Web application hacking tools are software programs or utilities that are designed to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in web applications. These tools can be used for both legal and illegal purposes, and can be categorized into two main types: automated tools and manual tools.
Automated web application hacking tools include scanners and vulnerability assessment tools that are designed to identify vulnerabilities in web applications. These tools can identify common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and file inclusion vulnerabilities. Some popular automated web application hacking tools include Acunetix, Burp Suite, and OWASP ZAP.
Manual web application hacking tools require the user to have knowledge and experience in web application security testing. These tools include tools for intercepting and manipulating web traffic, such as the popular proxy tool, Burp Suite. Other manual web application hacking tools include tools for exploiting specific vulnerabilities or for testing specific aspects of web application security.
It is important to note that while these tools can be used for security testing and ethical hacking purposes, they can also be used for illegal activities, such as stealing sensitive data or taking control of a web application. It is important to use these tools responsibly and in accordance with ethical and legal guidelines. Here is 23 most popular web-application hacking tools :
1. Burp Suite
Burp Suite is a popular web application security testing framework. It provides a range of tools for testing web application security, including an intercepting proxy, a scanner, an intruder, a repeater, a sequencer, and more.
Key features of Burp Suite include:
- Intercepting proxy for analyzing and modifying HTTP/HTTPS traffic.
- Automated vulnerability scanning to identify common web application vulnerabilities.
- Manual testing tools for custom testing and exploitation.
- Session handling for maintaining and manipulating session state.
- Collaboration tools for working on projects with multiple team members.
2. ZAP Proxy
ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy) is an open-source web application security testing framework. Like Burp Suite, it provides a range of tools for testing web application security, including an intercepting proxy, an active scanner, a fuzzer, and more.
Key features of ZAP Proxy include:
- Intercepting proxy for analyzing and modifying HTTP/HTTPS traffic.
- Automated vulnerability scanning to identify common web application vulnerabilities.
- Fuzzer for testing input validation and injection vulnerabilities.
- Scripting support for automating tasks and extending functionality.
- API for integrating with other tools and platforms.
3. Dirsearch
Dirsearch is a command-line tool for brute-forcing web application directories and files. It works by sending a large number of requests to a web server, trying different combinations of directory and file names in the hope of finding hidden resources.
Key features of Dirsearch include:
- Recursive directory and file scanning.
- Multi-threading for faster scanning.
- Custom wordlists for targeting specific directories and files.
- Exclusion lists for skipping irrelevant directories and files.
- Output in multiple formats for easy analysis and reporting.
4. Nmap
Nmap (Network Mapper) is a popular tool for network exploration and security auditing. It is primarily used for port scanning, but can also perform other tasks such as OS detection, service version detection, and scriptable interaction with target systems.
Key features of Nmap include:
- Host discovery and host fingerprinting
- Port scanning to identify open ports and services running on those ports
- Service detection to identify the versions of running services
- Scripting engine for writing custom scripts to automate tasks
- Operating system detection to identify the type of operating system running on target systems
5. Sublist3r
Sublist3r is a tool for subdomain enumeration, which is the process of discovering subdomains associated with a particular domain. It uses various search engines and other sources to discover subdomains and can also perform brute-force searches.
Key features of Sublist3r include:
- Integration with various search engines and sources to find subdomains
- Recursive enumeration to discover subdomains of subdomains
- Brute-force searching to find hidden subdomains
- Output in various formats for easy analysis and reporting
- Support for multiple domains at once
6. Amass
Amass is another tool for subdomain discovery. Like Sublist3r, it uses various sources and search engines to find subdomains, but it also includes features such as passive reconnaissance and ASN scanning.
Key features of Amass include:
- Integration with various sources and search engines to find subdomains Passive reconnaissance to discover subdomains without directly querying DNS servers
- ASN scanning to discover subdomains associated with particular IP ranges
- Recursive enumeration to discover subdomains of subdomains
- Output in various formats for easy analysis and reporting
7. SQLmap
SQLmap is a tool for detecting and exploiting SQL injection vulnerabilities in web applications. It supports a wide range of databases and provides various options for identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities.
