surf vs libformatstr.py: 2026 Comparison
surf is a free penetration testing tool. libformatstr.py is a free penetration testing tool. Compare features, ratings, integrations, and community reviews side by side to find the best penetration testing fit for your security stack.
CST VerdictBased on our analysis of available product data, here is our conclusion:
Cloud security teams running penetration tests against their own infrastructure will get the most from surf; it cuts through the noise of host enumeration by automatically filtering for SSRF-exploitable targets, saving hours of manual candidate vetting. The 670 GitHub stars and free pricing mean you can validate this against your own cloud ranges before committing headcount. Not the right fit if you need a full pentest platform with payload generation, reporting, and remediation workflows; surf does one job well and leaves the rest to you.
Penetration testers who regularly target legacy C applications will move faster with libformatstr.py because its automated parameter detection eliminates the manual trial-and-error that makes format string exploitation tedious. The library's 347 GitHub stars and active use in professional engagements confirm it handles real payloads, not toy examples. Skip this if your work centers on modern memory-safe languages or you need something with a GUI; libformatstr.py is Python-first and assumes comfort reading code.
