All tools
142 cheatsheets
Active Directory Attacks
ActiveActive Directory attack workflow: enumeration, Kerberoasting, AS-REP roasting, credential dumping, and lateral movement on authorized engagements.
Aircrack-ng
WirelessWi-Fi security auditing suite — capture with airodump-ng, deauth with aireplay-ng, crack WPA with aircrack-ng.
Amass
ReconnaissanceIn-depth attack surface mapping and subdomain enumeration via passive and active techniques.
Arjun
WebHTTP parameter discovery tool for finding hidden GET and POST parameters.
Assetfinder
ReconnaissanceFind domains and subdomains related to a given domain using passive sources (Tom Hudson).
Autopsy
ForensicsGUI digital forensics platform built on The Sleuth Kit for disk images, timelines, keyword search, and artifact parsing.
AWS CLI
CloudCommand-line interface for AWS enumeration, credential validation, and misconfiguration discovery during cloud assessments.
Azure CLI
CloudMicrosoft Azure command-line tool for subscription, VM, storage, and Entra ID enumeration in cloud pentests.
Bash Scripting
UtilitiesBash scripting syntax and one-liners — variables, loops, conditionals, and text processing for automation and pentesting.
Bettercap
NetworkModern network attack and monitoring framework for ARP/DNS spoofing, sniffing, and credential attacks on authorized LANs.
binwalk
ExploitationFirmware and file analysis tool that scans for embedded files and extracts hidden archives.
BloodHound
ActiveMap Active Directory attack paths from SharpHound/SharpHound data collectors.
Buffer Overflow
ExploitationStack-based buffer overflow workflow: fuzz, find the offset, control EIP, find bad chars, locate a JMP ESP, and get a shell.
Burp Suite
WebIntegrated web proxy and testing platform for intercepting, modifying, and automating HTTP traffic.
Censys
ReconnaissanceInternet-wide scan data and certificate intelligence for hosts, services, and attack surface research.
CeWL
PasswordsSpider a site and build a custom wordlist from discovered words.
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.
Command Injection
WebOS command injection payloads, separators, blind detection, and filter bypasses for achieving RCE on authorized targets.
commix
WebAutomated command injection detection and exploitation in web parameters and headers.
CrackMapExec
ActiveSwiss-army SMB/WinRM/LDAP/MSSQL tool for AD enumeration and credential testing.
Crontab
UtilitiesCron syntax reference and commands for scheduling jobs on Linux — plus persistence and privesc angles for pentesters.
Crunch
PasswordsGenerate custom wordlists from charset and length rules.
curl
UtilitiesVersatile CLI for HTTP(S), file transfer, headers, and scripting web/API tests during pentests.
Dalfox
WebFast parameter-based XSS scanner and proof-of-concept generator for web apps.
dig
ReconnaissanceDNS lookup utility for querying record types, tracing resolution, and debugging DNSSEC.
Dirb
ScanningClassic web content scanner using wordlists to discover hidden directories and files.
dnsenum
ReconnaissancePerl DNS enumerator for zone transfers, subdomain brute force, reverse lookups, and WHOIS.
dnsrecon
ReconnaissancePython DNS enumeration tool for records, zone transfers, brute force, and cache snooping.
Docker
CloudContainer runtime CLI for building images, inspecting deployments, and testing container breakout and misconfiguration paths.
DroopeScan
WebCMS scanner focused on Drupal, Silverstripe, and WordPress plugin enumeration.
enum4linux-ng
ScanningModern SMB/LDAP/RPC enumerator for Windows and Samba hosts—users, groups, shares, and policies.
Ettercap
NetworkLAN MITM framework for ARP poisoning, sniffing, and filter-based traffic manipulation on authorized networks.
Evil-WinRM
ActiveWinRM shell and file transfer for post-exploitation on Windows hosts.
ExifTool
ForensicsRead and write metadata in images, documents, and media — GPS, camera info, author fields, and hidden tags.
Feroxbuster
ScanningRecursive content discovery tool with smart filtering, backups, and automatic extraction of new URLs.
ffuf
ScanningFast web fuzzer for directories, parameters, vhosts, and header injection with flexible matchers.
