CEH - OS Tools

Network traffic analysis: Wireshark allows you to analyze network traffic and identify potential vulnerabilities in the network. It can help you to identify malicious traffic, detect unauthorized access attempts, and monitor network performance.
Packet capture: Wireshark can capture and analyze network packets in real-time, making it an essential tool for network administrators and security professionals.
User-friendly interface: Wireshark has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use, even for beginners. It offers powerful features and advanced filtering options to help you quickly identify and analyze network traffic.
Multi-platform support: Wireshark is a cross-platform tool that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it an excellent choice for users who work on different operating systems.

Cons:

Complexity: Wireshark is a complex tool with many advanced features, which can make it difficult for beginners to use. It requires a good understanding of networking protocols, and it can take some time to learn how to use it effectively.
Legal concerns: The use of Wireshark as an ethical hacking tool raises legal concerns, as it can be considered illegal to capture and analyze network traffic without proper authorization. Therefore, users must obtain proper consent before using it.
Overwhelming amount of data: Wireshark can capture a vast amount of data, which can be overwhelming for users to analyze. It is important to filter and focus on specific data to ensure effective analysis.
Resource-intensive: Wireshark can be resource-intensive, particularly when capturing large amounts of data. This can slow down the system and impact network performance.

Wireshark is a powerful network protocol analyzer that offers many benefits to ethical hackers. However, it is important to consider its complexity, legal concerns, overwhelming amount of data, and resource-intensive nature before using it as an ethical hacking tool. Users should ensure they have proper authorization and take the necessary precautions to avoid legal issues.

NMAP

Pros Cons

NNmap is a powerful network exploration and security auditing tool used by ethical hackers to scan and discover potential vulnerabilities in a network.

Pros:

Port scanning: Nmap can scan for open ports and identify potential vulnerabilities in a network. It can also detect which services are running on those ports, making it an essential tool for network administrators and security professionals.
OS fingerprinting: Nmap can identify the operating system and software versions running on a host, which can help identify potential vulnerabilities and improve security.
Scripting: Nmap allows users to write custom scripts to automate scans and customize the tool to their specific needs. This makes it a flexible and powerful tool for ethical hackers.
Open-source: Nmap is open-source software, meaning it is free to use and can be customized to meet the needs of ethical hackers.

Cons:

False positives: Nmap may sometimes report false positives, identifying open ports or vulnerabilities that do not exist. This can lead to wasted time and resources if users rely solely on Nmap's results.
Legal concerns: The use of Nmap as an ethical hacking tool raises legal concerns, as it can be considered illegal to scan and identify potential vulnerabilities in a network without proper authorization. Therefore, users must obtain proper consent before using it.
Intrusion detection: Nmap's scanning activity can be detected by intrusion detection systems, leading to potential security issues and legal consequences.
Complexity: Nmap can be complex and overwhelming for beginners, requiring a good understanding of networking protocols and advanced scanning techniques.

Nmap is a powerful tool for ethical hackers, but it is important to consider its limitations and legal implications. Users must obtain proper consent before using it and be aware of the potential for false positives and detection by intrusion detection systems. With proper training and caution, Nmap can be a valuable tool in a hacker's arsenal for network exploration and security auditing.

BurpSuite

Pros Cons

Burp Suite is a popular web application security testing tool used by ethical hackers to identify vulnerabilities in web applications.

Pros:

Web application testing: Burp Suite allows ethical hackers to test web applications for vulnerabilities, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and CSRF.
Extensibility: Burp Suite has an extensive library of plugins and extensions that can be used to customize and extend its functionality. This allows ethical hackers to tailor the tool to their specific needs and perform more advanced testing.
User-friendly interface: Burp Suite has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use, even for beginners. It offers powerful features and advanced filtering options to help you quickly identify and analyze web application traffic.
Intercepting Proxy: Burp Suite's Intercepting Proxy feature allows users to intercept, modify, and replay HTTP requests, making it easier to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in web applications.

Cons:

Complexity: Burp Suite is a complex tool with many advanced features, which can make it difficult for beginners to use. It requires a good understanding of web application security and testing techniques, and it can take some time to learn how to use it effectively.
Cost: Burp Suite offers a free version with limited functionality, but its more advanced features require a paid license. This can be a barrier for some users who cannot afford the cost.
Legal concerns: The use of Burp Suite as an ethical hacking tool raises legal concerns, as it can be considered illegal to test web applications without proper authorization. Therefore, users must obtain proper consent before using it.
False positives: Burp Suite may sometimes report false positives, identifying vulnerabilities that do not exist. This can lead to wasted time and resources if users rely solely on Burp Suite's results.

