Best Cobalt Strike's ExternalC2 framework Alternatives & Competitors in 2026
Top picks: Fortra Cobalt Strike, Core Security Cobalt Strike, Core Security Outflank Security Tooling — plus 45 more compared.
Security OperationsTop picks: Fortra Cobalt Strike, Core Security Cobalt Strike, Core Security Outflank Security Tooling — plus 45 more compared.
Security OperationsCobalt Strike's ExternalC2 framework is a free Offensive Security tool. Security professionals most commonly compare it with Fortra Cobalt Strike, Core Security Cobalt Strike, Core Security Outflank Security Tooling, Dreadnode Offensive Security Agents, and WebDAV Covert Channel. All 48 alternatives are matched by shared capabilities, tags, and NIST CSF 2.0 coverage.
A closer look at the 8 most relevant alternatives and competitors to Cobalt Strike's ExternalC2 framework, including their key features and shared capabilities.
Threat emulation tool for adversary simulations and red team operations
Post-exploitation threat emulation platform for red team operations.
Red team toolkit for EDR evasion, initial access, and post-exploitation.
AI agent platform for automating offensive security operations and evals.
A covert channel technique that uses WebDAV protocol features to deliver malicious payloads and establish C2 communication while bypassing security controls.
PyBOF is a Python library that enables in-memory loading and execution of Beacon Object Files (BOFs) with support for argument passing and function targeting.
An Azure Function that validates and relays Cobalt Strike beacon traffic based on Malleable C2 profile authentication.
Advanced command and control tool for red teaming and adversary simulation with extensive features and evasion capabilities.
Threat emulation tool for adversary simulations and red team operations
Post-exploitation threat emulation platform for red team operations.
Red team toolkit for EDR evasion, initial access, and post-exploitation.
AI agent platform for automating offensive security operations and evals.
A covert channel technique that uses WebDAV protocol features to deliver malicious payloads and establish C2 communication while bypassing security controls.
PyBOF is a Python library that enables in-memory loading and execution of Beacon Object Files (BOFs) with support for argument passing and function targeting.
An Azure Function that validates and relays Cobalt Strike beacon traffic based on Malleable C2 profile authentication.
Advanced command and control tool for red teaming and adversary simulation with extensive features and evasion capabilities.
A command line tool that generates randomized malleable C2 profiles for Cobalt Strike to vary command and control communication patterns.
C3 is a framework by WithSecureLabs for rapid prototyping of custom command and control channels that integrates with existing offensive security toolkits.
CobaltBus integrates Cobalt Strike with Azure Service Bus to create covert C2 communication channels for red team operations.
Covenant is a collaborative .NET command and control framework designed for red team operations and offensive security engagements.
CrossC2 is a cross-platform payload generator that extends CobaltStrike's capabilities to Linux and macOS environments for red team operations.
A reconnaissance tool that analyzes expired domains for categorization, reputation, and Archive.org history to identify candidates suitable for phishing and C2 operations.
Havoc is a malleable post-exploitation command and control framework that provides a client-server architecture with payload generation, customizable C2 profiles, and team collaboration capabilities for red team operations.
A COM Command & Control framework that uses JScript to provide fileless remote access capabilities on Windows systems through a modular plugin architecture.
A cross-platform HTTP/2 Command & Control framework written in Golang for post-exploitation activities and remote system management.
A lightweight Command and Control (C2) implant written in Nim that provides remote access capabilities for penetration testing and red team operations.
A proxy aware C2 framework for penetration testing, red teaming, post-exploitation, and lateral movement with modular format and highly configurable payloads.
Pupy is an open-source, cross-platform C2 framework that provides remote access and control capabilities for compromised systems across Windows, Linux, OSX, and Android platforms.
RedGuard is a C2 front flow control tool that helps evade detection by security systems through traffic filtering and redirection capabilities.
RedWarden is a Cobalt Strike C2 reverse proxy that uses packet inspection and malleable profile correlation to evade detection by security controls during red team operations.
SharpC2 is a C#-based Command and Control framework that provides remote access capabilities for penetration testing and red team operations.
SourcePoint generates customizable C2 profiles for Cobalt Strike servers to enhance evasion capabilities against security defenses.
A Python framework for building custom Command and Control interfaces that implements Cobalt Strike's External C2 specification for data transfer between frameworks.
SILENTTRINITY is a Python-based, asynchronous C2 framework that uses .NET scripting languages for post-exploitation activities without relying on PowerShell.
A cross-platform post-exploitation HTTP/2 Command & Control framework designed specifically for testing and exploiting containerized environments including Docker and Kubernetes.
A payload creation framework for generating and executing C# code payloads with anti-evasion capabilities for offensive security operations.
A PHP-based command and control framework that maintains persistent web server access through polymorphic backdoors and HTTP header communication tunneling.
Alpha release of External C2 framework for Cobalt Strike with enhanced data channels.
Learn how to create new Malleable C2 profiles for Cobalt Strike to avoid detection and signatured toolset
Customize Empire's GET request URIs, user agent, and headers for evading detection and masquerading as other applications.
A tutorial on how to use Apache mod_rewrite to randomly serve payloads in phishing attacks
Tool for randomizing Cobalt Strike Malleable C2 profiles to evade static, signature-based detection controls.
Private training course for IoT device pentesting and exploitation
DNS reconnaissance tool checking DNS records, subdomains, and third-party svcs
Whole-system emulation environment for software dev, debugging, testing & security
Automated hardware reversing platform using robotics for embedded device analysis
FourCore ATTACK is an adversary emulation platform to manage cyber risk with evidence
Bundled offensive security suites combining pen testing, red teaming, and VM.
AI-assisted vulnerability research and advanced offensive cyber tooling firm.
Offensive security firm offering AI pentesting, credential monitoring & compliance.
R&D firm providing cyber defense & operational tech for DoD and DHS.
AI agent for in-depth binary analysis and reverse engineering assistance.
Boutique security firm offering red team, OSINT, and adversary simulation services.
CLI cheatsheet for Red Specter's 30-tool offensive security platform.
MCP server enabling AI agents to autonomously run 150+ security tools
Common questions security professionals ask when evaluating alternatives and competitors to Cobalt Strike's ExternalC2 framework.
The most popular alternatives to Cobalt Strike's ExternalC2 framework include Fortra Cobalt Strike, Core Security Cobalt Strike, Core Security Outflank Security Tooling, Dreadnode Offensive Security Agents, and WebDAV Covert Channel. These Offensive Security tools offer similar capabilities and are frequently compared by security professionals evaluating their options.
