Open-Source Alternatives to Maltego
Maltego is a commercial OSINT and link analysis platform for visual investigation. These open-source tools provide similar graph-based intelligence gathering and entity relationship mapping.
SpiderFoot
Python17.4k stars3d agoSpiderFoot automates OSINT collection so you can focus on analysis. With over 200 modules, it queries dozens of data sources to gather intelligence on IP addresses, domain names, email addresses, names, and more. SpiderFoot includes a web-based UI for scan management and result visualization, making it accessible for analysts who prefer a graphical interface. It can also be run from the command line for automation and integration into existing workflows.
Recon-ng
Python5.5k stars1y agoRecon-ng is a web reconnaissance framework with a modular design and a Metasploit-like interface. It facilitates the gathering of open-source intelligence (OSINT) by incorporating a wide range of modules that perform tasks like data collection, analysis, and reporting. Recon-ng supports API key management, integrates with various third-party services, and provides a powerful scripting environment for customizing reconnaissance workflows, making it a staple in the toolkit of security professionals.
theHarvester
Python16.0k stars1d agotheHarvester is an effective tool for gathering emails, names, subdomains, IPs, and URLs from publicly accessible sources. Written in Python, it is a passive reconnaissance tool that aggregates data from search engines, PGP key servers, and other sources to map and assess potential attack surfaces. Its broad coverage and focus on passive data collection make it a valuable asset for initial reconnaissance phases in penetration testing and security assessments.
BBOT
Python9.6k starstodayBBOT (Bighuge BLS OSINT Tool) is a recursive internet scanner built for automated reconnaissance, bug bounty hunting, and attack surface management. Unlike linear scanners that enumerate a fixed target list, BBOT discovers new targets as it scans — finding a subdomain triggers port scanning, which triggers web crawling, which discovers new subdomains, creating a recursive discovery loop. It ships with over 100 modules covering DNS enumeration, port scanning, web crawling, technology fingerprinting, secret detection, and vulnerability scanning. BBOT integrates natively with tools like Nuclei, httpx, and subfinder, and outputs to JSON, CSV, Neo4j, and its own web UI. Configuration is YAML-based with per-scan presets for different engagement types. With nearly 10,000 GitHub stars, it has become a serious contender to SpiderFoot and Amass for automated recon pipelines.
sn0int
Rust2.4k stars1y agosn0int is a semi-automatic OSINT framework and package manager designed for gathering intelligence on IPs, emails, domains, and individuals. Developed in Rust, it offers a flexible approach to reconnaissance, allowing users to install and manage custom modules. The tool integrates various sources and techniques to streamline data collection processes, making it a valuable asset for researchers and security analysts conducting detailed investigations.