PentestGPT: Open-source automated penetration testing agentic framework

PentestGPT, an open-source penetration testing agent developed by Gelei Deng and colleagues, automates security assessments by using a large language model to drive Claude Code or Codex through recon, exploit, and walkthrough stages in default mode, or asset discovery, vulnerability identification, and report in pentest mode, with no human in the loop.

PentestGPT is an open-source penetration testing agent that points a large language model at a target and lets it work. In its default mode it runs recon, then exploit, then walkthrough, each stage feeding the next. Switch it to pentest mode and the stages become asset discovery, vulnerability identification, report. No human sits in the loop. The agent drives Claude Code or Codex, runs the tools, and decides what to try next. Gelei Deng and … More https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2026/08/12/pentestgpt-open-source/ The post PentestGPT: Open-source automated penetration testing agentic framework https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2026/08/12/pentestgpt-open-source/ appeared first on Help Net Security https://www.helpnetsecurity.com .