Burp Suite is a powerful web application security testing tool that offers many benefits to ethical hackers. However, it is important to consider its complexity, cost, legal concerns, and potential for false positives before using it as an ethical hacking tool. Users should ensure they have proper authorization and take the necessary precautions to avoid legal issues. With proper training and caution, Burp Suite can be a valuable tool in a hacker's arsenal for web application security testing.

Metasploit

Pros Cons

Metasploit is a well-known open-source framework used by ethical hackers to exploit vulnerabilities in systems and applications.

Pros:

Exploit development: Metasploit allows ethical hackers to develop and test their own exploits and payloads, making it a versatile and powerful tool for penetration testing.
Large community: Metasploit has a large community of users and developers, who contribute to its development and offer support to fellow users. This community ensures that the tool is up-to-date and effective against the latest vulnerabilities.
Automation: Metasploit can automate various tasks, such as scanning and exploiting vulnerabilities, which can save time and improve efficiency during penetration testing.
Cross-platform: Metasploit is cross-platform and can be used on various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Cons:

False positives: Metasploit may sometimes report false positives, identifying vulnerabilities that do not exist. This can lead to wasted time and resources if users rely solely on Metasploit's results.
Legal concerns: The use of Metasploit as an ethical hacking tool raises legal concerns, as it can be considered illegal to exploit vulnerabilities without proper authorization. Therefore, users must obtain proper consent before using it.
Complexity: Metasploit is a complex tool with many advanced features, which can make it difficult for beginners to use. It requires a good understanding of exploitation techniques and post-exploitation modules, and it can take some time to learn how to use it effectively.
Detection: Metasploit's exploits and payloads can be detected by intrusion detection systems, leading to potential security issues and legal consequences.

Metasploit is a powerful tool for ethical hackers, but it is important to consider its limitations and legal implications. Users must obtain proper consent before using it and be aware of the potential for false positives and detection by intrusion detection systems. With proper training and caution, Metasploit can be a valuable tool in a hacker's arsenal for penetration testing and exploit development.

Nikto

Pros Cons

Nikto is a widely-used web server scanner and vulnerability assessment tool that is used by ethical hackers to identify potential security vulnerabilities in web servers.

Pros:

Open-source: Nikto is an open-source tool, which means it is freely available and can be customized and extended by developers.
Easy to use: Nikto has a simple and user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to use. It is also relatively fast and can scan a web server for vulnerabilities in a matter of minutes.
Comprehensive scanning: Nikto is designed to perform comprehensive scans of web servers, which means it checks for a wide range of vulnerabilities, including outdated software, insecure configurations, and known vulnerabilities in web applications.
Customizable: Nikto allows users to customize their scans to focus on specific vulnerabilities, directories, or files, making it a versatile tool for ethical hackers.

Cons:

False positives: Nikto may sometimes report false positives, identifying vulnerabilities that do not exist. This can lead to wasted time and resources if users rely solely on Nikto's results.
Limited functionality: Nikto is primarily a web server scanner and vulnerability assessment tool, which means it does not offer more advanced features such as exploit development or post-exploitation modules.
Legal concerns: The use of Nikto as an ethical hacking tool raises legal concerns, as it can be considered illegal to scan web servers without proper authorization. Therefore, users must obtain proper consent before using it.
Lack of updates: Nikto may not be updated as frequently as other web application security testing tools, which can lead to it being less effective against newer vulnerabilities.

Nikto is a useful tool for ethical hackers to scan web servers for vulnerabilities, but it has limitations that should be considered. It is easy to use, customizable, and performs comprehensive scans, but it may report false positives, has limited functionality, and raises legal concerns if used without proper authorization. Users should ensure they have proper authorization and take the necessary precautions to avoid legal issues. With proper training and caution, Nikto can be a valuable tool in a hacker's arsenal for web server vulnerability assessment.

Intruder

Pros Cons

Intruder is an automated vulnerability scanner that is used by ethical hackers to identify potential security vulnerabilities in web applications and networks.

Pros:

Automation: Intruder can automate various tasks, such as scanning and exploiting vulnerabilities, which can save time and improve efficiency during penetration testing.
User-friendly: Intruder has a simple and user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to use.
Comprehensive scanning: Intruder is designed to perform comprehensive scans of web applications and networks, which means it checks for a wide range of vulnerabilities, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other common web application vulnerabilities.
Customizable: Intruder allows users to customize their scans to focus on specific vulnerabilities or parts of a web application or network, making it a versatile tool for ethical hackers.

Cons:

False positives: Intruder may sometimes report false positives, identifying vulnerabilities that do not exist. This can lead to wasted time and resources if users rely solely on Intruder's results.
Limited functionality: Intruder is primarily a vulnerability scanner, which means it does not offer more advanced features such as exploit development or post-exploitation modules.
Cost: Intruder is a paid tool, which means it may not be accessible to all users, especially those on a tight budget.
Legal concerns: The use of Intruder as an ethical hacking tool raises legal concerns, as it can be considered illegal to scan web applications and networks without proper authorization. Therefore, users must obtain proper consent before using it.

