Pablo Guides

# Course #477: Python-pipx Essentials for Pentesters

## Section 1: Installation and Configuration on Kali Linux

### Introduction to Python-pipx

`python-pipx` is a powerful tool for executing Python applications in isolated environments. This is particularly beneficial in penetration testing since it allows pentesters to install and run Python scripts without polluting the global Python environment. This section will guide you through the installation and configuration of `pipx` on Kali Linux, ensuring you can leverage its capabilities in your pentesting toolkit.

### Installing Python-pipx on Kali Linux

Before we begin the installation process, ensure that your Kali Linux is updated to the latest version. Open your terminal and run the following commands:

"`bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade -y
"`

#### Step 1: Installing Dependencies

`pipx` requires Python and pip. Most Kali Linux installations come with Python pre-installed, but you need to ensure both Python and pip are available. Check if they are installed:

"`bash
python3 –version
pip3 –version
"`

If you don't have `pip` installed, you can easily install it using:

"`bash
sudo apt install python3-pip -y
"`

#### Step 2: Installing pipx

Now, you can install `pipx` using `pip`. Execute the following command in your terminal:

"`bash
python3 -m pip install –user pipx
"`

This command installs `pipx` for the current user. To ensure that the command is available in your terminal session, you need to add its executable directory to your PATH. You can do this by adding the following line to your `.bashrc` or `.zshrc` file:

"`bash
export PATH="$HOME/.local/bin:$PATH"
"`

After editing the file, load the changes with:

"`bash
source ~/.bashrc # or source ~/.zshrc
"`

#### Step 3: Verifying Installation

To verify that `pipx` has been installed correctly, run:

"`bash
pipx –version
"`

If you receive the version number without any errors, you have successfully installed `pipx`.

### Configuration of Python-pipx

Once `pipx` is installed, you can configure it according to your needs. By default, `pipx` will store all of its installed applications in the `~/.local/pipx` directory. You can change this directory by editing the configuration file located at `~/.config/pipx/config.toml`.

#### Example Configuration

Here is an example of what your `config.toml` file might look like:

"`toml
[install]
bin-location = "/usr/local/bin"
"`

This configuration specifies that the binaries should be installed in `/usr/local/bin`. Make sure this directory is also in your PATH.

### Step-by-Step Usage of Python-pipx

With `pipx` installed and configured, you can easily install and manage Python applications. Here are some common commands and examples of how to use `pipx` effectively.

#### Command: Installing an Application

To install a Python application using `pipx`, simply use the following command:

"`bash
pipx install "`

For instance, to install `httpie`, a user-friendly HTTP client:

"`bash
pipx install httpie
"`

#### Command: Running an Application

Once an application is installed, you can run it directly from the terminal. Using the previous example:

"`bash
http GET https://httpbin.org/get
"`

#### Command: Listing Installed Applications

You can view all applications installed via `pipx` by running:

"`bash
pipx list
"`

This command will display the installed packages along with their locations.

#### Command: Uninstalling an Application

To remove an application, use the `uninstall` command:

"`bash
pipx uninstall "`

For example:

"`bash
pipx uninstall httpie
"`

### Real-World Use Cases

1. **Isolated Python Environments**: Using `pipx`, you can run various pentesting tools without affecting your global Python environment. For example, installing `sqlmap`:

   pipx install sqlmap

 

You can then run `sqlmap` commands directly from your terminal.

2. **Managing Multiple Versions**: If you're working on different projects that require various versions of a Python tool, `pipx` allows you to maintain these versions in isolation. For instance, installing `black` (a Python code formatter):

   pipx install black

 

You can ensure that your project-specific version of `black` does not clash with other projects.

3. **Automating Testing Tools**: You can use `pipx` to install and run lightweight testing tools like `pytest`, ensuring that your testing environment remains clean:

   pipx install pytest

 

You can run your tests in an isolated environment, which is crucial for maintaining clean and reproducible test results.

### Code Examples

Below are some code examples showing how to utilize `pipx` in your pentesting workflow:

"`bash
# Install a common pen-testing tool
pipx install nmap

# Run nmap with a simple command
nmap -sP 192.168.1.0/24
"`

"`bash
# Install another tool for web testing
pipx install gobuster

# Use gobuster to brute force directories
gobuster dir -u http://example.com -w /usr/share/wordlists/dirb/common.txt
"`

"`bash
# Install a popular vulnerability scanner
pipx install sqlmap

# Run sqlmap against a target URL
sqlmap -u "http://example.com/vuln.php?id=1" –dbs
"`

### Detailed Technical Explanations

#### How pipx Works

`pipx` operates by creating an isolated virtual environment for each application you install. When you run a command from an installed application, `pipx` activates the corresponding virtual environment and executes the command within that context. This isolation helps avoid conflicts between dependencies of different applications.

#### Benefits of Using pipx in Penetration Testing

– **Isolation**: Prevents conflicts between different tool dependencies.
– **Simplicity**: Easy installation and management of Python tools.
– **Reproducibility**: Ensures that tools work consistently across different environments.

### External Reference Links

– [pipx Documentation](https://pipxproject.github.io/pipx/)
– [Kali Linux Tools Listing](https://www.kali.org/tools/)
– [Python Packaging User Guide](https://packaging.python.org/)
– [Creating Isolated Python Environments](https://realpython.com/python-virtual-environments-a-primer/)

This concludes the installation and configuration section for `python-pipx`. In the next sections, we will delve deeper into specific tools and their real-world applications in penetration testing. Please ensure that you are familiar with the concepts and commands presented here, as they will form the basis for using `python-pipx` effectively in your pentesting activities.

Made by pablo rotem / פבלו רותם