Pacu

Pacu

Session-based AWS exploitation framework.

Scope and authorization

Use Pacu only with explicit authorization and with awareness of AWS acceptable-use and testing policy constraints.

Upstream is clear: you are responsible for ensuring the engagement and modules are permitted in the target environment.

Installation

# Preferred on Kali / modern Python environments
pipx install git+https://github.com/RhinoSecurityLabs/pacu.git

# Simpler pip path
pip3 install -U pacu

# Docker alternative
docker run -it rhinosecuritylabs/pacu:latest

Interactive Quick Start

pacu

First launch creates or resumes a session. Sessions store keys and collected data.

Inside Pacu:

set_keys
whoami
list
help iam__privesc_scan
run iam__enum_permissions
run iam__privesc_scan

Core Workflow

1. Create session and load credentials

Use set_keys to provide:

• alias
• access key ID
• secret access key
• optional session token

2. Identify who you are

whoami

Do this immediately after loading creds. It anchors the rest of the assessment.

3. Enumerate available modules

list
help module_name

4. Execute high-value modules

run iam__enum_permissions
run iam__privesc_scan

iam__privesc_scan is one of the highest-value starting points when IAM abuse is in scope.

CLI Mode

pacu --help
pacu --list-modules
pacu --session mysession --whoami
pacu --session mysession --module-name iam__privesc_scan --exec

Useful for reproducible commands, wrappers, or scripted lab flows.

Why Pacu is useful

Upstream highlights that Pacu:

• stores data in a local SQLite-backed workflow
• reduces redundant API calls and logging noise versus ad hoc scripting
• keeps command logging for reporting and timeline building
• provides module-oriented attack paths across enumeration, privesc, exfiltration, and abuse

Practical Notes

• Start with identity and permission enumeration before running noisier exploitation modules.
• Keep region scope intentional. Broad scans create logs quickly.
• Prefer modules that answer a concrete question instead of running everything blindly.
• Export or preserve session artifacts for reporting.

Caveats

• Pacu is powerful but opinionated; understand what a module will do before executing it.
• Docker mounts of ~/.aws are convenient but expose host credentials to the container.
• Cloud authorization, provider policy, and customer scope matter more than tool convenience.

Resources

No bundled scripts/, references/, or assets/. Use the upstream wiki for module catalog details and installation edge cases.