines	Opertating system	Adapter Type	Network Mode	Mac address	IP address	Purpose
VM1	Kali Linux	intel Pro	NAT network	0800270D1B72	10.0.2.3	Pentesting security tools
VM2	Ubuntu	intel Pro	NAT network	0800272B2EED	10.0.2.15	Web server testing services
VM3	METASPLOITABLE2	intel Pro	NAT Network	080027133BAF	10.0.2.4	Vulnerability Testing

Getting started:

This section outlines the immediate steps required to power on you Virtual Machines (VMs), configure their network for optiaml lab use, and ensure they are ready for penetration testing and service administration.

1. Configure the VirutalBox NAT Network

The VMs will use a shared, private "Nat Network" to communicate directly with each other while sharing the host machine's internet connection.

1. Create the Network:
   • In the VirtualBox main application menu on the Host PC: On side taskbar there should be a tab named Network -> Nat Networks
   • Click "Create New Nat Network" and accept the default settings
2. Assign to VMs:
   • Go to Settings -> Network -> Adapter 1
   • Change Attached to: from "Nat" to the NAT Network you just created

2. Power On and Verify Connectivity

1. Start VMs: Power on both the Kali Linux and Ubuntu Server VMs.
2. Check IPs: They will automatically recevice unique IP addresses from the NAT Network. Use the following command inside each VM to verify the connection:
   • ip a
3. Update Table: Record the new, unique IP addresses for both VMs in the Network Tabel above.
4. Test Communication: From the Kali VM, run ping [Ubuntu Server IP] to confirm direct communication

3. Initial Setup and Hardening

1. Update Kali: Keep security tools current by running:

sudo eapt update && sudo apt full-upgrade -y

2. Harden Ubuntu (UFW): Enable the Uncomplicated Firewall (UFW) on the Ubuntu Server:

# Deny all incoming connections by default 
sudo ufw default deny incoming

# Allow necessary services (e.g., SHH on port 22)
sudo ufw allow ssh

# Enable the firewall 
sudo ufw enable