metasploit-framework: Build and Run Security Testing Modules

Overview

Metasploit Framework is a Ruby-based platform for security testing, with msfconsole as its primary interface and an API for writing modules. It provides a framework for practitioners who need to use or develop security-testing modules rather than a single-purpose scanning tool.

The project recommends its installers for Linux and macOS, and notes that Metasploit is pre-installed with Kali. Documentation covers usage, development setup, and the module API.

Key Features

• msfconsole provides the primary interface for interacting with the framework.
• An API and documentation support writing Metasploit modules.
• Official installers are available for Linux and macOS, with Kali also listed as a pre-installed option.
• Usage guides and a development setup guide are maintained in the documentation.
• Nightly installers provide access to the latest version.
• GitHub Issues, Discussions, and Slack are listed as project support and communication channels.

Use Cases

• Security practitioners can use msfconsole to work with Metasploit during authorized security testing.
• Developers can build modules for the framework using its API documentation and Ruby development environment.
• Teams using Kali can start with its pre-installed Metasploit, while Linux and macOS users can use the official installers.
• Contributors can set up the development environment and submit changes through the project's pull request process.

Getting Started

Install using the official installer instructions, then start msfconsole. See the Using Metasploit guide for details.

License in Plain Words

No standard license was detected. Without a license, the default copyright rules apply: you may read the code, but not reuse it. Check the repository or ask the authors.

Alternatives

• Sn1per: Sn1per combines reconnaissance, scanning, exploitation, and reporting in a shell-based workspace, while Metasploit centers on an extensible Ruby module framework.
• Nettacker: Nettacker focuses on automated information gathering and modular network and web scans, while Metasploit centers on modules for security testing and exploitation.

Considerations

The project is active, with regular commits and contributions spread across many contributors, but the measured data shows no release in the past year. The README describes the software as released under a BSD-style license, while the repository metadata does not assert a license; review the COPYING file for licensing terms. Development setup requires Ruby, and the README points to a dedicated guide rather than providing a one-command manual setup.