30 Best Penetration Testing Tools

Cyber Security News ®

916,677 followers
December 29, 2024

A penetration testing tool helps identify vulnerabilities within a

system by simulating real-world attacks. This allows
organizations to detect and address security weaknesses before
malicious actors exploit them.

These tools provide comprehensive assessments of network,

application, and system security by performing in-depth scans
and tests and delivering detailed reports on potential threats and
their impact on the organization’s infrastructure.

They often feature automated scanning capabilities and

customizable test scenarios to adapt to different environments
and security needs, ensuring thorough coverage of potential
attack vectors and compliance with industry standards.

With user-friendly interfaces and advanced analytics, the best

penetration testing tools streamline the process of identifying
and prioritizing security issues. They enable IT teams to address
vulnerabilities efficiently and enhance their overall cybersecurity
posture.

What Is Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing, also called pentesing or security testing, is a

method of simulating the attack by scanning, testing, and
identifying the vulnerability in the authorized computer system or
network to prevent it by patching the vulnerability system.

Penetration testing is automated by the Penetration Testing

Tools, which is generally used to identify weak spots so that they
can be cured with the help of these tools.
We can also say that Penetration testing tools are utilized as a
part of a penetration test or pen test to automatize some specific
tasks, develop testing productivity, and explore issues that might
be challenging to find using manual analysis methods alone.

The two essential penetration testing tools are static analysis

tools and dynamic analysis tools.

Moreover, for example, let us take Veracode, which performs

both dynamic and static code analysis and finds different security
weaknesses, including wicked code and the loss of functionality
that may lead to security breaks.

For a better understanding, we can say it’s like in the movies,

where hacker consultants burst into your operating networks to
find vulnerabilities before attackers do.

Thus, it’s a hidden cyber-attack in which the pentester or decent

hacker uses the tools and methods available to disclose the ill-
disposed hackers.

Penetration Testing, also known as “Pentesting,“ is a form of

security testing in which a professional “Ethical Hacker” or
“Penetration Tester” simulates a cyber attack on a computer
system or network to find vulnerabilities and flaws in the system
before a malicious hacker can exploit them.

Penetration Testing aims to discover and fix vulnerabilities before

malicious hackers or bad cybercriminals exploit them.

Benefits Of Penetration Testing

 Maintaining compliance: The Payment Card Industry Data

Security Standard (PCI DSS) and the Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act (HIPAA) are two laws and regulations
requiring periodic penetration testing for many organizations.
 Prevent cyberattacks: Discovering vulnerabilities is a significant
advantage of conducting a penetration test. This allows for fixing
the issues before hackers use them.
 Prevent expensive incidents: The results of penetration tests can
be used to strengthen a company’s security measures. When
businesses invest in regular penetration testing, they become less
vulnerable to cyber attacks, ultimately saving them money.
 Keeping cybersecurity experts up to date: For penetration
testers, staying current on industry developments is crucial. Routine
penetration testing can benefit cybersecurity professionals by
keeping them abreast of new vulnerabilities and countermeasures.

What are the Skills Needed for Penetration Testers?

The importance of Penetration Testing has only grown as cyber
criminals have developed increasingly sophisticated methods of
attacking organizational digital infrastructures, such as social
engineering and ransomware.

 The fundamentals of networking (TCP/IP address, protocols)

 Expertise in learning and utilizing computer systems such as
Windows, Linux, and macOS
 Understanding of different kinds of penetration testing
tools.
 Knowledge of programming language
 Ability to convey ideas clearly and concisely in writing,
especially in technical situations.

What Are The Methods Of Penetration Testing?

Black Box Penetration Testing

 External penetration testing is another name for black box

penetration testing.
 In this method, the pen tester needs to learn about the
organization’s IT infrastructure.
 This process seems more like an experiment of a real-world
cyber threat to test the system’s vulnerabilities.
 In this method, the pen testers pretend to be cyberattackers
and try to exploit the device’s vulnerabilities.
 This typically takes a long time and can take up to six weeks
to finish.

White Box Penetration Testing

 Other names for white box penetration testing are internal

penetration testing, clear box penetration testing, and even
glass box penetration testing.
 This penetration testing method gives the pen tester full
access to the environment, source code, and IT
infrastructure.
 It is a comprehensive and in-depth pen test examining every
aspect, including the application’s fundamental structure
and code quality.
 Furthermore, completing this kind of pen-testing approach
typically takes two to three weeks.

