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Cortex

Tool manual · Kali & common usage

SOC · Advanced · SOC lane

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

What is Cortex?

Cortex runs analyzers/responders on observables (pairs with TheHive).

Automate enrichment (WHOIS, hash lookup, sandboxes).

Official website: Cortex · Documentation

When do you use it?

  • You need Automated analyzers for observables (pairs with TheHive).
  • You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for Cortex.
  • You already tried simpler checks and need this tool’s deeper capability.

Who uses it?

  • Security practitioners
  • Students in authorized labs
  • Engineers validating their own systems

How do you use it? (typical flow)

  1. Install Cortex 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. Repo

    https://github.com/TheHive-Project/Cortex

Kali Linux

Deploy with TheHive; analyzers configured server-side.

1. Installation

OSInstallation
Kali LinuxDeploy with TheHive; analyzers configured server-side.
DockerCortex with TheHive

2. Basic commands

  1. 1. Enrich observables

    Run analyzer on file hash

    Enrich observables

  2. 2. Show help

    Run --help

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

  3. 3. Short help

    Run -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

5. Useful features

  • Analyzers
  • Responders

6. Practical examples

  1. Example 1: Enrich observables

    Run analyzer on file hash

    Enrich observables

  2. Example 2: Show help

    Run --help

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

  3. Example 3: Short help

    Run -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

7. Important notes

  • Automate enrichment safely.
  • 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