Key features of SQLmap include:
- Automated detection of SQL injection vulnerabilities in web applications
- Multiple techniques for detecting and exploiting SQL injection vulnerabilities
- Support for a wide range of databases and platforms
- Customizable attacks to fit specific scenarios and configurations
- Output in various formats for easy analysis and reporting
8. Metasploit
Metasploit is a popular framework for developing and executing exploits against target systems. It includes a large library of exploits and payloads, as well as tools for creating custom exploits and payloads.Â
Key features of Metasploit include:
- Exploit development and execution against target systems
- Payload development and execution for gaining access and maintaining control of target systems
- Multi-platform support for attacking a wide range of systems and devices
- Integrates with other tools and platforms for comprehensive penetration testing
- Large community and user base for support and knowledge sharing
9. WPScan
WPScan is a tool for scanning and exploiting WordPress websites. It includes a range of features for identifying vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in WordPress installations, as well as tools for exploiting those vulnerabilities.
Key features of WPScan include:
- WordPress scanning for version detection and vulnerability identification
- Plugin and theme scanning for identifying vulnerabilities and misconfigurations Exploitation of identified vulnerabilities for gaining control of WordPress installations
- Password brute-forcing for gaining access to WordPress installations
- Output in various formats for easy analysis and reporting
10. Nikto
Nikto is a web server scanning tool that is designed to identify potential vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in web servers. It includes a large library of tests for common vulnerabilities and misconfigurations, and can be customized to perform targeted scans.
Key features of Nikto include:
- Web server scanning for identifying potential vulnerabilities and misconfigurations
- Customizable tests for targeted scanning
- Support for multiple web server platforms and technologies
- Integration with other tools and platforms for comprehensive scanning and testing
- Output in various formats for easy analysis and reporting
11. HTTPX
HTTPX is a tool for probing and testing HTTP servers and applications. It includes a range of features for identifying potential vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in web applications, as well as tools for testing performance and availability.
Key features of HTTPX include:
- HTTP server and application probing for identifying potential vulnerabilities and misconfigurations
- Customizable tests for targeted scanning and testing
- Performance and availability testing for web applications Integration with other tools and platforms for comprehensive scanning and testing
- Output in various formats for easy analysis and reporting
12. Nuclei
Nuclei is a tool for scanning and identifying vulnerabilities in web applications using YAML-based templates. It includes a large library of templates for identifying common vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in web applications, and can be customized to perform targeted scans.
Key features of Nuclei include:
- Vulnerability scanning using YAML-based templates
- Customizable templates for targeted scanning
- Support for multiple web application technologies and platforms Integration with other tools and platforms for comprehensive scanning and testing
- Output in various formats for easy analysis and reporting
13. FFUF
FFUF (Fuzz Faster U Fool) is a tool for probing and testing HTTP servers and applications. It is designed to be fast and versatile, with a range of features for identifying potential vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in web applications.
Key features of FFUF include:
- Fast and versatile HTTP probing and testing
- Customizable wordlists and filters for targeted scanning and testing
- Support for multiple web application technologies and platforms
- Integration with other tools and platforms for comprehensive scanning and testing
- Output in various formats for easy analysis and reporting
14. Subfinder
Subfinder is a tool for subdomain discovery. Like other subdomain discovery tools, it uses various search engines and sources to find subdomains associated with a particular domain.
Key features of Subfinder include:
- Integration with various search engines and sources to find subdomains
- Recursive enumeration to discover subdomains of subdomains
- Brute-force searching to find hidden subdomains
- Output in various formats for easy analysis and reporting
- Support for multiple domains at once
15. Masscan
Masscan is a tool for mass IP and port scanning. It is designed to be fast and efficient, with a range of features for identifying potential vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in network infrastructure.
