top penetration testing tools, scripts - itnett/FTD02H-N GitHub Wiki

Here is a list of some of the top penetration testing tools, scripts, and frameworks as of 2024, compiled from various reliable sources. These tools cover a wide range of applications and are essential for security professionals:

Top Penetration Testing Tools

  1. Metasploit: A comprehensive framework for discovering, exploiting, and validating vulnerabilities. It is widely used for both professional and educational purposes.
  2. Nmap: A powerful network discovery and security auditing tool.
  3. Wireshark: A network protocol analyzer used for network troubleshooting, analysis, and development.
  4. Burp Suite: An integrated platform for performing security testing of web applications.
  5. OWASP ZAP: A tool for finding vulnerabilities in web applications, maintained by the OWASP community.
  6. SQLmap: An open-source tool that automates the process of detecting and exploiting SQL injection flaws.
  7. Nessus: A proprietary vulnerability scanner developed by Tenable, Inc.
  8. John the Ripper: A fast password cracker, currently available for many flavors of Unix, Windows, DOS, BeOS, and OpenVMS.
  9. Hydra: A parallelized login cracker which supports numerous protocols to attack.
  10. Hashcat: A robust password recovery tool.

Top Scripts for Penetration Testing

  1. LinPEAS: Used for privilege escalation on Linux.
  2. CrackMapExec: A post-exploitation tool that helps automate the assessment of large Active Directory networks.
  3. Mimikatz: Used to extract plaintext passwords, hashes, PIN codes, and Kerberos tickets from memory.
  4. sshuttle: A transparent proxy server that works over SSH, useful for network security auditing.
  5. Empire: A post-exploitation framework that includes various modules like keyloggers and adaptable communications.

Top Frameworks for Penetration Testing

  1. Metasploit Framework: As mentioned, it's a versatile framework for penetration testing.
  2. Empire/Starkiller: Focuses on post-exploitation and adversary emulation, useful for deploying various post-exploitation modules.
  3. Covenant: A .NET Command and Control (C2) framework designed to highlight and exploit .NET attack surfaces.
  4. BeEF (Browser Exploitation Framework): Focuses on the exploitation of vulnerabilities within web browsers.
  5. W3af (Web Application Attack and Audit Framework): A tool for identifying and exploiting web application vulnerabilities.

These tools and scripts are essential for conducting comprehensive penetration tests and ensuring robust security assessments. They are utilized by professionals to simulate attacks and uncover vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them ❞(https://www.lambdatest.com/blog/penetration-testing-tools/) ❞(https://theqalead.com/tools/best-penetration-testing-tools/) ❞(https://www.techrepublic.com/article/best-penetration-testing-tools/) ❞(https://www.comparitech.com/net-admin/best-penetration-testing-tools/) ❞(https://cybersecuritynews.com/penetration-testing-tools/) ❞(https://www.stationx.net/penetration-testing-tools-for-kali-linux/).

Here are some top Python scripts and tools for penetration testing that you can utilize to enhance your security assessments:

  1. Scapy: A powerful packet manipulation tool for forging or decoding packets across various protocols, making it useful for tasks similar to those performed by tools like Nmap and Wireshark ❞(https://www.securecoding.com/blog/penetration-testing-python/) ❞(https://www.programminginpython.com/python-for-ethical-hacking-building-tools-for-penetration-testing/).

  2. Nmap with Python: Automates network scanning and reconnaissance tasks using Python scripts alongside the Nmap tool, allowing for efficient and customizable scanning processes ❞(https://www.codewithc.com/python-tools-for-penetration-testing/).

  3. Burp Suite with Python: Enhances the capabilities of Burp Suite for web application security testing by using Python scripts to automate and customize tests ❞(https://www.codewithc.com/python-tools-for-penetration-testing/).

  4. Metasploit Framework Integration: Using Python to develop custom exploits and payloads for the Metasploit Framework, making the tool more versatile and powerful for ethical hacking ❞(https://www.codewithc.com/python-tools-for-penetration-testing/).

  5. Volatility: A memory forensics tool used to analyze RAM and extract forensic data, particularly useful for post-exploitation analysis ❞(https://www.securecoding.com/blog/penetration-testing-python/).

  6. Pyew: A command-line hex editor and disassembler for malware analysis, providing a robust tool for examining malicious code ❞(https://www.securecoding.com/blog/penetration-testing-python/).

  7. OpenVAS Automation: Automates vulnerability scanning using OpenVAS or Nessus, streamlining the scanning stage of penetration testing ❞(https://www.programminginpython.com/python-for-ethical-hacking-building-tools-for-penetration-testing/).

  8. John the Ripper with Python: Automates password cracking by integrating with John the Ripper, using custom dictionaries and rules to enhance efficiency ❞(https://www.programminginpython.com/python-for-ethical-hacking-building-tools-for-penetration-testing/).

  9. Empire/Starkiller: A post-exploitation framework that includes modules for keylogging, credential theft, and other post-exploitation activities, with Python scripts to automate these tasks ❞(https://www.stationx.net/penetration-testing-tools-for-kali-linux/).

  10. BruteBot: A Python-based brute-force tool leveraging the webbot library for performing password attacks on web applications ❞(https://github.com/topics/pentesting-python).

  11. Banner Grabbing Script: A Python script designed to grab banners from network services, helping in identifying the software and versions running on the target ❞(https://github.com/topics/pentesting-python).

These tools and scripts are essential for conducting thorough and effective penetration tests, providing automation, customization, and efficiency across various stages of security assessments. By leveraging Python, penetration testers can develop tailored solutions to meet specific testing needs and address unique vulnerabilities.