NAME
guardian-cli — Guardian is a production-ready AI-powered penetration testing automation CLI tool that leverages Google Gemini and…
SYNOPSIS
go install github.com/projectdiscovery/httpx/cmd/httpx@latestINFO
DESCRIPTION
Guardian is a production-ready AI-powered penetration testing automation CLI tool that leverages Google Gemini and LangChain to orchestrate intelligent, step-by-step penetration testing workflows while maintaining ethical hacking standards.
README
🔐 Guardian
AI-Powered Penetration Testing Automation Platform
Guardian is an enterprise-grade AI-powered penetration testing automation framework that combines multiple AI providers (OpenAI GPT-4, Claude, Google Gemini, OpenRouter) with battle-tested security tools to deliver intelligent, adaptive security assessments with comprehensive evidence capture.
Features • Installation • Quick Start • Documentation • Contributing
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer
Guardian is designed exclusively for authorized security testing and educational purposes.
- ✅ Legal Use: Authorized penetration testing, security research, educational environments
- ❌ Illegal Use: Unauthorized access, malicious activities, any form of cyber attack
You are fully responsible for ensuring you have explicit written permission before testing any system. Unauthorized access to computer systems is illegal under laws including the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), GDPR, and equivalent international legislation.
By using Guardian, you agree to use it only on systems you own or have explicit authorization to test.
✨ Features
🤖 Multi-Provider AI Intelligence
- 4 AI Providers Supported: OpenAI (GPT-4o), Anthropic (Claude), Google (Gemini), OpenRouter
- Flexible Provider Selection: Switch between providers via config or command-line
- Multi-Agent Architecture: Specialized AI agents (Planner, Tool Selector, Analyst, Reporter) collaborate for comprehensive security assessments
- Strategic Decision Making: AI analyzes findings and determines optimal next steps
- Adaptive Testing: AI adjusts tactics based on discovered vulnerabilities and system responses
- False Positive Filtering: Intelligent analysis reduces noise and focuses on real vulnerabilities
🛠️ Extensive Tool Arsenal
19 Integrated Security Tools:
- Network: Nmap (comprehensive scanning), Masscan (ultra-fast scanning)
- Web Reconnaissance: httpx (HTTP probing), WhatWeb (tech fingerprinting), Wafw00f (WAF detection)
- Subdomain Discovery: Subfinder (passive enumeration), Amass (active/passive mapping), DNSRecon (DNS analysis)
- Vulnerability Scanning: Nuclei (template-based), Nikto (web vulnerabilities), SQLMap (SQL injection), WPScan (WordPress)
- SSL/TLS Testing: TestSSL (cipher analysis), SSLyze (advanced configuration)
- Content Discovery: Gobuster (directory brute forcing), FFuf (advanced web fuzzing), Arjun (parameter discovery)
- Security Analysis: XSStrike (XSS detection), GitLeaks (secret scanning), CMSeeK (CMS detection)
📊 Enhanced Evidence Capture
- Execution Traceability: Every finding linked to its source tool execution
- Complete Command History: Full tool output preserved with each finding
- Raw Evidence Storage: 2000-character snippets of actual tool output
- Session Reconstruction: Ability to review exact commands and outputs from any scan
🔄 Smart Workflow System
- Parameter Priority: Workflow parameters override config defaults
- Self-Contained Workflows: Each workflow defines its own tool parameters
- Fuzzy Matching: Intelligent workflow file discovery and loading
- Multiple Report Formats: Markdown, HTML, and JSON with evidence inclusion
🔒 Security & Compliance
- Scope Validation: Automatic blacklisting of private networks and unauthorized targets
- Audit Logging: Complete transparency with detailed logs of all AI decisions and actions
- Human-in-the-Loop: Configurable confirmation prompts for sensitive operations
- Safe Mode: Prevents destructive actions by default
📋 Professional Reporting
- Multiple Formats: Markdown, HTML, and JSON reports
- Executive Summaries: Non-technical overviews for stakeholders
- Technical Deep-Dives: Detailed findings with evidence and remediation steps
- Evidence Sections: Raw tool output embedded in reports
- AI Decision Traces: Full transparency into AI reasoning process
⚡ Performance & Efficiency