Intruder is a powerful tool for ethical hackers to scan web applications and networks for vulnerabilities, but it has limitations that should be considered. It is easy to use, customizable, and performs comprehensive scans, but it may report false positives, has limited functionality, and raises legal concerns if used without proper authorization. Users should ensure they have proper authorization and take the necessary precautions to avoid legal issues. With proper training and caution, Intruder can be a valuable tool in a hacker's arsenal for web application and network vulnerability assessment.

Aircrack – Ng

Pros Cons

Aircrack-ng is a popular wireless network auditing and penetration testing tool that is used by ethical hackers to identify security vulnerabilities in wireless networks.

Pros:

Open-source: Aircrack-ng is an open-source tool, which means it is freely available and can be customized and extended by developers.
Comprehensive: Aircrack-ng can perform a wide range of functions related to wireless network auditing and penetration testing, such as packet sniffing, WEP and WPA/WPA2-PSK cracking, and deauthentication attacks.
Cross-platform compatibility: Aircrack-ng can run on a variety of platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, which makes it accessible to a wide range of users.
Flexible: Aircrack-ng is highly flexible and customizable, which allows users to tailor their attacks to the specific wireless network they are targeting.

Cons:

Technical knowledge required: Aircrack-ng requires a certain level of technical expertise to use effectively, which may make it less accessible to beginners.
Legal concerns: The use of Aircrack-ng as an ethical hacking tool raises legal concerns, as it can be considered illegal to access wireless networks without proper authorization. Therefore, users must obtain proper consent before using it.
Limited range: Aircrack-ng has a limited range, which means it may not be effective in attacking wireless networks located far away from the attacker.
Time-consuming: Aircrack-ng attacks can be time-consuming, which means they may not be suitable for time-sensitive or time-critical tasks.

Aircrack-ng is a powerful tool for ethical hackers to audit and penetrate wireless networks, but it has limitations that should be considered. It is comprehensive, flexible, and accessible, but it may require technical knowledge to use effectively, raises legal concerns if used without proper authorization, has a limited range, and can be time-consuming. Users should ensure they have proper authorization and take the necessary precautions to avoid legal issues. With proper training and caution, Aircrack-ng can be a valuable tool in a hacker's arsenal for wireless network auditing and penetration testing.

Sqlmap

Pros Cons

SQLMap is an open-source penetration testing tool used by ethical hackers to test the security of web applications by exploiting SQL injection vulnerabilities.

Pros:

Easy to use: SQLMap has a simple command-line interface that makes it easy for beginners to use.
Comprehensive: SQLMap can identify a wide range of SQL injection vulnerabilities and can perform advanced database fingerprinting.
Automation: SQLMap automates the SQL injection exploitation process, which can save time and improve efficiency during penetration testing.
Customizable: SQLMap allows users to customize their scans to focus on specific vulnerabilities or parts of a web application, making it a versatile tool for ethical hackers.

Cons:

False positives: SQLMap may sometimes report false positives, identifying vulnerabilities that do not exist. This can lead to wasted time and resources if users rely solely on SQLMap's results.
Limited functionality: SQLMap is primarily a tool for exploiting SQL injection vulnerabilities and does not offer more advanced features such as exploit development or post-exploitation modules.
Legal concerns: The use of SQLMap as an ethical hacking tool raises legal concerns, as it can be considered illegal to test web applications without proper authorization. Therefore, users must obtain proper consent before using it.
Lack of support: SQLMap is an open-source tool and may not have dedicated technical support or regular updates.

SQLMap is a powerful tool for ethical hackers to exploit SQL injection vulnerabilities in web applications, but it has limitations that should be considered. It is easy to use, comprehensive, automated, and customizable, but it may report false positives, has limited functionality, raises legal concerns if used without proper authorization, and may lack support. Users should ensure they have proper authorization and take the necessary precautions to avoid legal issues. With proper training and caution, SQLMap can be a valuable tool in a hacker's arsenal for web application security testing.

Angry IP Scanner

Pros Cons

PAngry IP Scanner is a network scanner used by ethical hackers to discover and map IP addresses and ports on a network.

Pros:

Fast: Angry IP Scanner is fast and efficient, allowing users to scan large networks quickly.
Customizable: Angry IP Scanner is highly customizable, allowing users to set scan parameters, including the port range and timeout values.
Cross-platform: Angry IP Scanner is available on multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.
Open-source: Angry IP Scanner is an open-source tool, which means it is free to use, and users can contribute to its development.

