17 Free and Open-source Windows RAT Remote Access and Remote Admin Tools.
What Are RATs and Remote Admin Tools?
Remote Access Tools (RATs) and Remote Admin Tools are software applications that allow a user to control or monitor another computer remotely. While their functionalities may overlap, their purposes often differ based on the context in which they are used.
- Remote Access Tools (RATs): Typically associated with unauthorized or covert control of a system. RATs are often used in cybersecurity contexts, particularly for pentesting (penetration testing), where they help assess the security of a system by simulating the actions of a malicious actor. However, RATs can also be used for legitimate purposes, such as IT support and system administration, where they provide full control over a remote machine.
- Remote Admin Tools: These are primarily designed for legitimate use by IT administrators to manage and support remote systems. These tools provide the same remote control capabilities as RATs but are typically used in a secure, authorized manner. They are essential for managing large networks, providing technical support, and maintaining systems without the need for physical access.
- A Remote Access Trojan (RAT) is a type of malicious software that allows an attacker to gain unauthorized access and control over a victim's computer. Once installed, a RAT operates covertly, enabling the attacker to monitor user activities, steal sensitive information, execute commands, and manage files on the compromised system. RATs are often used in cyberattacks to maintain persistent control over a target's machine, allowing attackers to spread malware, steal data, or cause further damage. Despite their malicious uses, similar tools are also employed in legitimate contexts, such as cybersecurity testing and IT support, where they are used to assess vulnerabilities or manage systems remotely.
Use-Cases
- Pentesting and Security Assessments:
- Simulated Attacks: RATs are valuable in pentesting scenarios, where security professionals use them to simulate attacks. By deploying a RAT, testers can mimic the behavior of cybercriminals, assessing how easily a system can be compromised.
- Vulnerability Identification: RATs help in identifying vulnerabilities in a system by exposing weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers. This allows organizations to strengthen their defenses before a real attack occurs.
- Post-Exploitation Testing: After gaining access to a system, a pentester can use a RAT to explore further vulnerabilities, manage files, and execute commands to understand the potential damage an attacker could cause.
- IT Support and System Administration:
- Remote Troubleshooting: Remote Admin Tools are essential for IT support teams, enabling them to diagnose and fix issues on users' computers without being physically present. This is particularly useful for global organizations with distributed teams.
- System Management: Administrators can use these tools to update software, manage files, monitor system performance, and ensure compliance with organizational policies across multiple machines simultaneously.
- User Assistance: IT teams can remotely assist users with technical issues, guide them through complex tasks, or even take control of their machine to resolve problems quickly and efficiently.
- Software Testing and Quality Assurance:
- Remote Testing: Developers and QA teams can use these tools to test software on remote machines, ensuring that applications perform well across different environments and configurations.
- Bug Replication: Remote tools allow testers to replicate and diagnose bugs in a user’s environment, leading to faster identification and resolution of issues.
- Continuous Integration: These tools can be integrated into CI/CD pipelines, enabling automated testing and deployment across remote systems.
- Security Use-Cases:
- Threat Hunting: Security teams can use RAT-like tools to monitor network activity and detect unusual behavior that might indicate a security breach.
- Incident Response: In the event of a security incident, these tools enable rapid response by allowing security professionals to remotely access and analyze affected systems.
- Forensics: Post-incident, RATs can be used to gather forensic data from compromised systems, aiding in understanding how an attack occurred and how to prevent future breaches.
Benefits
- Efficiency: Both RATs and Remote Admin Tools allow tasks to be performed without physical access to a machine, saving time and resources.
- Scalability: These tools are invaluable for managing large numbers of systems across different locations, enabling centralized control and monitoring.
- Flexibility: They provide flexibility in how systems are managed, supported, and tested, making them versatile tools in any IT or security professional's arsenal.
- Enhanced Security: When used legitimately, these tools can significantly improve an organization’s security posture by enabling proactive monitoring and rapid incident response.
In the following is a collection of the best open-source free RAT solution.
1. Quasar
Quasar is a fast and light-weight remote administration tool coded in C#. The usage ranges from user support through day-to-day administrative work to employee monitoring. Providing high stability and an easy-to-use user interface, Quasar is the perfect remote administration solution for you.
Features
- TCP network stream (IPv4 & IPv6 support)
- Fast network serialization (Protocol Buffers)
- Encrypted communication (TLS)
- UPnP Support (automatic port forwarding)
- Task Manager
- File Manager
- Startup Manager
- Remote Desktop
- Remote Shell
- Remote Execution
- System Information
- Registry Editor
- System Power Commands (Restart, Shutdown, Standby)
- Keylogger (Unicode Support)
- Reverse Proxy (SOCKS5)
- Password Recovery (Common Browsers and FTP Clients)
Supported Windows Systems
- Windows 11
- Windows Server 2022
- Windows 10
- Windows Server 2019
- Windows Server 2016
- Windows 8/8.1
- Windows Server 2012
- Windows 7
- Windows Server 2008 R2
quasar2- CHAOS
🔥 CHAOS is a free and open-source Remote Administration Tool that allow generate binaries to control remote operating systems. It works for Windows and Linux.
