Learn
LoginRegister
← All tools

Amass

Tool manual · Kali & common usage

OSINT · Intermediate · OSINT lane

IntermediateRecon
Authorized usage only. Capture and inspect traffic only on systems and networks you own or have written permission to analyze.

What is Amass?

OWASP Amass maps an organization’s external attack surface via subdomain enumeration and data sources.

Passive/active recon for in-scope domains during authorized assessments.

Official website: Amass · Documentation

When do you use it?

  • You need Map an organization's external attack surface via subdomain enumeration.
  • You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for Amass.
  • You already tried simpler checks and need this tool’s deeper capability.

Who uses it?

  • OSINT analysts
  • Investigators (lawful use)
  • Red teamers (authorized recon)

How do you use it? (typical flow)

  1. Install Amass using the steps below (prefer Kali package or official installer).
  2. Confirm you have authorization for the target (lab VM, own system, or written scope).
  3. Run --help / man (or the Help section) to see current flags for your version.
  4. Start with a safe example from Basic commands against localhost or an authorized lab target.
  5. Record what you ran, what you observed, and any follow-up (filter, report, remediation).

Help & manual (like man / --help)

Every serious tool has a built-in way to look up flags. Learn these first so you are not stuck memorizing every option.

  1. 1. Help

    amass -h

    Subcommands: enum, intel, …

  2. 2. Enum help

    amass enum -h

    Enumeration flags.

Kali Linux

sudo apt install amass — available in Kali repos.

1. Installation

OSInstallation
Kali Linuxsudo apt install amass — available in Kali repos.
Linuxsudo apt install amass

2. Basic commands

  1. 1. Passive enumeration of a domain you are authorized to assess

    amass enum -passive -d example.com

    Passive enumeration of a domain you are authorized to assess

  2. 2. Show help

    amass --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. 3. Short help

    amass -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. 4. Show all options and usage

    --help

    Show all options and usage

Options / flags

OptionPurpose
--helpShow all options and usage

5. Useful features

  • Passive vs active
  • Data sources
  • Graph output

6. Practical examples

  1. Example 1: Passive enumeration of a domain you are authorized to assess

    amass enum -passive -d example.com

    Passive enumeration of a domain you are authorized to assess

  2. Example 2: Show help

    amass --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. Example 3: Short help

    amass -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. Example 4: Show all options and usage

    --help

    Show all options and usage

7. Important notes

  • Amass is used legitimately by security teams for authorized testing, defense validation and education.
  • Authorized targets only — labs, systems you own, or written permission.
  • Prefer reading --help / man / official docs for your installed version; flags change over time.

Related course: ethical hacking penetration testing · soc analyst blue team · Commands: /osint