PentestGPT is an AI-powered assistant designed to simplify and enhance penetration testing for web applications, networks, and cloud environments. It aims to empower security teams, including those with less specialized expertise, to conduct comprehensive security assessments more efficiently.

How It Works

PentestGPT leverages AI models to automate various stages of penetration testing, from scanning and vulnerability identification to exploitation and analysis. It integrates with external tools and utilizes a Supabase backend for data management, offering a structured approach to managing test data and user accounts. This architecture aims to provide a robust and scalable platform for security testing workflows.

Quick Start & Requirements

• Local Setup: Requires Node.js (v18 recommended), npm, and Docker. Installation involves cloning the repo, running npm install, starting Supabase locally (supabase start), configuring environment variables (.env.local), and running the app (npm run chat).
• Hosted Setup: Involves setting up a Supabase project, configuring environment variables in Vercel, and deploying the frontend.
• Dependencies: Supabase CLI, Docker.
• Resources: Local setup requires Docker and Node.js. Hosted setup requires accounts with Supabase and Vercel.
• Documentation: https://github.com/hackerai-tech/PentestGPT/blob/main/README.md (local quickstart), Video tutorial mentioned but not linked.

Highlighted Details

• AI-powered automation for scanning, exploitation, and analysis.
• Uses Supabase for data storage, offering an open-source, Postgres-based solution.
• Supports local and hosted deployments for flexibility.
• Includes user authentication and email confirmation features.

Maintenance & Community

• Project acknowledges contributions from @fkesheh and @Fx64b.
• Support and feature requests can be directed to the HackerAI Help Center: https://help.hackerai.co.
• Contribution guidelines are available in CONTRIBUTING.md.

Licensing & Compatibility

• Licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 (GPL-3.0).
• GPL-3.0 is a strong copyleft license, requiring derivative works to also be open-sourced under the same license. This may impose restrictions on integrating PentestGPT into closed-source commercial products.

Limitations & Caveats

Local setup requires significant configuration, particularly for plugins, and the README notes that "plugins and more will only work with proper and complex configuration." The project is primarily focused on web applications and network penetration testing, with cloud environment testing mentioned but less detailed in the quickstart.