# ESC

ESC is a Penetration Testing product. It runs on-premises. Pricing is free.

ESC is an interactive .NET SQL console client with enhanced SQL Server discovery and data exfiltration features designed for penetration testing and red team engagements.

Checked October 2026.

## What is ESC?

ESC (Evil SQL Client) is an interactive .NET SQL console client designed for SQL Server discovery, access, and data exfiltration during security assessments.

The tool provides enhanced capabilities for targeting SQL Servers in penetration testing and red team scenarios. It functions as both a standard SQL client for routine database tasks and a specialized security testing tool.

ESC offers multiple execution methods including standalone executable format, MSBuild integration, and PowerShell execution. The client includes features for SQL Server enumeration and discovery across network environments.

The tool supports data exfiltration capabilities and provides an interactive console interface for SQL operations. It is built on the .NET framework and can be deployed through various attack vectors during security engagements.

Tags: Enumeration, Red Team, Database Security, SQL, Data Exfiltration

## Quick facts

- Category: [Offensive Security](https://cybersectools.com/categories/offensive-security-testing) · [Penetration Testing](https://cybersectools.com/categories/pentesting-tools)
- Deployment: On-Premises
- Company size fit: Mid-Market, Enterprise
- Pricing model: Free
- GitHub stars: 299
- Website: github.com

## ESC FAQ

### What is ESC?

ESC is a product in the Penetration Testing category. It covers Enumeration, Red Team and Database Security.

### What is the pricing for ESC?

ESC is free. Download and setup instructions are at https://github.com/NetSPI/ESC/.

### What are alternatives to ESC?

Alternatives to ESC listed on CybersecTools:

1. [FireCompass AI-powered Pen Testing](https://cybersectools.com/tools/firecompass-ai-powered-pen-testing) - AI-powered automated pen testing & continuous red teaming platform (Commercial)
2. [Cyver Pentest Management Platform](https://cybersectools.com/tools/cyver-pentest-management-platform) - Pentest management platform for reporting, project mgmt & client collaboration (Commercial)
3. [Rapid7 Metasploit](https://cybersectools.com/tools/rapid7-metasploit) - Penetration testing software for simulating attacks and validating vulnerabilities (Commercial)
4. [Synack Sara](https://cybersectools.com/tools/synack-agentic-ai) - AI-powered autonomous penetration testing platform with multi-agent system (Commercial)
5. [ImmuniWeb® Continuous Penetration Testing](https://cybersectools.com/tools/immuniwebr-continuous-penetration-testing) - Continuous pentesting service monitoring web apps & APIs for code changes (Commercial)

Compare all ESC alternatives at [https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/esc](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/esc)

### What deployment and organization size does ESC fit?

ESC is available as on-premises software. It is listed for mid-market companies and enterprises. It is free.

## Compare ESC with similar solutions

- [ESC vs FireCompass AI-powered Pen Testing](https://cybersectools.com/compare/esc-vs-firecompass-ai-powered-pen-testing)
- [ESC vs Cyver Pentest Management Platform](https://cybersectools.com/compare/cyver-pentest-management-platform-vs-esc)
- [ESC vs Rapid7 Metasploit](https://cybersectools.com/compare/esc-vs-rapid7-metasploit)

All alternatives to ESC: [/alternatives/esc](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/esc)

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