← All tools

BloodHound

Tool manual · Kali & common usage

SOC · Advanced · SOC lane

AdvancedAD Attack Path Analysis
Authorized usage only. Capture and inspect traffic only on systems and networks you own or have written permission to analyze.

What is BloodHound?

BloodHound graphs Active Directory attack paths (who can reach Domain Admin, etc.).

Analyze AD collection data from SharpHound/AzureHound in authorized assessments.

Official website: BloodHound · Documentation

When do you use it?

  • You need Graph AD relationships to find and fix attack paths.
  • You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for BloodHound.
  • You already tried simpler checks and need this tool’s deeper capability.

Who uses it?

  • Penetration testers
  • Red teamers (authorized only)

How do you use it? (typical flow)

  1. Install BloodHound 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. Docs

    https://bloodhound.specterops.io/

Kali Linux

BloodHound CE / legacy packages used on Kali; pair with SharpHound collector on Windows lab domain.

1. Installation

OSInstallation
Kali LinuxBloodHound CE / legacy packages used on Kali; pair with SharpHound collector on Windows lab domain.
OfficialSee official docs: https://bloodhound.specterops.io/

2. Basic commands

  1. 1. Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

    Import collector data → Pathfinding

    Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

  2. 2. Show help

    Import --help

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

  3. 3. Short help

    Import -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. 4. List all options

    --help / -h

    List all options

Options / flags

OptionPurpose
--help / -hList all options

5. Useful features

  • Core workflow and interface
  • Reading and interpreting output
  • Key configuration options
  • Integrating into a professional workflow

6. Practical examples

  1. Example 1: Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

    Import collector data → Pathfinding

    Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

  2. Example 2: Show help

    Import --help

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

  3. Example 3: Short help

    Import -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. Example 4: List all options

    --help / -h

    List all options

7. Important notes

  • BloodHound is used by professionals for legitimate defense, testing and research.
  • 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: soc analyst blue team · Commands: /commands#siem