Agent skill · security · yaklang
reverse-shell-techniques
Reverse shell techniques playbook. Use when establishing remote shells including language one-liners, encrypted shells (OpenSSL/socat/ncat), web shells, PTY upgrades, file transfer methods, PowerShell shells, and Windows payload generation.
Why this skill is useful
Adds detailed executable scripts for various reverse shell techniques, including encrypted shells and web shells, that are not commonly known or documented.
What it needs
Requires ncat, openssl, socat installed locally. About 4k tokens when loaded. Last updated 2026-06-16. 1,563 stars on the source repository.
What this skill does
SKILL: Reverse Shell Techniques — Expert Attack Playbook AI LOAD INSTRUCTION: Expert reverse shell techniques. Covers reverse/bind shell decisions, encrypted shells (OpenSSL, socat SSL, ncat), web shell patterns (PHP/ASPX/JSP), PTY upgrade sequences, file transfer methods, PowerShell download cradles, and msfvenom payload generation. Base models miss encrypted shell syntax, proper PTY stabilization, and platform-specific transfer techniques. 0. RELATED ROUTING Before going deep, consider loading: tunneling-and-pivoting after shell access for network pivoting linux-privilege-escalation or windows-privilege-escalation after landing shell windows-av-evasion when AV blocks shell payloads Quick Reference Also load SHELLCHEATSHEET.md when you need: Complete one-liner reverse shells for 20+ languages Copy-paste ready payloads with placeholder substitution --- 1. REVERSE vs BIND SHELL DECISION Factor Reverse Shell Bind Shell --- --- --- Firewall (egress) Works if outbound allowed Blocked by egress filtering Firewall (ingress) Not blocked Requires inbound access to victim NAT Works (victim connects out) Fails (can't reach victim behind NAT) Detection Outbound connection — less suspicious Listening port — easily detected Default choice Almost always preferred Only when no egress + have inbound --- 2. ENCRYPTED SHELLS OpenSSL Reverse Shell Socat Encrypted Shell Ncat SSL --- 3. WEB SHELLS PHP ASPX JSP Upload + Trigger Patterns --- 4. PTY UPGRADE SEQUENCE Standard Python Upgrade Alternative Upgrades --- 5. FILE TRANSFER METHODS Linux Windows --- 6. POWERSHELL REVERSE SHELLS --- 7. MSFVENOM PAYLOADS --- 8. DECISION TREE
How to use it
Reference it in AdaL, Claude Code, Cursor or any coding agent — nothing to install:
@skills yaklang/reverse-shell-techniques