Show Options
show options lists required fields — empty RHOSTS means stop, not guess.
Visual · msf_show_options
show options after use. Original Cyberlium.
show options is the preflight checklist — Required yes means you fill it or you do not run.
After `use module`, `show options` displays name, current setting, required flag, description. Required yes on RHOSTS means set $LAB explicitly. Payload options may need LHOST. Missing options → fix or pick another lab module — not 'try run anyway.' Next: Check Literacy.
1. Reading the table
Current Setting blank + Required yes = mandatory before run. Description explains intent — read it.
Advanced options stay default in beginner labs unless brief says otherwise.
Command guide
Try these commands — Reading the table
═══ TOOLS & WEBSITES ═══ Browse / read these (authorized learning only — stay in YOUR lab / program scope)
show options — https://docs.rapid7.com/metasploit/msf-console-commands/ Required options — https://docs.rapid7.com/metasploit/using-metasploit/
═══ INSTALL ═══
Linux (Debian/Ubuntu): Kali: preinstalled, or: sudo apt install metasploit-framework
macOS: Prefer Kali/Linux VM — brew install metasploit (heavy)
Windows: Use Kali VM or WSL with metasploit-framework — not raw Windows host
═══ LINUX / macOS ═══
Command — copy this
msfconsole -q -x 'use auxiliary/scanner/ssh/ssh_version; show options; exit' 2>/dev/null || msfconsole -q -x 'use auxiliary/scanner/http/http_version; show options; exit' 2>/dev/null || echo 'Review required options before run'
Primary tools to practice this lesson: msfconsole. Reference sites: show options (https://docs.rapid7.com/metasploit/msf-console-commands/); Required options (https://docs.rapid7.com/metasploit/using-metasploit/). Run every command in the box — install first, then the usage lines — only on YOUR lab / program scope.
2. set and unset
`set RHOSTS $LAB` applies in module context. `unset RHOSTS` clears mistakes. `setg` persists globally — avoid setg with lab IPs until you understand cross-module bleed.
3. Literacy exercise
use auxiliary module, show options, set RHOSTS $LAB only on paper or in notes — run waits for check lesson and explicit lab brief.
4. What you ship: show options screenshot or text
show options output with Required fields identified. RHOSTS=$LAB on set line in notes if practicing. chmod 600.
5. What you record before the next lesson
Date. Module path. Required options list. File t14-m05-l02-show-options.txt chmod 600.
6. Wrong vs right: stranger hosts vs YOUR lab VM
Worked failure — same MSF word, opposite target. Right never needs a café Wi-Fi or classmate laptop.
- Wrong: run with blank RHOSTS 'to see what happens' on bridged network.
- Right: show options and list required fields. Next: Check Literacy.
Mission: show options on one module
1) use module from search lab 2) show options 3) List Required yes fields chmod 600 4) back — no run unless course brief explicitly allows check-only on $LAB
Stuck? Ask Cyberlium AI Mentor
Required yes is a stop sign until filled with $LAB.
APPLY: show options Required yes means:
APPLY: True or False: Empty RHOSTS is fine for a quick run.
APPLY: set RHOSTS $LAB should match: