CLI Overview

Command-line interface for AutoPentestX automated penetration testing

AutoPentestX provides a powerful command-line interface for automated penetration testing. The CLI supports both direct Python execution and a convenient wrapper script for streamlined operations.

Installation Verification

Before using the CLI commands, ensure AutoPentestX is properly installed:

cd AutoPentestX
chmod +x install.sh
./install.sh

Command Syntax

AutoPentestX can be invoked using two methods:

Python Direct

python3 main.py -t <target> [options]

The wrapper script (autopentestx.sh) automatically handles virtual environment activation, logging, and provides enhanced terminal output with legal warnings.

Basic Usage

The minimum required argument is the target specification:

python3 main.py -t 192.168.1.100

This initiates a full-spectrum penetration test against the specified target with all default settings enabled.

Command Structure

python3 main.py -t <target> [--options]
                 │           │
                 │           └─ Optional flags for customization
                 └─ Required target IP or domain

Quick Reference

Full Scan

python3 main.py -t 192.168.1.100

Complete penetration test with all modules

Quick Recon

python3 main.py -t 192.168.1.100 --skip-web --skip-exploit

Network reconnaissance only (5-10 min)

Web Scan Skip

python3 main.py -t 192.168.1.100 --skip-web

Skip Nikto and SQLMap scans

Custom Operator

python3 main.py -t 192.168.1.100 -n "Your Name"

Set custom tester name in reports

Help System

Access the built-in help documentation:

python3 main.py --help

Help Output Example

usage: main.py [-h] -t TARGET [-n TESTER_NAME] [--no-safe-mode]
               [--skip-web] [--skip-exploit] [--version]

AutoPentestX - Automated Penetration Testing Toolkit

optional arguments:
  -h, --help            show this help message and exit
  -t TARGET, --target TARGET
                        Target IP address or domain name
  -n TESTER_NAME, --tester-name TESTER_NAME
                        Name of the penetration tester (default: AutoPentestX Team)
  --no-safe-mode        Disable safe mode (NOT RECOMMENDED)
  --skip-web            Skip web vulnerability scanning (Nikto/SQLMap)
  --skip-exploit        Skip exploitation assessment
  --version             show program's version number and exit

Examples:
  python main.py -t 192.168.1.100
  python main.py -t example.com -n "John Doe"
  python main.py -t 10.0.0.1 --skip-web --skip-exploit
  
WARNING: This tool is for AUTHORIZED testing and EDUCATIONAL purposes ONLY.
         Unauthorized access to computer systems is ILLEGAL!

Version Information

Check the installed version:

python3 main.py --version

Output:

AutoPentestX v1.0

Virtual Environment

For manual execution, activate the virtual environment first:

source venv/bin/activate
python3 main.py -t <target>
deactivate  # When finished

The wrapper script handles this automatically.

Execution Modes

Lightning Strike (5-10 minutes)

python3 main.py -t TARGET --skip-web --skip-exploit

• Rapid reconnaissance only
• Port scanning and service detection
• Minimal network footprint

Tactical Assault (10-20 minutes)

python3 main.py -t TARGET --skip-exploit

• Full port scanning
• Web vulnerability detection (Nikto, SQLMap)
• No exploitation attempts

Total Annihilation (20-30 minutes)

python3 main.py -t TARGET

• Complete penetration testing suite
• All scanning and exploitation modules
• Comprehensive vulnerability assessment

Output Locations

After execution, results are saved to:

• PDF Reports: reports/AutoPentestX_Report_*.pdf
• Database: database/autopentestx.db
• Logs: logs/autopentestx_*.log
• Exploits: exploits/ (Metasploit RC scripts)

Legal Warning

CRITICAL: This tool should ONLY be used on systems you own or have explicit written authorization to test.

Unauthorized access to computer systems is ILLEGAL and may result in:

• Criminal prosecution
• Federal charges under CFAA (Computer Fraud and Abuse Act)
• Civil liability
• Permanent criminal record

Always obtain proper authorization before conducting any penetration testing activities.

Next Steps

Target Options

Learn about target specification formats

CLI Flags

Explore all available command-line options

Examples

See real-world usage examples

Configuration

Advanced configuration options