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Documentation Index

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The target specification is the only required parameter for AutoPentestX. It defines the system or network you’re authorized to test.

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Target Flag

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-t, --target
string
required
Target IP address or domain name to scanExamples:
  • IPv4 address: 192.168.1.100
  • Domain name: example.com
  • Private network: 10.0.0.1
  • Localhost: 127.0.0.1

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Supported Formats

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IPv4 Addresses

Standard IPv4 notation is fully supported: 
python3 main.py -t 192.168.1.100

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Domain Names

Fully qualified domain names (FQDN) are resolved automatically: 
python3 main.py -t example.com
AutoPentestX performs DNS resolution before scanning. Ensure the target domain resolves correctly in your network environment.

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Target Examples

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Single Host Scanning

# Scan a single production server
python3 main.py -t 192.168.1.100 -n "Security Team"
Scan Phases:
  1. DNS resolution (if domain name)
  2. Port scanning (Nmap)
  3. Service detection
  4. Vulnerability assessment
  5. Web application testing (unless --skip-web)
  6. Exploitation attempts (unless --skip-exploit)

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Lab Environment Testing

# Test local vulnerable VM (Metasploitable, DVWA, etc.)
python3 main.py -t 192.168.56.101

# Localhost security audit
python3 main.py -t 127.0.0.1 --skip-exploit

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Remote Server Assessment

# Test internet-facing server (with authorization)
python3 main.py -t example.com -n "External Audit Team"
When testing internet-facing targets:
  • Verify authorization documentation
  • Respect rate limits and time windows
  • Be aware of geographic restrictions
  • Consider using VPN or authorized source IPs

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Target Validation

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Pre-Scan Confirmation

AutoPentestX displays a confirmation prompt before initiating scans: 
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓
                      ⚠️  LEGAL WARNING ⚠️
▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓

You are about to perform a penetration test on: 192.168.1.100

This tool performs ACTIVE scanning and may:
  • Trigger IDS/IPS alerts
  • Generate significant network traffic
  • Attempt to exploit vulnerabilities
  • Modify system configurations

Only proceed if you have:
  ✓ Written authorization from the system owner
  ✓ Defined scope and rules of engagement
  ✓ Legal permission to perform security testing

Unauthorized access to computer systems is ILLEGAL!

▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓

Do you have proper authorization to test this target? [yes/no]:
Type yes to proceed or no to abort. This safety mechanism prevents accidental unauthorized scanning.

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Network Reachability

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Testing Connectivity

Before running a full scan, verify target reachability: 
# Test connectivity
ping -c 4 192.168.1.100

# Test DNS resolution
nslookup example.com

# Check basic port accessibility
telnet 192.168.1.100 80

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Firewall Considerations

Problem: Target not responding to scansPossible Causes:
  • Host firewall blocking ICMP/TCP probes
  • Network firewall filtering scan traffic
  • Target is offline or unreachable
  • VPN/routing configuration issues
Solutions:
# Verify target is online
ping 192.168.1.100

# Check routing
traceroute 192.168.1.100

# Test specific ports
nmap -p 80,443 192.168.1.100

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Scope Restrictions

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What AutoPentestX Does NOT Support

Unsupported Target Formats:
  • CIDR ranges: 192.168.1.0/24 ❌
  • Multiple targets: 192.168.1.1,192.168.1.2 ❌
  • IP ranges: 192.168.1.1-254 ❌
  • Wildcard notation: 192.168.1.* ❌
Current Limitation: AutoPentestX targets one host per execution.For multiple targets, run separate scans:
for ip in 192.168.1.{100..110}; do
  python3 main.py -t $ip
done

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Target Selection Best Practices

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Internal Network Testing

1

Identify Test Targets

Document all systems in scope:
  • Production servers
  • Development environments
  • Network appliances
  • Virtual machines
2

Verify Authorization

Obtain written approval:
  • Signed penetration testing agreement
  • Defined scope and exclusions
  • Emergency contact information
  • Testing time windows
3

Start with Non-Production

Begin testing on safe environments:
# Test development environment first
python3 main.py -t dev.example.com --skip-exploit
4

Escalate to Production

After validating the process:
# Full production assessment (with authorization)
python3 main.py -t prod.example.com

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External Network Testing

  • Written authorization from organization
  • Scope clearly defined in contract
  • Notification sent to hosting provider
  • Emergency contacts documented
  • Testing window scheduled
  • Legal team approval obtained

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Target Information Display

During execution, AutoPentestX displays target information: 
╔════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓ AutoPentestX v1.0 ▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓▓       ║
║      Automated Penetration Testing & Vulnerability Assessment    ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝

┌────────────────────── [MISSION BRIEFING] ─────────────────────────┐
│ ► Target IP/Domain: 192.168.1.100
│ ► Operator: Security Team
│ ► Safe Mode: [✓] ENABLED
│ ► Timestamp: 2026-03-11 14:30:00
└───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

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Troubleshooting Target Issues

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Invalid Target Error

python3 main.py -t invalid_target
Error: 
[✗] Error: Invalid target format
[!] Target must be a valid IP address or domain name
Solution: Use valid IPv4 address or FQDN

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DNS Resolution Failure

python3 main.py -t nonexistent.example.com
Error: 
[✗] Error: Cannot resolve domain name
[!] Check DNS configuration or use IP address directly
Solution: 
# Use IP address instead
python3 main.py -t 192.168.1.100

# Or fix DNS resolution
nslookup nonexistent.example.com

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Network Unreachable

[✗] Error: Target unreachable
[!] Verify network connectivity and firewall rules
Debugging Steps: 
# Check basic connectivity
ping 192.168.1.100

# Verify routing
ip route get 192.168.1.100

# Check firewall rules
sudo iptables -L -n -v

CLI Options

Configure scan behavior with flags

Examples

Real-world target scanning examples

Network Scanning

Understand the scanning process

Safe Mode

Protection mechanisms during testing

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