How to Use the Command 'amass' (with examples)

Amass is a powerful command-line tool designed to perform in-depth attack surface mapping and asset discovery. Developed by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), it allows security researchers and engineers to explore and map network vulnerabilities comprehensively. The main advantage of using Amass lies in its ability to uncover subdomains and related digital assets that could potentially serve as attack vectors if left unsecured.

Use case 1: Execute an Amass subcommand

Code:

amass enum -d example.com

Motivation: Using the amass enum subcommand is crucial for enumerating all the possible subdomains associated with a given domain. This operation is integral for cybersecurity professionals who need to identify all potential entry points in a domain to secure it effectively. By executing this command, you can gain insights into the structure of a target’s attack surface, which is essential for preemptive security measures.

Explanation:

• amass: The base command to operate Amass.
• enum: This subcommand is used for enumeration processes, specifically to find subdomains of a given domain.
• -d: A flag that specifies the domain name to target for enumeration.
• example.com: This is a placeholder for the specific domain name you’d like to analyze. Replace example.com with any valid domain of interest.

Example output:

Found subdomains:
www.example.com
mail.example.com
shop.example.com

This output indicates the discovery of subdomains that may serve as potential points of interest for further investigation or securing.

Use case 2: Display help

Code:

amass -help

Motivation: Accessing the help documentation of a command is a fundamental practice for understanding its capabilities, available options, and usage instructions. The -help option provides a comprehensive guide to all functionalities that Amass offers, which is especially beneficial for new users or those wanting to explore more advanced features without external documentation.

Explanation:

• amass: The base command to operate Amass.
• -help: A command-line argument that triggers the detailed help and usage information related to the Amass tool.

Example output:

Usage: amass [options] <command>
Options:
  -dir string
    	Directory for output files
  ...
Commands:
  enum     Perform enumerations and gather information about the attack surface
  ...

The output will give a brief overview of available subcommands and options, helping users navigate and utilize Amass efficiently.

Use case 3: Display help on an Amass subcommand

Code:

amass enum -help

Motivation: When delving into specific operations like enumeration, accessing help for the enum subcommand is extremely valuable. It allows users to uncover detailed information about the specific flags and parameters relevant to that subcommand, ensuring users employ the most effective techniques for their enumeration needs.

Explanation:

• amass: The base command to operate Amass.
• enum: This indicates the particular subcommand you wish to learn more about.
• -help: Displays options and detailed usage instructions about the enum subcommand.

Example output:

Usage: amass enum [options]
Options:
  -active
    	Use active set of DNS techniques
  -d string
    	Domain name to enumerate
  ...

This comprehensive list gives users insights into enhancing their enumeration processes, incorporating both active and passive techniques depending on the flags provided.

Use case 4: Display version

Code:

amass -version

Motivation: Knowing the version of a tool you are using is a best practice in software management. This is particularly important for troubleshooting, compatibility issues, or when seeking support from the community or maintainers. By confirming the version, users ensure they are using a version of Amass that is both current and supported.

Explanation:

• amass: The base command to operate Amass.
• -version: A flag that triggers the display of the currently installed Amass version.

Example output:

Amass v3.12.3

This output provides the user with the exact version number, which can then be referenced for documentation or technical support purposes.

Conclusion:

Amass serves as an essential tool for cybersecurity professionals who aim to map and protect digital attack surfaces. By illustrating step-by-step how to execute subcommands, access detailed help, and verify installation details, this guide empowers you to harness the full suite of capabilities Amass offers securely and effectively.