Open Source Red Teaming Frameworks

The framework is a comprehensive penetration testing platform designed for the development, testing, and execution of security exploits. It serves as a research toolkit and automated assessment environment, enabling security professionals to identify and validate vulnerabilities within networked systems and infrastructure through repeatable, standardized procedures. The platform distinguishes itself through a modular architecture that supports reflective payload injection, allowing for the execution of code directly in memory without writing to disk. It utilizes an asynchronous event loop to manage high-performance, concurrent network connections and features a transport-agnostic communication layer that abstracts protocols to maintain persistent command and control. Users can extend the core functionality through a plugin system and define complex exploit logic using a domain-specific language. The framework provides robust capabilities for remote payload management, including the configuration of network settings like sleep intervals and timeout thresholds. It maintains state persistence across long-running sessions by storing discovered host information and vulnerability data in a relational database. The software is designed for cross-platform deployment, with installation support available for Linux, macOS, and Windows environments.

Havoc is a post-exploitation framework used for red team operations. It provides a centralized command and control system for managing remote agents through persistent network connections and customizable communication profiles. The framework focuses on security evasion and stealth, utilizing indirect syscall execution, return address spoofing, and hardware-breakpoint patching to bypass endpoint detection and response tools. It includes a payload generation workflow to create executable shellcode or DLLs for initial remote access. The system covers a broad range of operational capabilities, including infrastructure deployment, a post-exploitation command suite for data collection and privilege escalation, and a modular plugin system for integrating custom agents and external controllers.

Sliver is a command and control framework designed for adversary emulation and security assessment operations. It provides a centralized platform for managing remote systems, enabling security professionals to coordinate multi-operator sessions and maintain persistent, secure communication channels across diverse network environments. The framework distinguishes itself through its focus on stealth and infrastructure flexibility. It utilizes dynamic payload obfuscation to generate unique binaries and supports in-memory execution to minimize disk artifacts. Communication is secured through mutual TLS, WireGuard, and other standard protocols, while an asynchronous task queue ensures reliable command delivery even across intermittent network connections. Beyond its core communication capabilities, the platform supports a wide range of post-exploitation tasks, including process manipulation, token management, and network pivoting. Users can automate complex security workflows and route traffic through compromised nodes to reach isolated network segments, facilitating comprehensive testing of organizational security controls.

Caldera is an adversary emulation platform and command and control framework designed to simulate cyber attack patterns. It functions as an automated red team tool and threat framework orchestrator, executing attack sequences based on standardized cybersecurity threat frameworks to validate security defenses and detection capabilities. The platform distinguishes itself through the dynamic compilation of customized executable payloads and the use of framework-mapped adversary modeling to structure attack techniques. It manages asynchronous agents on targeted endpoints via a central server accessible through a web interface and REST API. The system includes capabilities for security control validation, incident response automation, and event-driven response workflows. It features a plugin-based architecture that allows for the integration of custom agents, reporting tools, and additional attack techniques.

Bjorn is a penetration testing framework that automates network scanning, credential brute-forcing, vulnerability assessment, and data exfiltration, all coordinated through an event-driven task pipeline and controlled via a web-based dashboard. Its modular plugin architecture allows independent security modules to be loaded and chained together, with an asynchronous network scanner discovering live hosts and open ports without blocking the main execution flow. The framework distinguishes itself by integrating a credential brute-force engine that systematically attempts login combinations against network services, alongside a vulnerability assessment module that matches service fingerprints against a local database of known exploits. Post-exploitation data exfiltration capabilities extract sensitive files and database contents from compromised services, while a web-based control interface provides real-time monitoring and task management through RESTful API calls. For physical monitoring, Bjorn includes an e-Paper display driver that shows real-time operation status on a low-power e-ink screen, complementing the browser-accessible operation dashboard. The project is implemented in Python and provides a comprehensive set of tools for security assessment workflows.

Stitch is a command and control framework and post-exploitation toolkit designed for managing multiple remote systems from a central server. It functions as a remote administration tool and payload builder, enabling the execution of commands and the deployment of agents across different operating systems. The project features a cross-platform builder for generating custom executable agents with configurable network bindings and boot behaviors. It utilizes encrypted communication channels to secure traffic between the controller and remote clients, and it supports the execution of dynamic scripts to extend agent functionality at runtime without recompiling binaries. The framework covers a range of remote administration and system manipulation capabilities, including credential and data exfiltration, keystroke recording, and screen capturing. It provides tools for maintaining a persistent presence on target machines through platform-specific installers and the modification of system registry values and files.

Fscan is an automated penetration testing tool designed for internal network reconnaissance and vulnerability assessment. It functions as a comprehensive security framework that maps network infrastructure, identifies active hosts and services, and detects security weaknesses across internal environments. The tool distinguishes itself through a modular plugin architecture that allows for extensible security checks and a stateful asset tracking system that maintains an in-memory registry of discovered infrastructure. It incorporates a dedicated credential brute-force engine for testing password strength and supports proxy-aware traffic routing to facilitate operations within segmented or restricted network segments. Beyond core discovery, the platform provides capabilities for post-exploitation security operations, including system information collection and remote access management. Users can control scan performance through configurable concurrency and rate limits, with options to manage tasks via both command-line execution and a graphical web interface.

