Pacu

Pacu, developed by Rhino Security Labs, manages identifying and exploiting configuration flaws in AWS environments, a common blind spot in cloud security. This framework is designed for offensive security practitioners, mirroring the functionality of Metasploit but tailored for AWS.

Technically, Pacu is built with a modular architecture using Python 3, allowing for easy extension and community-driven improvements. It includes over 35 modules that cover various stages of the pentesting process, such as reconnaissance, persistence, privilege escalation, enumeration, data exfiltration, and log manipulation. The framework uses a common syntax and data structure, eliminating the need for redundant permission checks between modules. A local SQLite database manages and manipulates retrieved data, minimizing API calls and associated logs.

Operationally, Pacu is optimized for efficiency and thoroughness in large AWS environments. It can automate many components of the assessment, reducing the time required for manual enumeration from days to minutes. The framework supports multiple sessions, making it easy to separate engagements and projects, and includes built-in reporting and attack auditing features to document the testing process.

Key technical details include the use of Python 3.5+ and pip3 for installation, with support for both macOS and Linux. The installation process involves cloning the repository and running an included install script. Pacu's architecture emphasizes post-compromise exploitation, allowing testers to compromise credentials, escalate privileges, establish persistence, and exfiltrate data, among other capabilities. However, it is crucial to note that Pacu's effectiveness relies on the initial compromise of AWS credentials, which can be obtained through various means such as phishing or web application vulnerabilities.

Limitations include the potential for performance degradation when handling large datasets, as the current SQLite database may not scale efficiently. Future developments aim to address this by transitioning to a NoSQL database format. Additionally, Pacu requires careful handling to avoid unintended harmful actions, a concern that is being addressed with the development of a built-in safety net.