If you work in cybersecurity, especially in penetration testing or as part of a Red Team, having the right tools is essential to conduct penetration tests and achieve precise results. To streamline your workflow, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 browser extensions widely used by professionals in the field.
These tools are indispensable for security audits, identifying vulnerabilities, and exploiting weaknesses in web applications, ultimately helping to protect systems and proactively mitigate risks.
1. FoxyProxy Standard
FoxyProxy Standard is an extension that simplifies connecting to proxy servers by acting as a middleman between the client and server. It allows you to quickly switch proxies during pentesting, enhancing efficiency.
- Available for: Chrome and Firefox
2. Multi-Account Containers
Exclusive to Firefox, Multi-Account Containers separates cookies by colored tabs, enabling the use of multiple accounts simultaneously. It’s an excellent option for testing different scenarios and ensuring greater privacy, especially when paired with Mozilla VPN.
- Available for: Firefox
3. Retire.js
Retire.js helps identify outdated JavaScript libraries on web pages. This allows you to pinpoint potential vulnerabilities tied to legacy versions and evaluate dependency-related risks in production environments.
- Key Features:
- Detects vulnerable JavaScript libraries
- Provides links to related CVE reports
- Real-time alerts for insecure sites
- Available for: Chrome and Firefox
4. HackBar V2
HackBar simplifies testing for SQL Injection, XSS, and other common attacks. It includes features such as:
- Dynamic HTTP headers
- Hash generator
- Encoding and fuzzing tools
- Available for: Chrome and Firefox
5. Hack-Tools
Hack-Tools is a robust extension offering a variety of payloads, Linux and PowerShell commands, and reverse shell generators. Key functionalities include:
- XSS and SQLi payload generator
- Hash generator (MD5, SHA1, etc.)
- CVE lookup and exploit feeds
- Available for: Chrome and Firefox
6. Shodan
The Shodan extension provides detailed information about websites, including:
- Server location
- Open ports and services
- DNS, FTP, and SSH details
It’s an essential tool for gathering infrastructure data.
- Available for: Chrome and Firefox
7. uBlock Origin
uBlock Origin is a lightweight content blocker optimized for CPU and memory efficiency. Beyond blocking ads, it helps prevent tracking and access to malicious URLs.
- Available for: Chrome and Firefox
8. Wappalyzer
Wappalyzer identifies the technologies used by a website, including frameworks, CMSs, analytics tools, and more. It’s perfect for competitive analysis and reconnaissance.
- Available for: Chrome and Firefox
9. WhatCMS
WhatCMS detects the CMS a website is using, making it easier to analyze vulnerabilities specific to the platform.
- Available for: Chrome and Firefox
10. Cookie Editor
Cookie Editor allows manual management and editing of cookies, making it an excellent tool for development, testing, and privacy adjustments.
- Available for: Chrome and Firefox
Conclusion
These browser extensions are invaluable tools for cybersecurity professionals, providing practical and efficient support during audits and intrusion tests. By incorporating them into your workflow, you can enhance productivity, simplify complex tasks, and deepen your vulnerability analysis of web applications.