The Empire framework continues to set the standard for post-exploitation and adversary emulation, offering Red Teams and penetration testers a versatile, modular platform built on Python.
With native support for encrypted communications, a vast tool library, and advanced evasion techniques, Empire has become indispensable for sophisticated security assessments.
Modular Architecture Fuels Operator Flexibility
Empire’s server/client design enables multiple operators to collaborate in real-time.
The server, written entirely in Python 3, exposes a RESTful API that can be accessed via the built-in CLI client (ps-empire) or through the web-based GUI Starkiller, packaged as a Git submodule for seamless deployment.
Communications between agents and the server are fully encrypted by default, supporting HTTP/S, Malleable HTTP, OneDrive, Dropbox, and PHP listeners to blend into legitimate traffic.
Key Technical Features
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Communication Channels | HTTP/S, Malleable HTTP, OneDrive API, Dropbox API, PHP Listeners |
| Encryption & Obfuscation | Full TLS encryption; integrated obfuscation via ConfuserEx 2 & Invoke-Obfuscation |
| Module Interfaces | Modular plugin API for custom server features; flexible module loader for new tools |
| Shellcode & Assembly Execution | Donut integration for shellcode generation; in-memory .NET assembly execution |
| Evasion Methods | JA3/S fingerprinting evasion; JARM TLS client hello obfuscation; customizable bypass techniques |
| Language Support | PowerShell, Python 3, C#, IronPython 3, Go |
| Integration & Compatibility | MITRE ATT&CK mapping across techniques; integrated Roslyn compiler (Covenant); Docker, Kali, ParrotOS, Ubuntu 20.04/22.04, Debian 10/11/12 support |
Empire boasts over 400 built-in tools spanning PowerShell, C#, and Python, enabling operations such as credential harvesting, lateral movement, persistence, and escalation.
Popular modules include:
- Invoke-Assembly: Dynamic loading and execution of .NET assemblies in memory
- Mimikatz: Credential extraction and manipulation
- Seatbelt: Host reconnaissance and security posture assessment
- Rubeus: Kerberos ticketing and Golden Ticket creation
- SharpSploit: .NET offensive library for privilege escalation and reconnaissance
The Donut integration streamlines shellcode generation for stealthy execution, while the Roslyn compiler import from Covenant allows on-the-fly C# compilation.
Empire’s modular plugin interface also lets operators craft bespoke features, ensuring adaptability to evolving threat landscapes.
Empire’s support for MITRE ATT&CK integration simplifies mapping adversary behaviors to known tactics and techniques, improving reporting and threat emulation fidelity.
Agents communicate exclusively in memory, avoiding disk artifacts, and leverage JA3/S and JARM evasion to bypass network-based detection systems.
Installation is straightforward:
bashgit clone --recursive https://github.com/BC-SECURITY/Empire.git
cd Empire
./setup/checkout-latest-tag.sh
./ps-empire install -y
./ps-empire server
Operators requiring a GUI can start the server ./ps-empire server and navigate to Starkiller for full remote control.
For private “sponsors” versions, SSH credentials enable seamless cloning of additional submodules.
As adversaries refine their tradecraft, Empire’s continuous updates and expansive feature set ensure Red Teams remain ahead of the curve, delivering realistic attack simulations and robust post-exploitation capabilities.
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