- Asynchronous Execution: Parallel tool execution for faster assessments
- Workflow Automation: Predefined workflows (Recon, Web, Network, Autonomous)
- Customizable: Create custom tools and workflows via simple YAML/Python
📋 Prerequisites
Required
- Python 3.11 or higher (Download)
- AI Provider API Key (Choose one):
- OpenAI API Key (Get it here)
- Anthropic API Key (Get it here)
- Google AI Studio API Key (Get it here)
- OpenRouter API Key (Get it here)
- Git (for cloning repository)
Optional Tools (for full functionality)
Guardian can intelligently use these tools if installed:
| Tool | Purpose | Installation |
|---|---|---|
| nmap | Port scanning | apt install nmap / choco install nmap |
| masscan | Ultra-fast scan | apt install masscan / Build from source |
| httpx | HTTP probing | go install github.com/projectdiscovery/httpx/cmd/httpx@latest |
| subfinder | Subdomain enum | go install github.com/projectdiscovery/subfinder/v2/cmd/subfinder@latest |
| amass | Network mapping | go install github.com/owasp-amass/amass/v4/...@master |
| nuclei | Vuln scanning | go install github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei/v3/cmd/nuclei@latest |
| whatweb | Tech fingerprint | gem install whatweb / apt install whatweb |
| wafw00f | WAF detection | pip install wafw00f |
| nikto | Web vuln scan | apt install nikto |
| sqlmap | SQL injection | pip install sqlmap / apt install sqlmap |
| wpscan | WordPress scan | gem install wpscan |
| testssl | SSL/TLS testing | Download from testssl.sh |
| sslyze | SSL/TLS analysis | pip install sslyze |
| gobuster | Directory brute | go install github.com/OJ/gobuster/v3@latest |
| ffuf | Web fuzzing | go install github.com/ffuf/ffuf/v2@latest |
| arjun | Parameter discovery | pip install arjun |
| xsstrike | Advanced XSS | git clone https://github.com/s0md3v/XSStrike |
| gitleaks | Secret scanning | go install github.com/zricethezav/gitleaks/v8@latest |
| cmseek | CMS detection | pip install cmseek |
| dnsrecon | DNS enumeration | pip install dnsrecon |
Note: Guardian works without external tools but with limited scanning capabilities. The AI will adapt based on available tools.
🚀 Installation
Step 1: Clone Repository
git clone https://github.com/zakirkun/guardian-cli.git
cd guardian-cli
Step 2: Set Up Python Environment
Linux/macOS:
python3 -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate
pip install -e .
Windows:
python -m venv venv
.\venv\Scripts\activate
pip install -e .
Step 3: Configure AI Provider
Guardian supports multiple AI providers. Configure your preferred provider in config/guardian.yaml:
# config/guardian.yaml ai: # Choose your provider: openai, claude, gemini, or openrouter provider: openaiOpenAI Configuration (recommended)
openai: model: gpt-4o api_key: sk-your-api-key-here # Or set OPENAI_API_KEY env var
Claude Configuration
claude: model: claude-3-5-sonnet-20241022 api_key: null # Or set ANTHROPIC_API_KEY env var
Gemini Configuration
gemini: model: gemini-2.5-pro api_key: null # Or set GOOGLE_API_KEY env var
OpenRouter Configuration
openrouter: model: anthropic/claude-3.5-sonnet api_key: null # Or set OPENROUTER_API_KEY env var
Or use environment variables:
# Linux/macOS export OPENAI_API_KEY="sk-your-key-here" export ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="sk-ant-your-key-here" export GOOGLE_API_KEY="your-gemini-key" export OPENROUTER_API_KEY="your-router-key"Windows PowerShell
$env:OPENAI_API_KEY="sk-your-key-here" $env:ANTHROPIC_API_KEY="sk-ant-your-key-here"
Step 4: Initialize Configuration
# Verify installation python -m cli.main --helpCheck AI provider status
python -m cli.main models
🎯 Quick Start
Basic Commands
# List available workflows python -m cli.main workflow listView AI providers and models
python -m cli.main models
Run with specific provider
python -m cli.main workflow run --name web_pentest --target example.com --provider openai
Example Usage Scenarios
1. Quick Web Application Pen Test
# Fast security check with evidence capture
python -m cli.main workflow run --name web_pentest --target https://dvwa.csalab.app
Expected Output:
- ✅ HTTP discovery with httpx
- ✅ Vulnerability scan with nuclei
- ✅ Full evidence linking (commands + outputs)
- ✅ Markdown report with findings
2. Comprehensive Network Assessment