Fierce
ReconnaissanceDNS reconnaissance tool that locates non-contiguous IP space near target domains.
file
ExploitationIdentify file types from magic bytes — essential before choosing exploit, extraction, or analysis tools.
File Transfer
UtilitiesMove files to and from compromised Linux and Windows hosts — HTTP, SMB, netcat, base64, and living-off-the-land binaries.
Foremost
ForensicsFile carving tool that recovers files from disk images by header/footer signatures when filesystem metadata is missing.
GDB (GEF / Pwndbg)
ExploitationGNU debugger for binary analysis with GEF or Pwndbg for heap, registers, and exploit-oriented views.
Git
UtilitiesVersion control CLI for cloning repos, hunting exposed secrets in history, and recovering source during web assessments.
Gobuster
ScanningFast directory, DNS, vhost, and S3 bucket brute-forcer written in Go.
Google Cloud SDK (gcloud)
CloudGCP command-line tool for project enumeration, IAM review, compute instances, and storage access testing.
GPG
UtilitiesGnuPG commands for encrypting files, signing, and managing keys — symmetric and public-key workflows.
Hash Identifier
PasswordsInteractive helper to guess hash type for cracking tools.
Hashcat
PasswordsGPU-accelerated offline password and hash recovery.
hping3
NetworkCustom TCP/UDP/ICMP packet crafting for firewall testing, traceroute, and port probing on authorized hosts.
httpx
ScanningFast HTTP probe for live URLs, status codes, titles, and tech fingerprinting from host lists.
Hydra
PasswordsParallelized online login brute-forcer for many protocols.
Impacket
ActivePython toolkit for SMB, Kerberos, and Windows protocol attacks.
John the Ripper
PasswordsVersatile offline password cracker with automatic format detection.
JoomScan
WebJoomla CMS vulnerability scanner and version or component enumerator.
jq
Utilitiesjq command-line JSON processor — filter, transform, and extract fields from API responses and tool output.
JWT Attacks
WebJSON Web Token attacks: alg=none, weak secret cracking, key confusion (RS256→HS256), and claim tampering on authorized targets.
jwt_tool
WebJSON Web Token testing for algorithm confusion, weak secrets, and claim tampering.
Kerbrute
ActiveFast Kerberos user enumeration and password spraying without LDAP.
kubectl
CloudKubernetes CLI for cluster enumeration, secret access, and pod exec during authorized K8s penetration tests.
ldapdomaindump
ActiveDump and HTML-report Active Directory LDAP data for offline review.
LFI / Path Traversal
WebLocal file inclusion and directory traversal payloads, PHP wrappers, and log-poisoning RCE for authorized testing.
Ligolo-ng
ExploitationAdvanced pivoting via TUN interface and agent — cleaner routing than SOCKS for multi-host internal scans.
Linux Commands
UtilitiesEssential Linux command-line reference — files, permissions, processes, networking, and search for everyday and pentest use.
Linux Privilege Escalation
ExploitationEnumeration and escalation paths to go from a low-privilege shell to root on Linux during authorized engagements.
Maskprocessor
PasswordsGenerate candidate passwords from Hashcat-style mask syntax.
Masscan
ScanningHigh-speed Internet-scale port scanner for rapid discovery before deeper nmap enumeration.
Medusa
PasswordsFast, modular parallel login brute-forcer (Foofus Medusa).
Metasploit Framework
ExploitationModular exploitation framework for scanning, exploiting, and post-exploitation with msfconsole, handlers, and msfvenom.
Mimikatz
ActiveWindows credential extraction and Kerberos manipulation (lab-only).
mitmproxy
WebInteractive TLS-capable HTTP proxy for intercepting, replaying, and scripting web traffic.
msfvenom
ExploitationGenerate and encode standalone payloads (reverse shells, shellcode, MSI/EXE/ELF) for authorized exploitation.
Netcat
NetworkTCP/UDP connect, listen, and port relay for banners, shells, and file transfer on authorized networks.
