Argus: The Ultimate Python Toolkit for Information Gathering and Reconnaissance

Introduction

Argus, developed by jasonxtn, is a robust and versatile Python-based toolkit engineered for extensive information gathering and reconnaissance. Billed as "The Ultimate Information Gathering Toolkit," Argus provides a user-friendly command-line interface (CLI) and a comprehensive suite of over 130 modules. These modules are designed to streamline the process of exploring networks, analyzing web applications, and assessing security configurations efficiently and effectively.

?? Legal Disclaimer: This tool is intended for educational and ethical use only. The author is not liable for any illegal use or misuse of this tool. Users are solely responsible for their actions and must ensure they have explicit permission to scan the target systems.

Installation

Getting started with Argus is straightforward, offering several flexible installation methods:

Option 1: No Installation (Run Directly)

git clone https://github.com/jasonxtn/argus.git
cd argus
python -m argus

Option 2: Using pip

pip install argus-recon
argus

Option 3: Full Installation

git clone https://github.com/jasonxtn/argus.git
cd argus
chmod +x install.sh && ./install.sh
python -m argus

Option 4: Docker

git clone https://github.com/jasonxtn/argus.git
cd argus
docker build -t argus-recon:latest .
docker run -it --rm -v $(pwd)/results:/app/results argus-recon:latest

Usage Examples

Argus offers an interactive CLI for easy navigation and execution of its modules. Here's a basic workflow and a glimpse into its command structure:

Getting Started Workflow

Launch Argus:

argus
# or if running from folder: python -m argus

Browse available modules:
```
argus> modules
```
Select a module:
```
argus> use 1
```

Set target and options:

argus> set target example.com
argus> set threads 10

Run the module:
```
argus> run
```

Command Cheatsheet Snippet

Command	Category	Description	Example
`modules`	Discovery	List all modules	`modules`
`use`	Selection	Select module	`use 42`
`set target`	Config	Set target	`set target example.com`
`run`	Execute	Run selected	`run`
`search`	Discovery	Search by keyword	`search ssl`
`helpmod`	Help	Module help	`helpmod 42`

Example Session

$ argus

argus> modules
argus> use 1
argus> set target example.com
argus> set threads 10
argus> run

argus> modules -d
argus> use 65
argus> set max_pages 200
argus> run

Why Use Argus?

Argus stands out as a premier tool for reconnaissance due to several key features and advantages:

Comprehensive Module Set: With 135 specialized modules covering Network & Infrastructure, Web Application Analysis, and Security & Threat Intelligence, Argus offers an unparalleled breadth of capabilities for any assessment.
Interactive CLI: The newly redesigned command-line interface provides a professional, intuitive, and efficient way to interact with the tool, including module discovery, configuration, and execution.
Performance Profiles: Tailor your scans with pre-configured profiles like speed, deep, and safe to match your specific reconnaissance needs, optimizing for speed, thoroughness, or stealth.
API Integrations: Enhance your data gathering with seamless integrations for services like Shodan, VirusTotal, Censys, and SSL Labs, providing richer and more accurate information.
Flexible Configuration: Customize default settings, thread limits, export formats (TXT, CSV, JSON), and user agents to fine-tune Argus for your specific environment and requirements.
Active Development: The recent Version 2.0 refactor brought a complete CLI redesign, module expansion, multi-threading, and improved UI, demonstrating continuous commitment to enhancing the tool.