# Full network penetration test
python -m cli.main workflow run --name network --target 192.168.1.0/24
3. Custom Workflow with Parameters
# Run with workflow-specific parameters
# Parameters in workflow YAML override config defaults
python -m cli.main workflow run --name web_pentest --target example.com
Workflow Parameter Priority:
- Workflow YAML parameters (highest priority)
- Config file parameters
- Tool defaults (lowest priority)
4. Generate Report from Session
# Create HTML report with evidence
python -m cli.main report --session 20260203_175905 --format html
5. Switch AI Providers
# Use OpenAI GPT-4 python -m cli.main workflow run --name web_pentest --target example.com --provider openaiUse Claude
python -m cli.main workflow run --name web_pentest --target example.com --provider claude
Use Gemini
python -m cli.main workflow run --name web_pentest --target example.com --provider gemini
Windows Users: Use
python -m cli.maininstead ofguardian
🔧 Configuration
Complete Configuration Reference
Edit config/guardian.yaml to customize Guardian's behavior:
# AI Configuration ai: provider: openai # openai, claude, gemini, openrouteropenai: model: gpt-4o api_key: sk-your-key # Or use OPENAI_API_KEY env var
claude: model: claude-3-5-sonnet-20241022 api_key: null
gemini: model: gemini-2.5-pro api_key: null
temperature: 0.2 max_tokens: 8000
Penetration Testing Settings
pentest: safe_mode: true # Prevent destructive actions require_confirmation: true # Confirm before each step max_parallel_tools: 3 # Concurrent tool execution max_depth: 3 # Maximum scan depth tool_timeout: 300 # Tool timeout in seconds
Output Configuration
output: format: markdown # markdown, html, json save_path: ./reports include_reasoning: true verbosity: normal # quiet, normal, verbose, debug
Scope Validation
scope: blacklist: # Never scan these - 127.0.0.0/8 - 10.0.0.0/8 - 172.16.0.0/12 - 192.168.0.0/16 require_scope_file: false max_targets: 100
Tool Configuration (defaults)
tools: httpx: threads: 50 timeout: 10 tech_detect: true
nuclei: severity: ["critical", "high", "medium"] templates_path: ~/nuclei-templates
nmap: default_args: "-sV -sC" timing: T4
Workflow Parameters
Create custom workflows in workflows/ directory:
# workflows/custom_web.yaml name: custom_web_assessment description: Custom web security testingsteps:
name: http_discovery type: tool tool: httpx parameters: threads: 100 # Override config default (50) timeout: 15 # Override config default (10) tech_detect: true
name: vulnerability_scan type: tool tool: nuclei parameters: severity: ["critical", "high"] # Override config templates_path: ".shared/nuclei/templates/"
name: generate_report type: report
Format will use config default (markdown)
Parameter Priority:
- Workflow parameters override config parameters
- Config parameters override tool defaults
- Self-contained, reusable workflows
📖 Documentation
User Guides
- Quick Start Guide - Get up and running in 5 minutes
- Command Reference - Detailed documentation for all commands
- Configuration Guide - Complete configuration reference
- Workflow Guide - Creating custom workflows
Developer Guides
- Creating Custom Tools - Build your own tool integrations
- Workflow Development - Create custom testing workflows
- Available Tools - Overview of integrated tools
Architecture Overview
Guardian Architecture:
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ AI Provider Layer │
│ (OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, OpenRouter) │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
│
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Multi-Agent System │
│ Planner → Tool Agent → Analyst → │
│ Reporter │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
│
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Workflow Engine │
│ - Parameter Priority │
│ - Evidence Capture │
│ - Session Management │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
│
┌─────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Tool Integration Layer │
│ (19 Security Tools) │
└─────────────────────────────────────────┘
🏗️ Project Structure
guardian-cli/
├── ai/ # AI integration
│ └── providers/ # Multi-provider support
│ ├── base_provider.py
│ ├── openai_provider.py
│ ├── claude_provider.py
│ ├── gemini_provider.py
│ └── openrouter_provider.py
├── cli/ # Command-line interface
│ └── commands/ # CLI commands (init, scan, recon, etc.)