NetExec
ActiveModern CrackMapExec successor for AD protocol abuse and automation.
ngrok
ExploitationExpose local services to the internet for reverse shells, webhooks, and phishing callbacks during authorized tests.
Nikto
ScanningWeb server scanner for dangerous files, misconfigurations, and outdated software indicators.
Nmap
ScanningNetwork mapper for host discovery, port scanning, service/version detection, and NSE scripting.
nslookup
ReconnaissanceInteractive and non-interactive DNS query tool available on Linux and Windows for basic record lookups.
Nuclei
ScanningTemplate-based fast scanner for CVEs, misconfigs, and exposures across HTTP, DNS, and more.
objdump
ExploitationDisassemble ELF binaries, inspect sections, symbols, and relocations for exploit development.
OpenSSL
UtilitiesCryptography toolkit for certificate inspection, TLS testing, and encoding/hashing in pentests and forensics.
Ophcrack
PasswordsWindows NTLM/LM rainbow-table cracker with GUI and live CD heritage.
OSINT
ReconnaissanceOpen-source intelligence workflow: domains, emails, people, breaches, and infrastructure using Google dorks and free OSINT tools.
OWASP ZAP
WebOpen-source web app security proxy with passive/active scanning and automation API.
Pacu
CloudAWS exploitation framework with modules for privilege escalation, persistence, and data exfiltration after key compromise.
ParamSpider
WebMines archived URLs to extract unique parameters for a domain from web archives.
Password Cracking
PasswordsPassword cracking workflow: identify the hash, pick the right mode, and crack offline (hashcat/john) or online (hydra) on authorized targets.
Patator
PasswordsMulti-purpose brute-forcer with flexible modules and conditions.
Pivoting & Tunneling
NetworkSSH tunneling, port forwarding, SOCKS proxies, and pivoting with chisel/ligolo to reach internal networks during authorized engagements.
PowerShell
UtilitiesPowerShell commands for Windows enumeration, download/execution, and offensive one-liners during authorized engagements.
Prowler
CloudAWS (and multi-cloud) security assessment tool with hundreds of checks mapped to CIS, PCI, and custom compliance frameworks.
Proxychains
NetworkForce TCP connections through SOCKS4/5 or HTTP proxies for pivoting during authorized internal assessments.
pwntools
ExploitationPython library for exploit development, remote/local process interaction, and ROP/shellcode workflows.
Recon-ng
ReconnaissanceModular reconnaissance framework with workspaces, modules, and API-driven OSINT collectors.
Regex
UtilitiesRegular expression syntax reference plus ready-to-use patterns for grepping IPs, hashes, emails, and secrets.
Responder
NetworkLLMNR/NBT-NS/mDNS poisoner and rogue authentication server for capturing NetNTLM hashes on authorized Windows networks.
Reverse Shells
UtilitiesOne-liners and staged payloads for bash, Python, and PowerShell reverse shells during authorized penetration tests.
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.
rpcclient
NetworkMS-RPC client for SAMR/LSA enumeration and user management via null or authenticated sessions on authorized domains.
Rubeus
ActiveKerberos abuse toolkit for ticket requests, roasting, and delegation attacks.
RustScan
ScanningFast port scanner that pipes discovered ports directly into Nmap for scripting and version detection.
ScoutSuite
CloudMulti-cloud security auditing tool that generates HTML reports highlighting misconfigurations and risky permissions.
SearchSploit
ScanningCommand-line search of Exploit-DB for public exploits, shellcode, and papers by keyword or CVE.
Shodan
ReconnaissanceSearch engine for Internet-connected devices, banners, ports, and exposed services via CLI and web.
SMB Enumeration
NetworkEnumerate SMB: shares, null sessions, users, and versions with nmap, netexec, smbclient, and enum4linux on authorized networks.
smbclient
NetworkSMB/CIFS client for share enumeration, file access, and null-session testing on authorized Windows hosts.
socat
NetworkBidirectional data relay for shells, port forwarding, and protocol bridging on authorized networks.
SpiderFoot
ReconnaissanceOSINT automation platform correlating IPs, domains, emails, breaches, and social data from 200+ modules.
