# Pwntools

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

Pwntools is a Python CTF framework and exploit development library that provides tools for rapid prototyping and development of exploits and CTF challenge solutions.

Checked October 2026.

## What is Pwntools?

Pwntools is a Python-based CTF framework and exploit development library that provides tools and utilities for creating exploits and solving capture-the-flag challenges.

The framework includes modules for binary manipulation, shellcode generation, network communication, and cryptographic operations. It offers functions for interacting with processes, handling different architectures, and automating common exploitation tasks.

The library supports various platforms and architectures, with optimized compatibility for 64-bit Ubuntu LTS releases. It includes educational resources such as tutorials and example solutions from previous CTF competitions.

Pwntools provides APIs for socket programming, process interaction, and payload crafting. The framework includes utilities for encoding/decoding data, managing connections, and handling binary formats across different systems.

Tags: Shellcode, CTF, Exploit Development, Binary Analysis, Payload Generation

## 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: Startup, SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise
- Pricing model: Free
- GitHub stars: 13,316
- Website: github.com

## Pwntools FAQ

### What is Pwntools?

Pwntools is a product in the Penetration Testing category. It covers Shellcode, CTF and Exploit Development.

### What is the pricing for Pwntools?

Pwntools is free. Download and setup instructions are at https://github.com/Gallopsled/pwntools/.

### What are alternatives to Pwntools?

Alternatives to Pwntools listed on CybersecTools:

1. [XBOW Captcha Bypass Tool](https://cybersectools.com/tools/xbow-captcha-bypass-tool) - AI-powered automated penetration testing platform for vulnerability discovery (Commercial)
2. [Xiarch Binary Code Analysis](https://cybersectools.com/tools/xiarch-binary-code-analysis) - Binary code analysis service for security testing compiled applications (Commercial)
3. [Novee AI Pentesting](https://cybersectools.com/tools/novee-ai-pentesting) - AI-driven continuous penetration testing platform with automated remediation. (Commercial)
4. [KinoSec Zeus](https://cybersectools.com/tools/kinosec-zeus) - Autonomous AI black-box pentesting platform with exploit chaining and PoC generation. (Commercial)
5. [APX Labs Arsenal (Cipher & Niro)](https://cybersectools.com/tools/apx-labs-arsenal-cipher-and-niro) - AI-driven pentest suite: Cipher tests live apps, Niro secures PRs in CI/CD. (Commercial)

Compare all Pwntools alternatives at [https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/pwntools](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/pwntools)

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

Pwntools is available as on-premises software. It is listed for startups, small businesses, mid-market companies and enterprises. It is free.

## Compare Pwntools with similar solutions

- [Pwntools vs XBOW Captcha Bypass Tool](https://cybersectools.com/compare/pwntools-vs-xbow-captcha-bypass-tool)
- [Pwntools vs Xiarch Binary Code Analysis](https://cybersectools.com/compare/pwntools-vs-xiarch-binary-code-analysis)
- [Pwntools vs Novee AI Pentesting](https://cybersectools.com/compare/novee-ai-pentesting-vs-pwntools)

All alternatives to Pwntools: [/alternatives/pwntools](https://cybersectools.com/alternatives/pwntools)

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Source: https://cybersectools.com/tools/pwntools

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More on Pwntools: funding, momentum, hiring and news, plus the full product and company record, are available through the Mandos MCP Server (paid plans), which connects to AI assistants: https://mandos.io/mcp?utm_source=cybersectools.com&utm_medium=product-md