Grey Box Penetration Testing

 In this penetration testing method, the pen tester has

limited access to information about the target system’s
architecture and source code.
  Since the pen tester has limited information about the
internal network or web application to work with, they can
concentrate on finding and exploiting any vulnerabilities
they find.

What is the Role of Coding in Penetration Testing?

Learning hacking techniques is necessary to improve penetration

tester or cybersecurity analyst skills. While programming
expertise is unnecessary to perform penetration tests, it can
enhance a tester’s efficiency and effectiveness. A tester’s success
is not dependent on their familiarity with programming
languages, but it is helpful.

According to Ubuntu Pit, penetration testers utilize a wide range

of cyber tools and programming languages to gain unauthorized
access to networks or to reveal security vulnerabilities in specific
pieces of software.

The following are some of the languages used to develop

penetration testing software.

 Python: SQLMap, SimplyEmail, W3af, and Wfuzz

 JavaScript: Netsparker
 C: Hashcat, John the Ripper, Aircrack and Aircrack
 Java: Hydra, Xray, and ZAP
 Ruby: Metasploit

How to Perform Penetration Testing?

Phase 1: Pre-engagement (planning and scoping)

Since every penetration test is different, the first step is always

to establish the scope and objective of the test. Everything about
the procedure, including testing procedures, allowed systems,
and more, is decided upon here.

The goals of each penetration test are established before the

evaluation, and the tests are conducted accordingly.

Phase 2: Information gathering

During this phase, the penetration tester or Ethical Hacker

collects as much data as possible about the target system.
Similar terms include fingerprinting and reconnaissance.

Phase 3: Vulnerability Assessment

After gathering information about the target, the penetration
tester assesses vulnerability to learn more about that system.
Knowing how the target application will respond to different
attempts to get in is also helpful.

Ethical hackers or penetration testers use automated tools like

Nessus, and Rapid7, for vulnerability assessment.

Phase 4: Exploitation

Penetration testers use their skills to attack and exploit target

options to find security flaws. They use techniques like cross-site
scripting, SQL injection, social engineering, and security holes to
get into the target and stay there.

It helps figure out what kind of damage a vulnerability could

cause.

Phase 5: Post-exploitation

In this step, the Penetration Tester removes any malware,

rootkits, codes, records, tools, etc., implanted or made during
penetration testing. They use their weaknesses to get what they
want, including installing malware, changing it, or misusing its
functions.

Phase 6: Reporting

This concludes the penetration testing phase. At this point, the

penetration testers present their conclusions and suggestions for
resolving security issues.

Organizations can use this information to strengthen their

security.

Here Are Our Picks For The Best Penetration Testing Tools
And Their Feature

 Wireshark: Network protocol analyzer for capturing and inspecting

packets in real-time.
 Metasploit: Exploitation framework for discovering and testing
vulnerabilities with a vast library of exploits.
 NMAP/ZenMap: Network scanning tool for discovering hosts,
services, and open ports in a network.
 BurpSuite: Web vulnerability scanner and proxy tool for analyzing
and securing web applications.
 Pentest Tools: Collection of tools for various penetration testing
tasks, including vulnerability scanning and exploitation.
 Intruder: Cloud-based vulnerability scanner that identifies security
weaknesses and provides actionable insights.
 Nessus: Comprehensive vulnerability assessment tool for scanning
and identifying security flaws across various systems.
 Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP): Open-source web application security
scanner for finding and fixing vulnerabilities.
 Nikto: Web server scanner that detects vulnerabilities and
misconfigurations in web servers.
 BeEF: Browser Exploitation Framework for testing and exploiting
vulnerabilities in web browsers.
 Invicti: Automated web application security scanner with advanced
vulnerability detection and risk assessment features.
 Powershell-Suite: Collection of PowerShell scripts for performing
various penetration testing and security tasks.
 w3af: Web application attack and audit framework for finding and
exploiting web application vulnerabilities.
 Wapiti: Web application vulnerability scanner that identifies
potential security issues in web applications.
 Radare: Open-source reverse engineering framework for analyzing
binaries and discovering security issues.
 IDA: Interactive DisAssembler for analyzing and reverse
engineering executable files.
 Apktool: Tool for reverse engineering Android applications to
inspect and modify APK files.
 MobSF: Mobile Security Framework for automated analysis of
mobile apps to identify security issues.
 FuzzDB: Database of attack patterns and payloads for fuzz testing
and discovering security vulnerabilities.
 Aircrack-ng: Suite of tools for assessing Wi-Fi network security,
including cracking WEP and WPA/WPA2 keys.
 Retina: Vulnerability management tool that performs network and
application vulnerability assessments.
 Social Engineering Toolkit (SET): Framework for testing social
engineering attacks and techniques.
 Hexway: Security platform focusing on threat intelligence and
proactive defense strategies.
 Shodan: Search engine for discovering and analyzing internet-
connected devices and their security posture.
 Kali Linux: It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for advanced
penetration testing and security auditing.
 Dnsdumpster: Online DNS reconnaissance tool for discovering
subdomains and mapping network infrastructure.
 Hunter: Email address verification and lead generation tool with a
focus on security.
 skrapp: Email finding and lead generation tool for locating and
verifying professional email addresses.
 URL Fuzzer: Tool for identifying hidden resources and
vulnerabilities by fuzzing URLs.
  sqlmap: Network mapping tool for discovering devices and services
in a network.

