All tools
18 cheatsheets in Exploitation & Payloads
binwalk
ExploitationFirmware and file analysis tool that scans for embedded files and extracts hidden archives.
Buffer Overflow
ExploitationStack-based buffer overflow workflow: fuzz, find the offset, control EIP, find bad chars, locate a JMP ESP, and get a shell.
checksec
ExploitationQuick report of binary security mitigations (RELRO, stack canary, NX, PIE, Fortify).
Chisel
ExploitationFast TCP/UDP tunnel over HTTP(S) for pivoting through compromised hosts when SSH is unavailable.
file
ExploitationIdentify file types from magic bytes — essential before choosing exploit, extraction, or analysis tools.
GDB (GEF / Pwndbg)
ExploitationGNU debugger for binary analysis with GEF or Pwndbg for heap, registers, and exploit-oriented views.
Ligolo-ng
ExploitationAdvanced pivoting via TUN interface and agent — cleaner routing than SOCKS for multi-host internal scans.
Linux Privilege Escalation
ExploitationEnumeration and escalation paths to go from a low-privilege shell to root on Linux during authorized engagements.
Metasploit Framework
ExploitationModular exploitation framework for scanning, exploiting, and post-exploitation with msfconsole, handlers, and msfvenom.
msfvenom
ExploitationGenerate and encode standalone payloads (reverse shells, shellcode, MSI/EXE/ELF) for authorized exploitation.
ngrok
ExploitationExpose local services to the internet for reverse shells, webhooks, and phishing callbacks during authorized tests.
objdump
ExploitationDisassemble ELF binaries, inspect sections, symbols, and relocations for exploit development.
pwntools
ExploitationPython library for exploit development, remote/local process interaction, and ROP/shellcode workflows.
ROPgadget
ExploitationClassic ROP gadget finder with --ropchain auto-generation for simple execve/sh chains.
Ropper
ExploitationROP gadget search tool supporting ELF/PE with semantic filtering and chain building helpers.
sshuttle
ExploitationTransparent proxy/VPN over SSH — route subnets through a compromised SSH host without modifying sshd config.
strings
ExploitationExtract printable strings from binaries and dumps to find URLs, flags, passwords, and error messages.
Windows Privilege Escalation
ExploitationEnumeration and escalation paths from a low-privilege Windows user to SYSTEM or Administrator on authorized engagements.