Pacu
Pacu is an open-source AWS exploitation framework for testing the security of AWS environments in authorised engagements.
Legal & ethical use. Only test AWS accounts you own or have written permission to test, and follow AWS's penetration-testing policy. Use this tool only on systems, networks and data that you own or have explicit written permission to test. Unauthorised access or scanning can break computer-misuse laws (for example Pakistan's Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016, and equivalents elsewhere). Practise in your own lab or in authorised environments such as CTFs.
What it is used for
- Test IAM privilege-escalation paths in a lab AWS account
- Learn AWS attack techniques so you can defend against them
Key features
- Modular design
- Session management
- Enumeration and privilege-escalation modules
Installation
Install with pip/pipx as described in the repository.
Beginner usage guide
Use a dedicated sandbox AWS account you own; start with enumeration modules and read each module's help first.
Example commands
Run these only against your own lab or authorised targets. Placeholder addresses such as 192.0.2.x are documentation ranges.
Start Pacu
pacuInteractive shell; then create a session and use `ls` to list modules.
References
Source verification
Last reviewed: 2026-10-27
Links checked over HTTP: 2026-10-27 07:51 UTC — official: 200, docs: 200, repo: 200
Commands were written from the official documentation and have not been executed on this site; test them in your lab.