Features
- Reverse Shell
- Download files
- File Explorer
- Restart
- Open Shell
- Lock Screen
- Open apps
- Get OS info
tiagorlampert3. Xeno Rat
Xeno Rat is a remote access tool (RAT) that is used to control a computer remotely. It is written in C# and is compatible with Windows 10, 11. It is meant to stable, completely open source, easy to use and has a lot of features.
This RAT (Remote Access Tool) is designed for comprehensive control and monitoring, making it a powerful tool for managing remote systems. However, ethical considerations and legal regulations should always be adhered to when using such tools.
Features
- Cross-Platform Support: Compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS.
- Remote Access: Full control over the target system, including file management and command execution.
- Keylogger & Screen Capture: Captures keystrokes and real-time desktop views.
- Webcam & Process Control: Access to webcam and process management.
- File & Network Manager: Manage files and monitor network activity.
- Registry Editor: Edit Windows registry settings.
- Shell Execution: Run commands via the target system’s CLI.
- Password Recovery: Retrieve passwords from browsers and apps.
- Clipboard Monitoring: Capture copied data.
- Built-in Chat & Firewall Bypass: Communicate with the user and bypass security measures.
- Customizable Interface: Tailor the user interface for ease of use.
- Multi-Threading & Plugin Support: Enhance performance and extend functionality.
moom8254. Spark
Spark is a free, safe, open-source, web-based, cross-platform and full-featured RAT (Remote Administration Tool) that allow you to control all your devices via browser anywhere.
XZB-12485- SillyRAT
This is a free cross platform RAT written in pure Python. The RAT accept commands alongside arguments to either perform as the server who accepts connections or to perform as the client/target who establish connections to the server.
The generate command uses the module pyinstaller to compile the actual payload code. So, in order to generate payload file for your respective platform, you need to be on that platform while generating the file. Moreover, you can directly get the source file as well.
Features
- Built-in Shell for command execution
- Dumping System Information including drives and rams
- Screenshot module. Captures screenshot of client screen.
- Connection Loop (Will continue on connecting to server)
- Currently, it uses BASE64 encoding.
- Pure Python
- Cross Platform. (Tested on Linux. Errors are accepted)
- Source File included for testing
- Python 3
hash3liZer6. Serpentine
Serpentine is a Windows RAT (Remote Administration Tool) that lets you interact with the clients using a multiplatform RESTful C2 server.
jafarlihi7. AsyncRAT
AsyncRAT is a Remote Access Tool (RAT) designed to remotely monitor and control other computers through a secure encrypted connection.
Features
- Client screen viewer & recorder
- Client Antivirus & Integrity manager
- Client SFTP access including upload & download
- Client & Server chat window
- Client Dynamic DNS & Multi-Server support (Configurable)
- Client Password Recovery
- Client JIT compiler
- Client Keylogger
- Client Anti Analysis (Configurable)
- Server Controlled updates
- Client Antimalware Start-up
- Server Config Editor
- Server multiport receiver (Configurable)
- Server thumbnails
- Server binary builder (Configurable)
- Server obfuscator (Configurable)
- And much more!
NYAN-x-CAT8. VanillaRat
VanillaRat is an advanced remote administration tool coded in C#. VanillaRat uses the Telepathy TCP networking library, dnlib module reading and writing library, and Costura.Fody dll embedding library.
Features
- Remote Desktop Viewer (With remote click)
- File Browser (Including downloading, drag and drop uploading, and file opening)
- Process Manager
- Computer Information
- Hardware Usage Information (CPU usage, disk usage, available ram)
- Message Box Sender
- Text To Speech
- Screen Locker
- Live Keylogger (Also shows current window)
- Website Opener
- Application Permission Raiser (Normal -> Admin)
- Clipboard Text (Copied text)
- Chat (Does not allow for client to close form)
- Audio Recorder (Microphone)
- Process Killer (Task manager, etc.)
- Remote Shell
- Startup
- Security Blacklist (Drag client into list if you don't want connection. Press del. key on client to remove from list)
DannyTheSloth9- wraith
wraith is a free and open-source, modular Remote Administration Tool (RAT) / Payload Dropper written in Go(lang) with a flexible command and control (C2) system*.
wraith-labs10. TewQ
TewQ is a free and open-Source Remote Administration Tool for Windows.
For Educational Purposes Only. I will be not responsible what you do with this tool.
SpaceR311. Goasm-RAT
Goasm-RAT is a simple Windows console remote administration tool, written in Go and Intel x86 Assembly. It supports remote shell and screenshot.
Zhuagenborn12- DOSrat-2.0
DOSrat 2.0 is a remote administration tool (RAT) that builds upon its predecessor, DOSrat. This new version comes with improvements in TCP/IP communication, a more user-friendly command line interface, a faster client build system, and a host of additional features.