├── core/ # Core agent system
│ ├── agent.py # Base agent
│ ├── planner.py # Planner agent
│ ├── tool_agent.py # Tool selection agent
│ ├── analyst_agent.py # Analysis agent
│ ├── reporter_agent.py # Reporting agent
│ ├── memory.py # State management
│ └── workflow.py # Workflow orchestration
├── tools/ # Pentesting tool wrappers
│ ├── nmap.py # Nmap integration
│ ├── masscan.py # Masscan integration
│ ├── httpx.py # httpx integration
│ ├── subfinder.py # Subfinder integration
│ ├── amass.py # Amass integration
│ ├── nuclei.py # Nuclei integration
│ ├── sqlmap.py # SQLMap integration
│ ├── wpscan.py # WPScan integration
│ ├── whatweb.py # WhatWeb integration
│ ├── wafw00f.py # Wafw00f integration
│ ├── nikto.py # Nikto integration
│ ├── testssl.py # TestSSL integration
│ ├── sslyze.py # SSLyze integration
│ ├── gobuster.py # Gobuster integration
│ ├── ffuf.py # FFuf integration
│ └── ... # 15 tools total
├── workflows/ # Workflow definitions (YAML)
├── utils/ # Utilities (logging, validation)
├── config/ # Configuration files
├── docs/ # Documentation
└── reports/ # Generated reports
🆕 Latest Updates
Version 2.0.0 - Major Release
✨ Multi-Provider AI Support
- 4 AI Providers: OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, OpenRouter
- Easy Switching: Configure via
config/guardian.yamlor CLI flags - Provider Abstraction: Unified interface for all providers
📊 Evidence Capture System
- Execution Linking: Every finding linked to its source tool execution
- Raw Evidence: Full command output preserved (2000-char snippets)
- Traceability: Reconstruct exact workflow execution from session files
🔄 Smart Workflow Parameters
- Priority System: Workflow params > Config > Defaults
- Self-Contained: Workflows define their own parameters
- No Conflicts: Multiple workflows can use different settings for same tools
🐛 Bug Fixes
- Fixed workflow fuzzy matching logic
- Corrected report format handling
- Improved YAML parsing with better error messages
🤝 Contributing
We welcome contributions! Here's how:
Setting Up Development Environment
# Fork and clone git clone https://github.com/zakirkun/guardian-cli.git cd guardian-cliInstall dev dependencies
pip install -e ".[dev]"
Run tests
pytest tests/
Format code
black .
Contribution Areas
- 🤖 AI Provider Integrations - Add more AI models
- 🛠️ New Tool Integrations - Add more security tools
- 🔄 Custom Workflows - Share your workflow templates
- 🐛 Bug Fixes - Report and fix issues
- 📚 Documentation - Improve guides and examples
- 🧪 Testing - Expand test coverage
See CONTRIBUTING.md for detailed guidelines.
📊 Roadmap
- Multi-provider AI support (OpenAI, Claude, Gemini, OpenRouter)
- Complete evidence capture with execution linking
- Workflow parameter priority system
- Web Dashboard for visualization
- PostgreSQL backend for multi-session tracking
- MITRE ATT&CK mapping for findings
- Plugin system for custom modules
- Integration with CI/CD pipelines
- Additional AI models (Llama, Mistral)
- Real-time collaboration features
🐛 Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Import Errors
# Reinstall dependencies
pip install -e . --force-reinstall
AI Provider Errors
# Verify API key is set python -m cli.main modelsCheck provider configuration
cat config/guardian.yaml | grep -A 5 "ai:"
Tool Not Found
# Check tool availability which nmap which httpxInstall missing tools (see Prerequisites)
Workflow Not Loading
# Check workflow file exists ls workflows/web_pentest.yamlVerify YAML syntax
python -c "import yaml; yaml.safe_load(open('workflows/web_pentest.yaml'))"
Windows Command Not Found
# Use full command
python -m cli.main --help
For more help, open an issue.
📄 License
This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.
🙏 Acknowledgments
- OpenAI - GPT-4 capabilities
- Anthropic - Claude AI
- Google - Gemini AI
- LangChain - AI orchestration framework
- ProjectDiscovery - Open-source security tools (httpx, subfinder, nuclei)
- Nmap - Network exploration and security auditing
- The Security Community - Tool developers and researchers
📞 Support & Contact
- GitHub Issues: Report bugs or request features
- Discussions: Join community discussions
- Documentation: Read the docs
- Security: Report vulnerabilities privately to security@example.com
🌟 Star History
Guardian - Intelligent, Ethical, Automated Penetration Testing
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