Penetration Testing Tools Features

1. WireShark

Wireshark is a widely used, open-source network protocol

analyzer that allows users to capture and inspect network traffic
in real-time. It provides deep insights into network protocols and
helps identify potential vulnerabilities.

The tool supports various protocols and offers advanced filtering

and analysis capabilities, making it ideal for diagnosing network
issues, investigating security incidents, and understanding
complex network interactions during penetration testing.

Wireshark’s extensive community support and regular updates

ensure it stays current with emerging technologies and threats,
providing a valuable resource for security professionals seeking
to enhance their network analysis and penetration testing efforts.

Features

 Wireshark may record live or saved network traffic.

 This allows network traffic troubleshooting, security
analysis, and performance tracking.
 It can analyze protocol-level network data for numerous
protocols.
 Search and filter capabilities in Wireshark enable you to
target certain packets or protocols.

2. Metasploit

Metasploit is a widely used penetration testing framework that

helps security professionals identify system vulnerabilities by
providing a comprehensive suite of exploits, payloads, and tools
for simulating real-world attacks.

It features a free Community edition and a more advanced Pro

version, including additional features like automated exploitation,
advanced reporting, and enhanced collaboration capabilities for
enterprise environments.

Metasploit integrates with other security tools and platforms,

enabling users to streamline their penetration testing workflows
and improve overall efficiency in identifying and addressing
security vulnerabilities.
Features

 Users can design and customize Metasploit attacks for

target systems with security flaws.
 It has built-in vulnerability screening tools to detect target
system vulnerabilities.
 It has many pre-made attack modules and payloads.
 Metasploit provides a complete framework for maintaining
access and control over hacked systems.

3. NMAP/ZenMap

NMAP is a powerful network scanning tool for discovering

network hosts and services. It identifies open ports, running
services, and potential security risks, providing detailed insights
into network security.

ZenMap is NMAP’s graphical user interface (GUI), designed to

simplify its complex command-line operations. It offers an
intuitive way to configure scans, view results, and manage
scanning profiles for more efficient security assessments.

Both NMAP and ZenMap are free and open-source, making them
accessible tools for network administrators and security
professionals. They are widely used for network inventory,
vulnerability detection, and compliance auditing.

Features

 Host discovery via Nmap and Zenmap finds live network

hosts.
 Nmap or Zenmap can detect open network ports and
services on target hosts.
 By analyzing port responses, Nmap and Zenmap can
determine services and versions.
 Nmap/Zenmap can detect OSs by analyzing network replies
and tiny network behavior changes.

4. BurpSuite

BurpSuite is a comprehensive penetration testing tool designed

for web application security assessment. It provides features for
crawling websites, scanning for vulnerabilities, and performing
detailed analyses to identify and address potential security
issues.

The tool offers both free and professional versions, with the paid
edition providing advanced capabilities such as automated
vulnerability scanning, enhanced reporting, and a suite of plugins
for deeper security testing and customization.

BurpSuite is widely used by security professionals for its intuitive

interface and powerful functionality, including a proxy server for
intercepting and modifying HTTP/S requests. This makes it a
critical tool for discovering and exploiting web application
vulnerabilities.

Features

 Burp Suite’s sophisticated web application scanner instantly

finds common problems.
 An intercepting proxy server like Burp Proxy can modify
HTTP/S requests and answers between clients and web
services.
 Burp Suite’s Spider tool follows links in a web app to locate
all accessible pages.
 The powerful Burp Intruder application can automatically
fuzze and shatter web form entries.

5. Pentest Tools

Pentest Tools offers a suite of automated tools designed to

streamline the penetration testing process. These tools provide
users with various functionalities for vulnerability scanning, web
application testing, and network security assessments.