Key features of Masscan include:
- Fast and efficient mass IP and port scanning
- Customizable scanning options for targeted scanning and testing
- Support for multiple network protocols and technologies Integration with other tools and platforms for comprehensive scanning and testing
- Output in various formats for easy analysis and reporting
16. Lazy Recon
Lazy Recon is a tool for subdomain discovery. It uses a range of techniques to discover subdomains, including search engine scraping and reverse DNS lookups.
Key features of Lazy Recon include:
- Integration with various search engines and sources to find subdomains
- Reverse DNS lookups to discover subdomains associated with a particular IP range
- Output in various formats for easy analysis and reporting
- Support for multiple domains at once
- Simple and easy-to-use interface for quick subdomain discovery
17. XSS Hunter
XSS Hunter is a tool for discovering blind XSS vulnerabilities in web applications. It works by generating unique URLs that, when clicked by an attacker, trigger a script that sends information back to the XSS Hunter server.
Key features of XSS Hunter include:
- Discovery of blind XSS vulnerabilities in web applications
- Automatic generation of unique URLs for testing and exploitation
- Simple and easy-to-use interface for quick testing and exploitation
- Output in various formats for easy analysis and reporting
- Integration with other tools and platforms for comprehensive scanning and testing
18. Aquatone
Aquatone is a tool for HTTP-based reconnaissance. It is designed to provide a comprehensive view of a target domain, including web servers, web technologies, and potential vulnerabilities.
Key features of Aquatone include:
- HTTP-based reconnaissance for comprehensive information gathering
- Screenshot capture for visual analysis and reporting
- Subdomain enumeration for discovering all related domains and subdomains
- Integration with other tools and platforms for comprehensive scanning and testing
- Output in various formats for easy analysis and reporting
19. LinkFinder
LinkFinder is a tool for discovering endpoints through JavaScript files. It works by parsing JavaScript files to identify potential endpoints, and can be used for discovering hidden or undiscovered parts of a web application.
Key features of LinkFinder include:
- Endpoint discovery through JavaScript files
- Customizable wordlists and filters for targeted scanning and testing
- Support for multiple web application technologies and platforms
- Integration with other tools and platforms for comprehensive scanning and testing
- Output in various formats for easy analysis and reporting
20. JS-Scan
JS-Scan is another tool for discovering endpoints through JavaScript files. Like LinkFinder, it works by parsing JavaScript files to identify potential endpoints.
Key features of JS-Scan include:
- Endpoint discovery through JavaScript files
- Customizable wordlists and filters for targeted scanning and testing
- Support for multiple web application technologies and platforms
- Integration with other tools and platforms for comprehensive scanning and testing
- Output in various formats for easy analysis and reporting
21. GAU
GAU (Get All URLs) is a tool for historical attack surface mapping. It works by querying search engines and other sources to find URLs associated with a target domain, including URLs that may no longer be in use.
Key features of GAU include:
- Historical attack surface mapping for comprehensive information gathering
- Integration with various search engines and sources for finding URLs
- Customizable wordlists and filters for targeted scanning and testing
- Output in various formats for easy analysis and reporting
- Integration with other tools and platforms for comprehensive scanning and testing
22. Parameth
Parameth is a tool for brute-forcing GET and POST parameters. It works by testing various combinations of parameters and values to identify potential vulnerabilities and misconfigurations in web applications.
Key features of Parameth include:
- Brute-forcing GET and POST parameters for comprehensive testing
- Customizable wordlists and filters for targeted scanning and testing
- Support for multiple web application technologies and platforms
- Integration with other tools and platforms for comprehensive scanning and testing
- Output in various formats for easy analysis and reporting
23. TruffleHog
TruffleHog is a tool for finding credentials in GitHub commits. It works by searching for strings that match common patterns for credentials, such as API keys, usernames, and passwords.
Key features of TruffleHog include:
- Finding credentials in GitHub commits for improving security
- Customizable search patterns for targeted scanning and testing Integration with other tools and platforms for comprehensive scanning and testing
- Output in various formats for easy analysis and reporting
- Support for various version control systems, including Git and Mercurial
It’s important to note that all of these tools can be used for both legal and illegal purposes. It’s important to use them responsibly and in accordance with ethical and legal guidelines.