Criper9813. ghost
ghost is a lightweight Remote Access Trojan (RAT) designed to provide full remote access to a target's command-line interpreter (cmd.exe).
This tool allows the attacker to execute commands silently, without the victim being aware of any activity. In addition to command execution, Ghost enables the attacker to download and run files on the target's machine discreetly, facilitating the spread of viruses and other malicious software.
Features
- Remote command execution
- Silent background process
- Download and run file (Hidden)
- Safe Mode startup
- Will automatically connect to the server
- Data sent and received is encrypted (substitution cipher)
- Files are hidden
- Installed Antivirus shown to server
- Easily spread malware through download feature
- Startup info doesn't show in msconfig or other startup checking programs like CCleaner
- Disable Task Manager
AHXR14. Kumo
Kumo is a lightweight and portable remote administrative tool written in Java. It can be used on Windows, macOS, or Linux as long as they have the JRE installed.
Features
- AES encrypted C2 communication
- Send commands to client
- Cross platform (more or less)
- Clean, simple, and modern UI
- Easy client building process
- Customizable server and client settings
- Persistence
- System information
- Clipboard control
- Visit website
- Show messagebox
- Windows keylogger
- Plugin support
cbrnrd15. ApexRAT
ApexRAT is a sophisticated Remote Access Trojan (RAT) designed for stealth and comprehensive control over a compromised system. It allows attackers to remotely access and manipulate a target machine, execute commands, and manage files without the user’s knowledge.
ApexRAT is built with flexibility in mind, offering a range of features that make it a potent tool for those seeking to maintain undetected access to a system.
ApexRAT provides robust tools for unauthorized system access and monitoring, making it a significant security concern.
Features
- Remote Command Execution: Execute system commands on the target machine silently.
- File Management: Upload, download, delete, and manage files on the compromised system.
- Keylogging: Capture and record keystrokes to monitor user activity.
- Process Management: View and control running processes on the target machine.
- Screen Capture: Take screenshots of the target’s desktop in real-time.
- Stealth Mode: Operate invisibly without alerting the user, ensuring continued undetected access.
- Network Monitoring: Monitor network activity and connections on the compromised system.
- Persistence: Maintain access to the target machine even after reboots or attempts to remove the RAT.
- Customizable: Tailor the RAT’s settings and behavior to specific needs, enhancing its effectiveness.
3verlaster16. SorillusRAT6.1
SorillusRAT is a platform-independent Remote Access Trojan (R.A.T) written in Java. It is designed to provide pentesters with full remote access to a variety of devices, including Linux, macOS, and Windows systems.
The developer of Sorillus has even hinted at the possibility of a future version capable of hacking Android devices, expanding its cross-platform capabilities. 🌐🔓
Features
- Keylogging: Capture every keystroke made on the target machine, granting you access to sensitive information such as passwords and credit card numbers. ✅🔑💳
- Remote Desktop: Take complete control of the target machine's desktop, enabling you to perform actions as if you were physically present. ✅💻🔒
- File Manager: Browse and download files from the target machine, giving you access to important documents, images, and various other file types. ✅📂💾
- Webcam Capture: Capture snapshots or record video from the target machine's webcam, allowing you to discreetly observe your target's activities. 📸👀
KyaniteLeaks17. RAT-el
RAT-el is an open source penetration test tool that allows you to take control of a windows machine. It works on the client-server model, the server sends commands and the client executes the commands and sends the result back to the server. The client is completely undetectable by anti-virus software.
It works on Windows and Linux, and targets Windows machines.
RATel is designed to provide comprehensive control over a compromised system, with features that enable stealthy and persistent monitoring and manipulation.
Features
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Works on both Windows and Linux systems.
- Remote Shell Access: Provides a remote shell for executing commands on the target system.
- File Manager: Allows the attacker to upload, download, delete, and manage files on the target machine.
- Keylogger: Captures and records all keystrokes from the target system.
- Screenshot Capture: Takes screenshots of the target’s desktop environment.
- Webcam Control: Access and control the target's webcam, enabling video monitoring.
- Persistence Mechanism: Ensures the RAT stays active even after the target system is rebooted.
- Network Traffic Monitoring: Monitors and logs network traffic to and from the target machine.
- Multi-Client Handling: Capable of managing multiple infected machines simultaneously.
- Encryption: Utilizes encryption to secure communications between the attacker and the target system.
- Customizable: Offers customizable options to modify behavior and appearance for specific needs.
FrenchCiscoRATs and Remote Admin Tools are powerful utilities with applications in cybersecurity, IT support, system administration, and software testing. While RATs can have negative connotations due to their association with malicious activities, they are also crucial for ethical hacking and security testing.
Meanwhile, Remote Admin Tools remain essential for maintaining and managing IT infrastructure efficiently and securely. By understanding and leveraging these tools appropriately, organizations can improve their security, support, and operational capabilities.
