ctf-tools
Some setup scripts for security research tools.
ctf-tools is a Nix flake packaging over 100 security research and CTF (Capture The Flag) tools, including an MCP server for IDA Pro reverse engineering integration. The collection spans binary analysis, forensics, cryptography, web security, steganography, and more, all deployable through Nix for isolated, reproducible environments. It includes the ida-pro-mcp server that enables AI agents to control IDA Pro for decompilation and binary analysis tasks. The tools are prebuilt in a Cachix binary cache and available as Docker containers, making them easy to deploy across different machines.
Key Features
Use Cases
- 01Integrating IDA Pro decompilation capabilities into AI agent workflows for automated reverse engineering
- 02Setting up isolated CTF competition environments with reproducible tool configurations
- 03Building cross-architecture binary analysis pipelines for embedded security research
- 04Automating cryptographic analysis and RSA attack workflows in security assessments
- 05Creating portable forensics and memory analysis environments across multiple machines
- 06Analyzing malware and firmware in containerized sandboxes without polluting the host system
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ctf-tools — FAQ
What is ctf-tools and what does it include?+
ctf-tools is a Nix flake packaging over 100 security research tools for CTF competitions and security analysis. It includes binary analysis tools (angr, Ghidra, IDA Pro), forensics utilities (binwalk, volatility), crypto tools (rsactftool, yafu), web security tools (burpsuite, sqlmap), and an MCP server for IDA Pro integration with AI agents.
How do I install and use ctf-tools?+
Install individual tools with 'nix profile install github:zardus/ctf-tools#toolname' or use the manage-tools wrapper after running setup. First configure Nix and the binary cache with 'bin/manage-tools setup', then use 'manage-tools install pwntools' or similar commands. You can also run tools without installing using 'nix run github:zardus/ctf-tools#ropper'.
Which AI clients work with the ida-pro-mcp server?+
The ida-pro-mcp server follows the Model Context Protocol standard and works with any MCP-compatible client including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, and other MCP-enabled AI assistants. It requires IDA Pro to be installed and activated with idalib support.
Do I need API keys or IDA Pro licenses?+
Most tools are open-source and require no API keys. However, IDA Pro (including the ida-pro-mcp server) requires a proprietary IDA license from Hex-Rays; you must provide your own tarball or installation and activate idalib with 'ida --activate-idalib'. The free version IDA Free is also supported.
Is ctf-tools free and open source?+
The ctf-tools repository itself is BSD 2-Clause licensed and free to use. Individual tools have their own licenses, with most being open source. Exceptions include proprietary tools like IDA Pro and Burp Suite which require separate licenses.
Does this work alongside my existing package manager?+
Yes, Nix installs alongside your existing OS and package manager (Ubuntu/apt, etc.) with zero interference. Tools are isolated in the Nix store and can be cleanly uninstalled without affecting system packages.
How do I install ctf-tools?+
Open the source repository on GitHub and follow its README. ctf-tools is a mcp server — MCP Agents Market links you directly to the official repo.
Is ctf-tools free?+
ctf-tools is an open-source project hosted on GitHub. Check the repository for its license and any usage requirements.