awesome-ctf README

The project's README from github.com/apsdehal/awesome-ctf. As one markdown file: README.md.

Awesome CTF Build Status Awesome

A curated list of Capture The Flag (CTF) frameworks, libraries, resources, softwares and tutorials. This list aims to help starters as well as seasoned CTF players to find everything related to CTFs at one place.

Contributing

Please take a quick look at the contribution guidelines first.

If you know a tool that isn't present here, feel free to open a pull request.

Why?

It takes time to build up collection of tools used in CTF and remember them all. This repo helps to keep all these scattered tools at one place.

Contents

Create

Tools used for creating CTF challenges

Forensics

Tools used for creating Forensics challenges

Platforms

Projects that can be used to host a CTF

Steganography

Tools used to create stego challenges

Check solve section for steganography.

Web

Tools used for creating Web challenges

JavaScript Obfustcators

Solve

Tools used for solving CTF challenges

Attacks

Tools used for performing various kinds of attacks

Crypto

Tools used for solving Crypto challenges

Bruteforcers

Tools used for various kind of bruteforcing (passwords etc.)

Exploits

Tools used for solving Exploits challenges

Forensics

Tools used for solving Forensics challenges

Registry Viewers

Networking

Tools used for solving Networking challenges

Reversing

Tools used for solving Reversing challenges

JavaScript Deobfuscators

SWF Analyzers

Services

Various kind of useful services available around the internet

Steganography

Tools used for solving Steganography challenges

Web

Tools used for solving Web challenges

Resources

Where to discover about CTF

Operating Systems

Penetration testing and security lab Operating Systems

Malware analysts and reverse-engineering

Starter Packs

Collections of installer scripts, useful tools

Tutorials

Tutorials to learn how to play CTFs

Wargames

Always online CTFs

Self-hosted CTFs

Websites

Various general websites about and on CTF

Wikis

Various Wikis available for learning about CTFs

Writeups Collections

Collections of CTF write-ups

LICENSE

CC0 :)

awesome-ctf (apsdehal/awesome-ctf)

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What is this?A curated list of frameworks, libraries, tools, and resources for Capture The Flag (CTF) competitions, covering everything from building challenges to solving them.
Is this a tool or just a list of links?It is purely a curated reference list (an awesome-list), not a software tool itself. It organizes links to external tools, platforms, and resources by category.
How is the list organized so I can find what I need?It's split into two main sections: 'Create' (tools for building CTF challenges and hosting platforms) and 'Solve' (tools grouped by challenge type like Crypto, Forensics, Reversing, Steganography, Web), plus a 'Resources' section with OS distros, starter packs, and tutorials.
Where should a beginner start?The Resources section lists dedicated security Operating Systems (like Kali Linux) and 'Starter Packs' such as CTF Tools and LazyKali that bundle installer scripts for common CTF tooling.
Are the entries vetted or just a raw dump of tools?Entries are added via community pull requests without a strict formal vetting process beyond maintainer review, and some linked tools (e.g. PEDA) note compatibility caveats like requiring Python 2.7.
Who is this list for?It targets both beginners starting out with CTFs and experienced players who want a single place to find tools instead of hunting around.
What kind of CTF challenge categories does it cover for solving?It covers Attacks, Bruteforcers, Cryptography, Exploits, Forensics, Networking, Reversing, Services, Steganography and Web challenges, each with its own curated tool list.
Can I use this list to host my own CTF competition?Yes, the Create > Platforms section lists ready-made CTF hosting platforms like CTFd, FBCTF, RootTheBox, and PicoCTF's framework.
Is it still actively updated?The repo has nearly 12k stars and accepts ongoing community pull requests for new tools, suggesting it remains maintained, though no explicit update cadence is stated in the README.
Does it recommend any dedicated operating systems for CTFs?Yes, it lists penetration-testing-focused OS distros like Kali Linux, BlackArch Linux, Parrot Security OS, and malware-analysis VMs like REMnux and Flare VM.
Creator
apsdehal
Size
0.6 MB
Stars
11.9K
Updated
CommitMay 18
Age
11y
Commits · 90 Days