Brute Ratel C4 vs WebDAV Covert Channel: 2026 Comparison
Brute Ratel C4 is a free offensive security tool. WebDAV Covert Channel is a free offensive security tool. Compare features, ratings, integrations, and community reviews side by side to find the best offensive security fit for your security stack.
CST VerdictBased on our analysis of available product data, here is our conclusion:
Red teams and penetration testers running multi-stage campaigns will prefer Brute Ratel C4 for its modular payload architecture and API-driven automation, which cut orchestration overhead compared to monolithic frameworks. The tool's memory-only execution and reflective DLL injection reduce forensic artifacts significantly, making it harder for detection teams to recover post-engagement indicators. Skip it if your primary need is a commercial support contract or compliance-friendly audit trails; Brute Ratel C4 is open-source and built for operators who know their target environment intimately.
Red team operators and penetration testers validating WebDAV weaknesses in their own infrastructure will find WebDAV Covert Channel valuable for demonstrating C2 evasion tactics that slip past signature-based detection. The tool's use of native WebDAV protocol features means it generates legitimate-looking traffic patterns that most organizations haven't specifically instrumented to catch, making it effective for stress-testing detection gaps in NIST Detect capabilities. Skip this if your goal is operational C2 for live engagements; it's a lab tool for controlled assessment, not a field weapon, and requires explicit network access to WebDAV services most enterprises have already disabled.