The platform features a user-friendly interface and integrates

various testing modules. It allows for comprehensive security
evaluations and detailed reporting on vulnerabilities, which helps
organizations prioritize and address potential risks effectively.

Pricing for Pentest Tools includes both free and premium tiers.
The paid plans offer enhanced features, such as advanced
scanning options and priority support, catering to both small and
large enterprises.

Features

 Pentest software uses “vulnerability scanning” to

automatically check systems, networks, and apps for
security vulnerabilities.
 Most pentest software scans vulnerabilities.
 It immediately scans systems, networks, and apps for
vulnerabilities.
 Automatic vulnerability checking in pentest software scans
systems, networks, and apps for known security flaws.
  System, network, and app vulnerability checking is usually
part of pentest software that automatically scans for
weaknesses.

6. Intruder

Intruder is a cloud-based penetration testing tool that automates

vulnerability scanning to identify security weaknesses across
networks, applications, and systems. It provides actionable
insights to enhance overall cybersecurity.

It offers continuous monitoring and regular vulnerability

assessments, helping organizations avoid emerging threats and
maintain compliance with industry standards and regulations
through frequent, up-to-date security checks.

The tool features an intuitive interface and detailed reporting,

allowing security teams to quickly understand and prioritize
vulnerabilities, integrate with existing workflows, and efficiently
address potential security risks within their IT infrastructure.

Features

 Intruder users can create and edit attack payloads.

 It helps you target program sections and security
weaknesses with various assaults.
 It can alter payloads before sending them to the target
application using Intruder’s rules.
 Users can indicate they request payload spaces.

7. Nessus

Nessus is a widely used vulnerability assessment tool that scans

networks for security weaknesses, misconfigurations, and
potential threats. It helps organizations identify and address
vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them.

It offers comprehensive scanning capabilities, including support

for various operating systems, applications, and network devices.
Its vulnerability database is regularly updated to keep pace with
emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

Nessus provides detailed reports and recommendations, allowing

security teams to prioritize and remediate issues based on risk
severity. This enhances overall security posture and compliance
with industry standards and regulations.

Features
  It finds various security weaknesses in networks, systems,
and apps.
 Nessus uses “network discovery.” to locate and map
network servers and devices.
 It supports credential scanning. Users can verify
authenticated systems with their credentials.
 Configuration audits by Nessus detect setup errors and
security best practices.

8. Zed Attack Proxy

Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP) is an open-source penetration testing tool

to find web application vulnerabilities. It provides automated
scanners and various tools for manual testing, making it ideal for
security professionals and developers.

ZAP offers passive and active scanning, fuzzing, and an

intercepting proxy, enabling users to identify and exploit security
flaws in real-time. Its extensive plugin support enhances
functionality and customization for different testing needs.

With a user-friendly interface and strong community support, ZAP

is accessible to beginners and experienced testers alike. It
integrates with various CI/CD pipelines, facilitating continuous
security testing throughout the development lifecycle.

Features

 It actively scans web programs for security vulnerabilities.

 Passive scanning allows ZAP to monitor and analyze
browser-web app requests and responses.
 ZAP’s “spidering” functionality maps web app structures.
 It allows fuzzing to test web application input stability.

9. Nikto

Nikto is an open-source web server scanner designed to detect

vulnerabilities and security issues in web applications. It
performs comprehensive scans for over 6,700 potentially
dangerous files and programs to identify weaknesses.

The tool offers extensive checks for outdated software,

configuration problems, and security issues, providing detailed
reports and suggestions for remediation to enhance web servers’
and applications’ overall security posture.

Nikto’s ease of use and rapid scanning capabilities make it an

essential tool for penetration testers and security professionals.
It helps them quickly identify and address potential
vulnerabilities in their web environments.

Features

 Nikto performs comprehensive scanning of web servers to

identify security vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.
 Nikto includes SSL/TLS scanning capabilities to assess the
security configuration of SSL/TLS certificates and identify
potential weaknesses.
 In addition to server scanning, Nikto performs basic web
application testing by identifying common vulnerabilities.
 Nikto provides multiple scanning profiles or plugins that
allow users to customize the scanning process based on
their specific needs.

10. BeEF

BeEF (Browser Exploitation Framework) focuses on browser

vulnerabilities by allowing penetration testers to assess the
security of web browsers and their interactions with web
applications, exploiting weaknesses through client-side attacks.

