PowerShell Empire
A post-exploitation framework.
Overview
Empire is a post-exploitation framework that includes a pure PowerShell Windows agent and a pure Python 3 Linux/OSX agent. It is the result of merging the previous PowerShell Empire and Python Empyre projects. The framework offers cryptologically-secure communications and a flexible architecture, focusing on post-exploitation activities like privilege escalation, credential harvesting, and lateral movement.
✨ Key Features
- PowerShell and Python agents
- Modular architecture with a wide range of post-exploitation modules
- Encrypted C2 communications
- Variety of listeners (HTTP, HTTPS, SMB, etc.)
- Credential harvesting capabilities
- Lateral movement tools
🎯 Key Differentiators
- Focus on using native interpreters like PowerShell and Python for 'fileless' operation.
- Strong reputation and a wide array of community-developed modules.
- Completely open-source and free.
Unique Value: Provides a robust, open-source, and widely-used framework for post-exploitation that leverages native scripting languages to evade detection.
🎯 Use Cases (4)
✅ Best For
- Maintaining persistence on compromised Windows and Linux systems.
- Executing post-exploitation tasks using a library of modules.
- Pivoting within a network after gaining an initial foothold.
💡 Check With Vendor
Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:
- Initial exploitation and vulnerability scanning.
- Web application testing.
🏆 Alternatives
Offers a powerful free alternative to commercial tools like Cobalt Strike, with a strong focus on PowerShell-based tradecraft which is highly relevant for Windows environments.
💻 Platforms
💰 Pricing
Free tier: The tool is completely free and open-source.
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