beef-xss

beef-xss [OPTIONS]

-c FILE, --config FILE
    Specifies an alternate configuration file to use for BeEF, overriding the default config.yaml.

-p PORT, --port PORT
    Sets the listen port for the BeEF web interface and API, overriding the value set in the configuration file.

-i INTERFACE, --interface INTERFACE
    Specifies the network interface for BeEF to bind to for incoming connections.

-x, --no-browser
    Prevents BeEF from automatically launching the web user interface in a browser upon startup.

-q, --no-logfile
    Disables the creation of a log file during BeEF operation.

-e, --auto-migrate
    Automatically runs database migrations on startup, ensuring the database schema is up-to-date.

-v, --version
    Displays the BeEF version information and then exits.

-h, --help
    Displays the help message for the beef-xss command and then exits.

BeEF-XSS, which stands for Browser Exploitation Framework, is an open-source penetration testing tool that uniquely focuses on the client-side attack surface. Unlike traditional network-based exploitation tools, BeEF targets vulnerabilities within web browsers themselves to gain control over them. It operates by injecting JavaScript 'hooks' into vulnerable web pages. Once a browser is 'hooked', BeEF provides security professionals with a powerful platform to launch a variety of command modules against it.

These modules enable tasks ranging from simple information gathering, such as retrieving browser and system details, to more advanced attacks like social engineering, phishing, port scanning from the client's internal network, and exploiting local vulnerabilities via the compromised browser. BeEF-XSS is an invaluable asset for ethical hackers and red teams to assess the security posture of web applications, client-side defenses, and user susceptibility to browser-based attacks. Its primary application is in authorized security audits to demonstrate the profound risks associated with Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and other client-side vulnerabilities.

BeEF-XSS is a highly potent tool intended exclusively for authorized penetration testing and ethical hacking. Its use without explicit, written permission from the owner of the target system or network is illegal and unethical, potentially leading to severe legal consequences. The effectiveness of BeEF modules can vary significantly based on the target browser's type, version, installed plugins, and the user's security settings. Continuous updates are often necessary to maintain efficacy against rapidly evolving browser security features and patched vulnerabilities.

At its essence, BeEF operates by 'hooking' web browsers. This process involves tricking a target browser into loading a small JavaScript file, known as the hook, which is hosted on the BeEF server. Once successfully hooked, the browser establishes and maintains a persistent connection to the BeEF control panel. From this intuitive web-based interface, security testers can browse and execute a diverse array of pre-built modules directly against the hooked browser, enabling everything from simple reconnaissance to complex network and social engineering attacks.

The primary interaction with BeEF-XSS occurs through its user-friendly web-based interface, which is typically accessible via a web browser at http://127.0.0.1:3000/ui/panel by default. This UI provides a centralized dashboard for managing and monitoring hooked browsers, categorizing them by their online or offline status. It facilitates the execution of modules, management of social engineering campaigns, logging of events, and configuration of various framework settings, making it the central hub for all BeEF operations.

While beef-xss can be started with command-line options, its persistent and extensive settings are primarily managed through a YAML-formatted configuration file, commonly named config.yaml and located within the BeEF installation directory. This crucial file dictates various operational parameters such as the default listening port, network interface, authentication credentials for the UI, database settings, and numerous module-specific configurations. Modifying this file is essential for tailoring BeEF to specific testing environments and customizing its behavior.

BeEF originated as a pioneering research project aimed at shedding light on the often-underestimated client-side attack surface. It was developed to demonstrate the significant security risks posed by browser-based vulnerabilities, particularly Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). Over time, it evolved into a comprehensive, open-source framework, rapidly gaining adoption within the cybersecurity community. Its integration into popular penetration testing distributions like Kali Linux significantly expanded its accessibility and widespread usage among security professionals for ethical hacking and red teaming exercises. Development remains active, with ongoing contributions focused on adding new modules and improving evasion techniques.

nmap(1), metasploit(1), burpsuite(1), ettercap(8), owasp-zap(1)