Empire is a command and control framework and post-exploitation toolkit used for network penetration testing. It serves as a centralized platform for coordinating remote agent communication and automating the delivery of security testing payloads to target systems. The project provides a suite of modules for host reconnaissance, lateral movement, and credential harvesting across corporate environments. It functions as a remote administration tool to maintain persistence and execute commands on compromised hosts. The framework incorporates capabilities for agent orchestration and the execution of specialized security modules. It includes methods for bypassing network detection and implementing evasion techniques to avoid discovery by security monitoring tools.

BeEF is a modular security testing environment designed for browser exploitation and web application auditing. It functions as a platform for security professionals to evaluate client-side defenses by injecting persistent scripts into web browsers, establishing a bidirectional communication channel for remote command execution and data exfiltration. The framework distinguishes itself through its ability to use compromised browser sessions as proxies to conduct internal network reconnaissance, effectively bypassing perimeter security controls. It utilizes an event-driven control interface and asynchronous command queuing to manage multiple hooked sessions, allowing for the coordination of complex, multi-stage assessment workflows. The system supports a modular architecture that enables the development of custom plugins and automated rules to extend its core testing capabilities. It includes comprehensive administrative controls, such as role-based access control, authentication rate limiting, and network access restrictions, to secure the testing environment and manage component lifecycles.

TheFatRat is a security exploitation framework designed to automate the creation, obfuscation, and deployment of payloads for penetration testing. It functions as a comprehensive toolkit that streamlines the exploitation lifecycle, enabling users to generate malicious executables, manage network listeners, and execute post-exploitation tasks through a unified command-line interface. The framework distinguishes itself by integrating various third-party exploitation utilities into a single, orchestrated workflow. It provides specialized capabilities for embedding code into legitimate binaries and modifying file metadata to test system resilience against signature-based detection. Additionally, the tool supports physical security assessments by generating autorun configurations for removable media to evaluate automated execution behaviors on target systems. Beyond core payload generation, the platform includes utilities for environment dependency validation to ensure all necessary components are configured correctly before testing begins. It also automates post-compromise actions, such as information gathering and credential extraction, to facilitate efficient security audits.

Empire is a post-exploitation framework and command and control server designed to manage remote access agents. It provides a centralized system for coordinating these agents and executing specialized scripts across target systems. The project functions as a security evasion tool by adapting network communication patterns to bypass firewalls and monitoring tools. It utilizes a multi-language agent runtime and a modular plugin architecture to execute payloads across different operating systems. The framework covers a broad range of operational capabilities, including remote agent orchestration, privilege escalation workflows, and intelligence gathering. It also manages the deployment and lifecycle of remote agents to maintain persistent system control.

PentestGPT is an autonomous security testing framework that leverages large language models to plan, execute, and coordinate end-to-end penetration testing engagements. By functioning as an autonomous agent, the system automates the entire testing lifecycle, from initial reconnaissance and vulnerability analysis to the generation of custom exploits and the execution of post-exploitation tasks. The platform distinguishes itself through a multi-agent orchestration system that coordinates specialized AI agents to collaborate on complex, multi-stage attack chains. It integrates multimodal context, synthesizing both visual and textual data to inform its decision-making process. To ensure consistency and continuity, the framework maintains persistent session state, allowing users to pause and resume assessments without losing critical context or progress. The system provides a comprehensive suite of capabilities for managing external security utilities, including the ability to parse raw command-line output into structured data for automated analysis. It operates within isolated, containerized environments to ensure that testing workflows remain reproducible and secure across diverse target architectures.

Pupy is a command and control framework and post-exploitation suite used for remote administration and system management. It functions as a cross-platform tool for deploying payloads and controlling multiple remote agents through encrypted communication channels. The framework features a multi-platform payload generator that creates custom executable files using configurable network launchers. It employs a network traffic obfuscator that stacks encryption and obfuscation protocols to hide communication from observation. The system provides capabilities for in-memory code execution, remote process migration for persistence, and the interaction with remote objects via procedure calls. It includes a unified interface for executing system commands and managing interactive shells across different operating systems.

This project is a post-exploitation framework and command and control platform designed for security research and penetration testing. It functions as a remote access tool consisting of a central command server and encrypted executable payloads that establish reverse shell connections. The system utilizes a web-based dashboard for multi-client administration, allowing for remote host monitoring and direct shell access through an in-browser terminal. It generates cross-platform, encrypted binaries that employ a multi-stage delivery chain and a key exchange mechanism to secure communications. The platform includes capabilities for in-memory module execution to avoid disk artifacts, alongside sandbox and virtual machine detection to evade security software. Its functional surface covers post-exploitation tasks such as remote privilege escalation and data collection through a suite of modules for keystroke capture and network sniffing.