Cons:

Limited functionality: Angry IP Scanner is primarily a tool for network scanning and does not offer more advanced features such as vulnerability scanning or exploit development.
Legal concerns: The use of Angry IP Scanner as an ethical hacking tool raises legal concerns, as it can be considered illegal to scan a network without proper authorization. Therefore, users must obtain proper consent before using it.
Lack of support: Angry IP Scanner is an open-source tool and may not have dedicated technical support or regular updates.
False positives: Angry IP Scanner may sometimes report false positives, identifying open ports that do not exist, which can lead to wasted time and resources if users rely solely on its results.

Angry IP Scanner is a useful tool for ethical hackers to discover and map IP addresses and ports on a network, but it has limitations that should be considered. It is fast, customizable, cross-platform, and open-source, but it may have limited functionality, raise legal concerns if used without proper authorization, lack support, and report false positives. Users should ensure they have proper authorization and take the necessary precautions to avoid legal issues. With proper training and caution, Angry IP Scanner can be a valuable tool in a hacker's arsenal for network mapping and reconnaissance.

OpenVAS

Pros Cons

OpenVAS is a free and open-source vulnerability scanner that is widely used by ethical hackers for vulnerability assessment and penetration testing.

Pros:

Free and Open-Source: OpenVAS is a free and open-source vulnerability scanner, which makes it accessible to individuals and small businesses that may not have the budget for commercial vulnerability scanners.
Comprehensive: OpenVAS is a comprehensive vulnerability scanner that can detect a wide range of vulnerabilities, including common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, XSS, and CSRF.
Customizable: OpenVAS is highly customizable, allowing users to create their own scan configurations and policies to meet their specific needs.
Reporting: OpenVAS provides detailed reports on vulnerabilities, making it easy to share findings with stakeholders.

Cons:

Complex: OpenVAS can be complex to set up and configure, especially for beginners who may not be familiar with command-line interfaces.
Resource-intensive: OpenVAS can be resource-intensive and requires a significant amount of processing power and memory to run effectively.
False positives: OpenVAS may sometimes report false positives, identifying vulnerabilities that do not exist, which can lead to wasted time and resources if users rely solely on its results.
Limited support: OpenVAS is a community-supported tool and may have limited support compared to commercial vulnerability scanners.

OpenVAS is a powerful and customizable free and open-source vulnerability scanner that provides ethical hackers with an effective tool for vulnerability assessment and penetration testing. While it may be complex to set up and resource-intensive, it offers comprehensive scanning and reporting capabilities. However, users should be aware of false positives and may require more technical expertise to use effectively. With proper training and caution, OpenVAS can be a valuable tool in a hacker's arsenal for vulnerability scanning and penetration testing.

Ettercap

Pros Cons

Ettercap is a free and open-source network security tool used for man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.

Pros:

MITM attacks: Ettercap is designed specifically for MITM attacks, making it an ideal tool for ethical hackers looking to test network security.
Plugin Support: Ettercap has a plugin system that allows users to extend its functionality by writing and installing plugins.
Cross-platform: Ettercap is available on multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS.
ARP Spoofing: Ettercap supports ARP spoofing, which allows an attacker to redirect traffic to their own machine and monitor network activity.

Cons:

Complexity: Ettercap can be complex to use, especially for beginners who may not be familiar with network protocols and concepts.
Detection: Ettercap's use can be detected by some network intrusion detection systems (IDS), making it less stealthy than other hacking tools.
Legal implications: MITM attacks are illegal in many jurisdictions, and the use of Ettercap may have legal implications if not used ethically.
Potential harm: While Ettercap is designed for ethical hacking, its use can cause harm if not used responsibly, such as stealing sensitive data or disrupting network services.

Ettercap is a powerful network security tool that is useful for MITM attacks in ethical hacking scenarios. However, its complexity and potential legal implications make it less accessible to beginners and less stealthy than other hacking tools. Ethical hackers should use Ettercap responsibly and only with the explicit permission of the network owner.

CtMh

CEH - OS Tools

Ethical Hacking Tools

Free Open Source Software

This blog has Pros and Cons Review of the following:

Wireshark:

Nmap:

Burp Suite Community Edition:

Metasploit Framework:

Nikto:

Intruder:

Aircrack-ng:

SQLMap:

Angry IP Scanner:

OpenVAS:

Ettercap:

Wireshark

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Cons:

NMAP

Pros Cons

Pros:

Cons:

BurpSuite

Pros Cons

Pros:

Cons:

Metasploit

Pros Cons

Pros:

Cons:

Nikto

Pros Cons

Pros:

Cons:

Intruder

Pros Cons

Pros:

Cons:

Aircrack – Ng

Pros Cons

Pros:

Cons:

Sqlmap

Pros Cons

Pros:

Cons:

Angry IP Scanner

Pros Cons

Pros:

Cons:

OpenVAS

Pros Cons

Pros:

Cons:

Ettercap

Pros Cons

Pros:

Cons:

Labels