The tool enables detailed control over browser sessions,

providing capabilities to launch attacks, perform social
engineering, and gather information from compromised browsers,
enhancing the effectiveness of penetration testing.

BeEF integrates with other security tools and frameworks,

offering a modular approach with various extensions and plugins
to extend its functionality and adapt to different testing
environments and scenarios.

Features

 It allows security professionals to exploit vulnerabilities and

weaknesses in web browsers.
 It provides a command and control interface that allows
users to interact with compromised browsers
 It provides extensive browser reconnaissance capabilities to
gather information about the targeted browser.
 Using browser weaknesses, BeEF enables testers to target
client-side attacks.
 XSS attacks are its primary function, which lets testers
control and interact with web browsers.

11. Invicti
Invicti is a robust web application security scanner that
automates vulnerability detection. It provides detailed reports on
issues like SQL injection, XSS, and other critical vulnerabilities to
help secure web applications effectively.

It offers advanced features such as dynamic scanning, deep

crawling, and automatic vulnerability validation, which improve
accuracy and reduce false positives, ensuring comprehensive
coverage of web security assessments.

With a user-friendly interface and integration capabilities, Invicti

streamlines the security testing process and facilitates
collaboration among security teams, helping organizations
manage and mitigate risks efficiently.

Features

 It thoroughly checks web applications for SQL injection, XSS,

dangerous settings, directory access, and more.
 DeepScan from Acunetix goes beyond vulnerability
scanning.
 It meticulously examines web apps for complicated
vulnerabilities that other scanners miss.
 Acunetix’s clever crawler detects all usable pages, forms,
and input locations in the online app.
 It provides detailed data on vulnerabilities, their severity,
potential repercussions, and solutions.

12. Powershell-Suite

PowerShell-Suite is a collection of tools and scripts designed for

penetration testing and security assessments using PowerShell. It
enables attackers and defenders to conduct various types of
security testing and exploit vulnerabilities in a Windows
environment.

It provides functionalities for tasks such as surveillance, privilege

escalation, and post-exploitation, leveraging PowerShell’s
capabilities to automate and streamline complex testing
processes, making it a versatile tool for security professionals.

The suite includes various modules that can be customized and

extended. It offers a flexible approach to penetration testing and
allows users to integrate with other security tools and
frameworks to enhance their testing and analysis capabilities.

Features
  Most system administrators utilize PowerShell, a computer
language and interactive command-line shell.
 It lets scripts automate repetitive tasks, making system
administrators more productive.
 PowerShell is deeply integrated with Windows, allowing you
to manage and configure OS and application components.
 PowerShell can update and interact with many data and
objects using .NET objects.
 It has many built-in cmdlets to simplify complex operations.

13. W3AF

W3AF (Web Application Attack and Audit Framework) is an open-

source penetration testing tool designed to identify and exploit
vulnerabilities in web applications. It helps security professionals
assess and improve web application security.

It features a modular architecture with various plugins for

scanning, vulnerability detection, and exploitation, allowing users
to customize and extend its capabilities to meet specific testing
and security requirements.

W3AF offers both a command-line interface and a graphical user

interface, providing flexibility in how users interact with the tool
and enabling comprehensive analysis of web applications for
common security issues like SQL injection and cross-site
scripting.

Features

 It detects SQL injection, XSS, local and global file inclusion,

command injection, and more in web programs.
 A W3AF “crawler” maps a web application’s layout.
 It enables users to test newly discovered vulnerabilities to
determine their severity.
 It allows authenticated scanning. This enables users to test
authentication-required web app elements.

14. Wapiti

Wapiti is an open-source web application vulnerability scanner

that identifies security flaws such as SQL injection, XSS, and file
inclusion vulnerabilities. It performs comprehensive scans of web
applications to uncover potential threats.

The tool crawls web applications, analyzes their structure and

content, and tests for vulnerabilities based on predefined and
custom attack vectors. It provides detailed reports on discovered
issues and potential risks.
Wapiti supports various output formats, including HTML and XML,
enabling users to review and share vulnerability findings quickly.
Its modular design allows for the addition of custom scanning
plugins to tailor tests to specific needs.

Features

 Wapiti scans web programs for SQL injection, XSS, remote

file inclusion, command injection, and more.
 Wapiti’s “crawler” analyzes web apps to determine their
structure.
 It allows users to alter scanning rules and options.
 It supports authenticated scanning to check web app
security.

15. Radare

Radare is an open-source framework for reverse engineering,

binary analysis, and vulnerability research. It provides a suite of
tools for disassembling, debugging, and patching executables
across various platforms and architectures.