Nishang is a PowerShell-based offensive security framework designed for red teaming and penetration testing on Windows targets. It functions as a post-exploitation toolkit and payload generator to automate attacks and manage remote targets. The project provides specialized capabilities for bypassing security controls, such as disabling the Antimalware Scan Interface and employing in-memory execution to avoid disk-based detection. It includes a variety of stealthy command and control mechanisms, utilizing non-standard channels like DNS TXT records, ICMP traffic, and webmail for communication and data exfiltration. The framework covers a broad surface of offensive operations, including privilege escalation through token manipulation, credential harvesting from memory and registry hives, and the generation of weaponized documents. It also facilitates lateral movement via network pivoting, man-in-the-middle traffic interception, and the establishment of persistent backdoors. The toolset is implemented primarily in PowerShell.

Empire is a post-exploitation command-and-control (C2) framework designed for red team operations. It deploys and manages agents written in PowerShell, Python, C#, Go, and C across Windows, Linux, and macOS, using encrypted communication channels over HTTP, HTTPS, and SMB. The framework executes over 400 built-in modules for reconnaissance, privilege escalation, credential theft, and lateral movement, and provides a modular engine for authoring custom attack modules. What sets Empire apart is its multi-language agent deployment system, which allows operators to choose implants that suit each target environment, including lightweight Go agents for Windows and cross-platform Python and C agents. Communication is protected by a two-stage key exchange and AES-encrypted packets, and malleable communication profiles let operators alter beacon traffic patterns to mimic specific threat actors. Empire also emphasizes evasion, with features such as reflective memory execution, payload obfuscation using ConfuserEx and Invoke-Obfuscation, PowerShell protection bypasses, and JA3/JARM fingerprint randomization. The framework exposes a REST API for automation, enabling integration with external tools and scripted workflows. Its plugin system extends functionality with custom event hooks, data filters, and lifecycle triggers. Agents support remote command execution, file transfer, SOCKS proxy tunneling, and task monitoring, while listener and stager management is fully configurable. Empire includes a web GUI and CLI for multi-operator collaboration, with access control via token-based authentication and IP allow/deny lists.

PowerSploit is a collection of PowerShell modules designed for security assessment, penetration testing, and red team operations. It provides a framework for auditing Windows system configurations and evaluating the effectiveness of security defenses within an enterprise environment. The framework focuses on techniques that leverage native system administration tools and scripting environments to perform operations. It includes capabilities for executing arbitrary commands, escalating user privileges, and maintaining system persistence through event subscriptions. By utilizing in-memory execution and reflective loading, the modules allow for the operation of payloads without writing files to the disk, assisting in the simulation of advanced adversary behavior. Beyond core exploitation tasks, the project supports network reconnaissance and the modification of existing scripts to test system responses. These tools are intended for authorized security assessments and the hardening of individual workstations against potential vulnerabilities.

Sn1per is a vulnerability management platform and penetration testing orchestrator designed to automate reconnaissance, vulnerability scanning, and exploit verification. It functions as a dockerized security toolkit that coordinates multiple tools into a unified automated pipeline to identify security flaws across network and web assets. The platform features an attack surface manager for discovering internet-facing assets through OSINT, DNS enumeration, and certificate transparency. It distinguishes itself with an AI-powered security analyzer that uses large language models to summarize scan outputs and triage vulnerabilities, alongside an active exploit validation engine to eliminate false positives. Its broader capabilities cover mobile application auditing for Android and iOS binaries, dark web leak monitoring, and asset risk assessment. The system provides a security analysis dashboard for managing multi-user workspaces, generating structured reports, and configuring security tools via a web interface. The environment is deployed using containers and persistent volumes to ensure a reproducible runtime.

RustScan is a high-speed network reconnaissance tool designed for automated port discovery and service enumeration. It functions as an automated vulnerability scanner that identifies open ports and active services across network environments, providing a foundation for mapping attack surfaces and gathering intelligence on target systems. The tool distinguishes itself through its ability to dynamically adjust scanning parameters and concurrency in real-time based on system feedback, ensuring efficient performance while preventing network congestion. It features an extensible architecture that supports the execution of custom scripts and the automated piping of discovered data into external security utilities, including native integration with Nmap for deep service analysis. Beyond basic port discovery, the software supports payload-driven service probing to accurately classify network services and includes capabilities for UDP service identification. It is built as a cross-platform utility, utilizing a unified codebase to generate native binaries for multiple operating systems.

w3af is a web penetration testing suite and security audit framework designed to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in web applications. It functions as a vulnerability scanner that crawls targets to find injection points and a fuzzer used to discover hidden endpoints and test input validation. The project distinguishes itself by providing an intercepting HTTP proxy for capturing and modifying traffic, combined with a knowledge-base driven exploitation system. It enables the execution of security exploits to gain remote shell access and supports post-exploitation activities, such as routing traffic through compromised hosts via reverse TCP tunnels and SOCKS proxies. The platform covers a broad range of security capabilities, including REST API auditing, infrastructure fingerprinting, and automated login processing. It supports session maintenance through various authentication methods and provides tools for visualizing site structures and analyzing HTTP response clusters. Users can manage the scanner via a graphical interface or a programmatic API to automate scans and retrieve vulnerability data. The application is delivered as a dockerized environment to ensure consistent runtime behavior and simplified dependency management.