SQL Injection
WebManual SQL injection payloads and techniques for detection, UNION extraction, blind, and authentication bypass on authorized targets.
sqlmap
WebAutomated SQL injection detection and exploitation for web parameters, headers, and cookies.
SSH
UtilitiesSecure shell for remote access, port forwarding, SOCKS proxies, and file transfer during authorized engagements.
sshuttle
ExploitationTransparent proxy/VPN over SSH — route subnets through a compromised SSH host without modifying sshd config.
SSRF (Server-Side Request Forgery)
WebServer-side request forgery payloads: cloud metadata access, internal port scanning, filter bypasses, and blind SSRF detection.
SSRFmap
WebSSRF exploitation framework with modules for cloud metadata, port scan, and shell.
Steganography
ForensicsSteganography and hidden-data extraction for CTF and forensics: images, audio, files, and embedded archives.
strings
ExploitationExtract printable strings from binaries and dumps to find URLs, flags, passwords, and error messages.
Subdomain Enumeration
ReconnaissanceFind subdomains via passive sources, DNS brute force, certificate transparency, and permutation — then probe which are live.
Subfinder
ReconnaissanceFast passive subdomain discovery using curated OSINT sources and API integrations.
tcpdump
NetworkCommand-line packet capture and filtering for authorized network analysis and troubleshooting.
The Sleuth Kit
ForensicsCLI forensic toolkit to analyze disk images — partition tables, inode listing, and file carving without GUI.
theHarvester
ReconnaissanceOSINT gathering for emails, subdomains, hosts, and employee names from public sources.
tmux
UtilitiesTerminal multiplexer for persistent sessions, split panes, and windows — keep shells alive across SSH drops.
tplmap
WebServer-Side Template Injection detection and exploitation for multiple template engines.
Trivy
CloudScanner for container images, filesystems, and IaC (Terraform, K8s) for CVEs and misconfigurations.
tshark
NetworkCLI Wireshark for capture, display filters, and protocol field extraction on authorized traffic.
Velociraptor
ForensicsEndpoint visibility and digital forensic platform with VQL for hunting, collections, and incident response at scale.
Vim
UtilitiesVim editor commands — modes, motions, editing, search/replace, and the survival basics for editing files on remote shells.
Volatility
ForensicsMemory forensics framework for extracting processes, credentials, and malware artifacts from RAM dumps.
wafw00f
ScanningIdentifies Web Application Firewalls in front of targets to tune bypass and testing strategy.
Wfuzz
ScanningPython web fuzzer for brute-forcing parameters, directories, and headers with flexible filters.
wget
UtilitiesNon-interactive downloader for mirroring sites, retrieving payloads, and recursive cloning during recon.
WhatWeb
ScanningWeb technology fingerprinter identifying CMS, frameworks, plugins, and server headers.
Wi-Fi Hacking
WirelessWireless attack workflow: monitor mode, recon, WPA/WPA2 handshake capture, deauth, and offline cracking on authorized networks.
Windows Commands
UtilitiesWindows CMD command reference — files, users, networking, services, and enumeration commands for admins and pentesters.
Windows Privilege Escalation
ExploitationEnumeration and escalation paths from a low-privilege Windows user to SYSTEM or Administrator on authorized engagements.
Wireshark Filters
NetworkWireshark display and capture filter syntax for slicing packet captures during analysis and forensics.
WPScan
WebWordPress security scanner for users, plugins, themes, and known vulnerabilities.
x8
WebHidden parameter discovery via response status, body, and reflection diffing.
XSS (Cross-Site Scripting)
WebCross-site scripting payloads and filter bypasses for reflected, stored, and DOM-based XSS on authorized targets.
XSStrike
WebAdvanced XSS detection with context analysis, fuzzing, and WAF-aware payload generation.
XXE (XML External Entity)
WebXML External Entity payloads for file read, SSRF, blind out-of-band exfiltration, and denial of service on authorized targets.
YARA
ForensicsPattern matching language to identify malware families, IOCs, and suspicious byte sequences in files and memory.