The tool features a command-line interface with powerful

scripting capabilities, enabling users to automate complex
analysis tasks and customize their workflows. It supports various
file formats and binary types, enhancing its versatility.

Radare’s modular architecture allows integration with other tools

and extensions, facilitating advanced analysis techniques and
collaboration within security teams. Its active community
contributes to continuous updates and improvements, ensuring it
stays relevant in cybersecurity.

Features

 Radare lets you disassemble and decompile code, examine

functions, evaluate control flow, and find code
vulnerabilities and flaws in binary files and executables.
 Radare disassembles machine code into easy-to-read
assembly instructions.
 Radare’s interactive and command-line interface lets users
navigate binary files, investigate functions, inspect memory
contents, search for patterns, and analyze binary structure.
 Radare lets users set breakpoints, view registers and
memory, step through code, and follow binary execution.

16. IDA
IDA (Interactive DisAssembler) is a powerful disassembly tool for
reverse engineering and analyzing binary code. It provides
detailed insights into executable files, enabling security
professionals to understand and identify software vulnerabilities.

The tool supports various processor architectures and file

formats, offering advanced features like decompilation,
debugging, and scripting. This flexibility allows users to tailor
their analysis to different malware and software applications.

IDA is widely recognized in the cybersecurity community for its

robust capabilities and extensive plugin support. It is valuable for
penetration testers and researchers working on security
assessments and vulnerability discoveries.

Features

 It lets you take apart binary files and turn machine code into
assembly instructions that humans can understand.
 It has a graph view that lets you see how the code’s control
flow looks.
 Cross-references in the broken code are automatically found
and shown by IDA.
 With IDA, you can understand the binary’s data structures.

17. Apktool

Apktool is a powerful open-source tool for reverse engineering

Android applications. It decompiles APK files into their original
resource files and manifests, making analyzing and modifying app
behavior easier.

It helps security professionals and developers understand the

inner workings of Android apps, allowing for detailed inspection
of code, resource files, and app configurations to identify
potential vulnerabilities or malicious modifications.

Apktool supports rebuilding modified APK files, enabling users to

test changes and validate fixes. This makes it an essential tool for
penetration testers and app developers who focus on security
and app integrity.

Features

 It decodes APKs to extract assets, resources, and produced

code.
 It can extract images, audio, layouts, styles, strings, and
other data from APK files.
  It converts the APKs produced bytecode (dex files) into
human-readable small code.
 AndroidManifest.xml contains the app’s package name,
permissions, actions, services, and receivers.
 Apktool reads and displays this file.

18. MobSF

MobSF (Mobile Security Framework) is an open-source tool for

automated security analysis of mobile applications. It provides
static and dynamic analysis to identify vulnerabilities in Android
and iOS apps.

It supports various testing functionalities, including code

analysis, binary analysis, and API security testing. It also offers
detailed reports to help developers and security professionals
address potential security issues in mobile applications.

MobSF features a user-friendly web interface that simplifies

submitting and analyzing applications. This makes it accessible
for novice and experienced users to perform comprehensive
mobile security assessments.

Features

 It performs static analysis on mobile apps to find

vulnerabilities.
 Download and run the mobile app on a simulated device to
analyze dynamically with MobSF.
 It has complete vulnerability checkers for mobile app
security issues.
 It can analyze mobile app binary files to reveal their layout,
libraries, and functions.

19. FuzzDB

FuzzDB is an open-source tool designed for security testing. It

provides a comprehensive database of attack patterns, payloads,
and techniques for fuzzing applications and discovering
vulnerabilities in web applications and services.

It includes a rich set of resources such as shared file names,

directory names, and parameter names, helping security
professionals automate and enhance their penetration testing
processes with detailed and organized data.

By integrating with other security tools, FuzzDB expands the

scope of testing and improves the accuracy of vulnerability
discovery, making it a valuable asset for identifying potential
weaknesses in systems.

Features

 It can test many web application components with its

multiple attack methods and vectors.
 It has many payloads for testing web application input fields
and settings.
 It includes tools for testing web app components.
 FuzzDB has database-testing payloads.

20. Aircrack-ng

Aircrack-ng is a suite of tools designed for wireless network

security testing, primarily focusing on cracking WEP and
WPA/WPA2 encryption keys through methods like dictionary
attacks and brute force.

It includes utilities for capturing and analyzing packets, injecting

packets to test network robustness, and assessing the security of
wireless networks by identifying weaknesses and potential
vulnerabilities.

