How to Use 0trace Kali Linux Tool?

In the world of penetration testing and ethical hacking, the ability to trace routes while remaining undetected is vital for cybersecurity professionals. Tools like 0trace make this possible by combining tracerouting with stealth. Designed for use in penetration testing, 0trace is a specialized tool available on Kali Linux that allows users to perform hop-by-hop network route discovery without alerting firewalls or Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS).

In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into what 0trace is, how it works, and why it is essential for network analysts and security professionals. We’ll also walk through practical steps for using 0trace in Kali Linux, while exploring the key scenarios where this tool shines. You may want to look our full list of Kali Linux Tools page.

1. What is 0trace?

0trace is a tracerouting tool that enables users to trace the route of packets between the source and the target host in a network. However, unlike traditional tools such as traceroute, 0trace takes a stealthier approach by avoiding detection mechanisms commonly used by firewalls and IDS.

Traditional traceroute commands rely on Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP) to discover the path between devices. Unfortunately, most modern firewalls or intrusion detection systems will flag and block these probes, making the use of traceroute ineffective in certain environments. 0trace mitigates this by injecting its probes into an established Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) connection, which makes it harder for firewalls to distinguish 0trace probes from legitimate traffic.

This stealth functionality allows penetration testers to gather critical network information, such as network architecture or potential vulnerabilities, without tipping off security systems.

2. How 0trace Works

The core functionality of 0trace lies in its ability to leverage TCP connections to trace network routes. When you run 0trace , the tool attaches its route tracing probes to an already established TCP connection. Since most firewalls and security devices typically do not block or inspect existing TCP connections as strictly as ICMP or UDP traffic, 0trace is able to slip through undetected.

Here’s a simplified step-by-step of how 0trace works:

- ***Establish a TCP Connection*** : ***0trace*** requires an active TCP connection between the client and the target host. This can be an HTTP request or any other service running on a known open port (e.g., port 80 for HTTP).
• Send TTL-Limited Packets : Once the TCP connection is established, 0trace sends packets with increasingly higher Time-To-Live (TTL) values. Each TTL value corresponds to a hop, which allows 0trace to identify routers along the path to the target.
• Capture Responses : As each TTL-limited packet reaches a router or gateway, the intermediate devices send an ICMP “Time Exceeded” message back to the source (much like the traditional traceroute). These messages allow 0trace to map the route without alerting firewalls.
• Continue Tracing : 0trace continues this process until it maps the entire path or reaches the destination.

This process is highly effective in evading standard security mechanisms, making 0trace a preferred tool for penetration testers who need to perform covert network reconnaissance.

3. Why Use 0trace?

***Stealth Tracing***

As mentioned earlier, the primary advantage of 0trace is its stealth. Since many organizations rely on firewalls and IDS to monitor and block network probing activities, standard tools like traceroute often fail. 0trace bypasses these defenses by embedding its probes within an established TCP session, making it appear like normal traffic.

***Gather Detailed Network Information***

By tracing network paths and identifying intermediate routers, 0trace provides invaluable insights into the network topology, which is vital for:

- ***Network architecture mapping*** : Understanding how a network is structured helps in identifying security weaknesses or misconfigurations.
• Network performance troubleshooting : Tracing the path of network packets can help diagnose latency or bottleneck issues.
• Penetration testing : During a security assessment, 0trace allows testers to identify key choke points and vulnerable network segments.

***Penetration Testing and Red Team Operations***

In ethical hacking or red team operations, remaining undetected is key. 0trace offers the unique ability to conduct network reconnaissance without triggering alarms, making it a useful tool in scenarios where stealth is essential.

4. Installing 0trace on Kali Linux

Kali Linux, a Debian-based distribution tailored for penetration testing, comes pre-installed with many essential security tools. While 0trace is not part of the default toolset, it can be installed from Kali’s repository or downloaded from trusted sources like GitHub.

Here are the steps to install 0trace on Kali Linux:

- ***Open Terminal*** : Start by opening a terminal window in Kali Linux.
• Update the Package List : Ensure that the system’s package list is up-to-date by running the following command:

   sudo apt update

- ***Install 0trace*** : Depending on availability, you can either install 0trace directly from the repository or download it manually. a. ***From Repository (if available)*** :

sudo apt install 0trace

┌──(kali㉿kali)-[~]
└─$ sudo apt install 0trace
Installing:                     
  0trace
                                                                      
Summary:
  Upgrading: 0, Installing: 1, Removing: 0, Not Upgrading: 1118
  Download size: 6,652 B
  Space needed: 45.1 kB / 64.4 GB available

Get:1 http://kali.download/kali kali-rolling/main amd64 0trace amd64 0.01-3kali4 [6,652 B]
Fetched 6,652 B in 1s (13.1 kB/s)  
Selecting previously unselected package 0trace.
(Reading database ... 395765 files and directories currently installed.)
Preparing to unpack .../0trace_0.01-3kali4_amd64.deb ...
Unpacking 0trace (0.01-3kali4) ...
Setting up 0trace (0.01-3kali4) ...
Processing triggers for kali-menu (2024.3.1) ...

b. From GitHub (if unavailable in repositories):

   git clone https://github.com/path/to/0trace
   cd 0trace
   make

- ***Verify Installation*** : Check if ***0trace*** was installed correctly by typing the command below:

   0trace -h

This should display the help menu for 0trace .

5. Using 0trace in Kali Linux: Step-by-Step Guide

Once 0trace is installed, using it to trace routes is relatively straightforward. Below is a basic example of how to use 0trace :

- ***Open a TCP Connection*** : Identify a target server and an open port (e.g., port 80 for HTTP or port 443 for HTTPS). You’ll need this for the TCP connection.
• Run 0trace :

   sudo 0trace.sh <target_host> <target_port>

For example, to trace the route to a web server running on port 80, you would use:

   sudo 0trace.sh example.com 80

- ***Interpret Results*** : As ***0trace*** runs, it will output the network path in a similar manner to traceroute, showing each hop along the way.

6. Real-World Applications of 0trace

0trace is invaluable in a range of real-world network security scenarios:

- ***Penetration Testing*** : Cybersecurity professionals can use ***0trace*** to gather network topology data without triggering firewalls or IDS systems.
• Bypassing Network Restrictions : In environments where direct probes like ICMP or UDP are blocked, 0trace can provide an alternate way to conduct route discovery.
• Network Auditing : Administrators can use 0trace to audit internal networks, identify points of failure, and locate misconfigurations in routing protocols.

7. Limitations and Alternatives

While 0trace is a powerful tool, it has some limitations:

- ***Requires an Existing TCP Connection*** : Since ***0trace*** works by piggybacking on an established TCP connection, you must first find an open port on the target system.
• Not Foolproof Against All Security Systems : Although 0trace can evade many basic firewalls, advanced firewalls and IDS may still detect unusual activity.

***Alternative Tools*** :

- ***Nmap*** : Offers advanced scanning and stealth options, including traceroute functionality.
• Hping3 : A packet crafting tool that can be used for customized tracerouting.
• Tcptraceroute : A TCP-based version of the traditional traceroute.

8. Conclusion

0trace is a highly effective tool for network analysts and penetration testers who require stealth in their route discovery efforts. By embedding its probes within established TCP connections, it successfully bypasses many firewalls and IDS systems, making it an indispensable tool for covert network reconnaissance.

With its ability to gather detailed network information without raising alarms, 0trace remains a valuable asset in the toolkit of any cybersecurity professional. However, like any tool, its effectiveness depends on the specific network environment, and in some cases, alternative methods may be needed. Understanding how and when to use 0trace can greatly enhance your capabilities in penetration testing and network auditing.