Aircrack-ng operates on various platforms, including Linux,

Windows, and macOS, and is widely used by cybersecurity
professionals to evaluate and improve the security of wireless
networks.

Aircrack-ng Features

 Wireless network tester Aircrack-ng can discover WEP and

WPA PSK password weaknesses.
 Aircrack-ng monitors WiFi networks.
 To aid network study, data packets are preserved as text
files.
 Like other pen test tools, Aircrack-ng can repeat attacks,
create phony entry points, and add packets to the network.
 When released, Aircrack-ng ran on Linux.
 This includes Windows OS and more.

21. Retina

Retina is a comprehensive vulnerability management tool that

helps identify, assess, and prioritize security vulnerabilities
across network systems, applications, and databases, offering a
wide range of scanning and reporting capabilities to enhance
organizational security.
It analyzes and reports on discovered vulnerabilities, including
risk assessments and remediation recommendations. This helps
organizations address weaknesses efficiently and maintain
compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Retina integrates with various security tools and platforms,

offering scalability and flexibility for different environments, and
is designed to support continuous monitoring and proactive risk
management in dynamic IT infrastructures.

Features

 Retina scans an organization’s network for vulnerabilities.

 It helps companies examine PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, and
other compliance.
 It finds and profiles network assets.
 It assigns risk levels to prioritize remediation based on
vulnerability severity and impact.

22. Social Engineering Toolkit

Social Engineering Toolkit (SET) is a penetration testing tool

designed for simulating social engineering attacks, such as
phishing and spear-phishing, to test and enhance an
organization’s security awareness and response strategies.

SET provides a range of attack vectors, including email phishing,

credential harvesting, and malicious payloads, enabling security
professionals to assess the effectiveness of security training and
identify potential weaknesses in human defenses.

It is an open-source tool with customizable options for attack

scenarios and reporting. It is a versatile solution for testing social
engineering defenses and improving overall cybersecurity
posture through realistic threat simulations.

Features

 It can initiate spear phishing attacks, which target specific

individuals or groups.
 It may steal user credentials in many ways.
 SET clones real web pages to produce malicious copies.
 SET tools can incorporate infected files in PDFs or Microsoft
Office files.

23. Hexway

Hexway offers a comprehensive penetration testing platform that

integrates advanced tools for identifying vulnerabilities,
providing detailed reports and actionable insights to enhance
organizational security and mitigate potential risks.

The tool features automated scanning, vulnerability assessment,

and threat intelligence capabilities, enabling security
professionals to efficiently uncover and address weaknesses
across various IT environments and applications.

Hexway is designed to streamline the penetration testing process

with an intuitive user interface and robust support for compliance
standards. It helps organizations maintain a proactive security
posture and meet regulatory requirements.

Features

 It uses powerful algorithms to detect and respond to

network and system threats in real-time.
 Allows quick and effective cyberattack mitigation with
strong event response.
 Detects network traffic and user behavior anomalies and
dangers using behavioral analysis.
 Tools for scanning, assessing, and prioritizing infrastructure
risks for rapid remedy.
 Automation streamlines security operations and response,
improving efficiency.

24. Shodan

Shodan is a search engine that indexes devices and services

connected to the Internet, including IoT devices, servers, and
webcams. It allows users to discover and analyze exposed devices
and potential vulnerabilities.

It provides detailed information on the devices it finds, such as IP

addresses, open ports, and service banners, helping security
professionals and researchers identify potential security risks and
assess their exposure to threats.

Shodan offers both free and paid plans. The paid version offers
advanced features, including more extensive search capabilities,
historical data access, and enhanced filtering options to support
comprehensive security assessments.

Features

 Shodan lets consumers search for internet-connected

gadgets and services.
 It can find security flaws in internet-connected devices.
 It scans devices for open ports and services.
  It collects device banners containing text answers to learn
about their services and applications.

25. Kali Linux

Kali Linux is a specialized Linux distribution designed for

advanced penetration testing and cybersecurity assessments. It
features a comprehensive collection of over 600 pre-installed
tools for various security tasks, including network analysis,
vulnerability scanning, and exploitation.

Offensive Security maintains the operating system and is widely

used by security professionals and ethical hackers for its robust
toolset and frequent updates, ensuring users can access the
latest tools and techniques for effective security testing.

Kali Linux supports a wide range of platforms, including virtual

machines, live boot environments, and cloud deployments. It
offers flexibility and ease of use for conducting security
assessments in diverse environments and adapting to various
testing scenarios.

Features

 Pre-installed with over 600 security tools for various

penetration testing and forensic tasks.
 Provides regular updates and support for new tools and
vulnerabilities to stay current.
 Compatible with multiple platforms, including virtual
machines, USB drives, and cloud environments.
 Includes a user-friendly interface with customization options
to streamline the testing process.

26. Dnsdumpster

Dnsdumpster is a free online reconnaissance tool that helps

identify and enumerate DNS records of a target domain,
providing valuable information about the network infrastructure
and potential security vulnerabilities.

It scans for various types of DNS records, including A, MX, TXT,

and CNAME, offering insights into domain configurations and
subdomains that can be used in further penetration testing and
security assessments.

The tool is user-friendly. It requires only the target domain to

generate a detailed report of DNS records, making it a convenient
resource for security professionals conducting reconnaissance
and initial information gathering.
Features

 DNSDumpster lists target domain subdomains.

 It retrieves domain and subdomain information from DNS
lookups.
 It allows reverse DNS lookup to locate IP-associated
domains.
 DNSDumpster performs DNS zone transfers on target
domains to find misconfigured DNS servers that allow
unwanted transfers.

27. Hunter

Hunter is a cybersecurity tool designed for email discovery and

validation, allowing users to find and verify email addresses
associated with domains, which is essential for identifying
potential targets in social engineering attacks.

It provides a comprehensive database of email addresses and

integrates advanced search capabilities to uncover contact
details, helping penetration testers and security professionals
map out their target organization’s communication network.

Hunter offers both free and paid plans with varying features,
including advanced filtering, integration with other tools, and
detailed reporting. These features make Hunter a valuable asset
for enhancing reconnaissance and information gathering during
penetration testing.

Features

 Hunter lets users search for domain or enterprise email

addresses.
 It searches for all domain-related emails.
 It verifies email addresses for deliverability and presence.
 The Hunter API can be integrated into apps and systems.

28. Skrapp

Skrapp is a lead generation tool that helps users find and verify
email addresses from LinkedIn and other websites, facilitating
the collection of contact information for penetration testing and
security research purposes.

It offers advanced search filters and integration options with CRM

systems, enabling users to efficiently build targeted lists of
potential contacts and streamline their outreach efforts during
security assessments.
Skrapp provides a freemium model with basic features that are
available for free. At the same time, premium plans offer
enhanced functionality, including higher search limits and
advanced verification options to ensure data accuracy and
relevance.

Features

 Skrapp extracts email addresses from company databases,

websites, and LinkedIn.
 instantly retrieves email addresses from LinkedIn profiles.
 Skrapp’s “domain search” feature finds domain-specific
email addresses.
 Skrapp’s “email verification” function verifies the delivery
and existence of email addresses.

29. URL Fuzzer

URL Fuzzer is a penetration testing tool designed to discover

hidden resources and directories on web servers by sending a
large number of requests using various URL patterns and
payloads to uncover potential vulnerabilities.

It automates identifying obscure or unlisted files and endpoints,

helping security professionals detect and assess areas of a web
application that might not be visible through standard browsing
or scanning techniques.

The tool is commonly used in web application security

assessments to enhance the depth of penetration testing,
ensuring that all possible entry points are examined for security
weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers.

Features

 You can “fuzz” URLs by changing their path, query

parameters or request data.
 Many URL fuzzers provide wordlists that can include
common parameter values and path and file names.
 Some URL fuzzers use “recursive crawling” to identify and
fuzzify more URLs by following target page links.
 Each fuzzed URL’s replies are examined.
 HTTP status codes, error messages, and other indicators of
security vulnerabilities or incorrect setups may be returned.

30. SQLmap

SQLmap is an open-source penetration testing tool specifically

designed to automate the detection and exploitation of SQL
injection vulnerabilities in web applications. It enables security
professionals to effectively identify and mitigate database-
related threats.

The tool supports a wide range of databases, including MySQL,

PostgreSQL, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server. It also provides
detailed reports on vulnerabilities, making it easier for users to
understand and address potential security risks.

SQLmap features advanced functionalities such as automated

database fingerprinting, data extraction, and SQL shell access,
which allow testers to perform thorough assessments and
execute complex queries to explore and secure their systems
further.

Features

 SQLmap automates web service SQL injection hole

detection.
 MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, SQLite,
and others are supported by SQLmap.
 It lets you “fingerprint” the database version and other vital
details. This helps you understand the target application’s
database technology and prepare attacks.
 It can list the target database’s structure, tables, columns,
and data.