CMSeeK
CMSeeK is a Python-based CMS detection and exploitation scanner that identifies over 180 content management systems and performs targeted security assessments on WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal installations. It includes modular bruteforce capabilities and version detection for multi-site scanning operations.
Key facts
Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Repository | Tuhinshubhra/CMSeeK |
| Owner | Tuhinshubhra |
| Primary language | Python |
| License | GPL-3.0 — OSI-approved |
| Stars | 2.6k |
| Forks | 520 |
| Open issues | 34 |
| Latest release | v.1.1.3 (2020-07-24) |
| Last updated | 2026-06-17 |
| Source | https://github.com/Tuhinshubhra/CMSeeK |
What CMSeeK is
CLI tool written in Python 3 for Unix/Linux systems that detects CMSs via HTTP headers, meta tags, source code analysis, robots.txt inspection, and directory checks. Provides CMS-specific deep scans with user/plugin/theme enumeration for WordPress and vulnerability detection for Joomla; includes pluggable bruteforce module architecture.
Get the CMSeeK source
Clone the repository and explore it locally.
git clone https://github.com/Tuhinshubhra/CMSeeK.gitcd CMSeeK# follow the project's README for install & configurationNeed it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.
Best use cases
Implementation considerations
- Requires Python 3, git, and pip for dependency installation; Unix/Linux OS mandatory. Test Python 3 version compatibility before deployment as main branch last tagged release is from 2020.
- Configure custom user-agent or randomization settings before scanning to avoid detection/blocking by target WAF or rate-limiting defenses.
- Modular bruteforce system requires code review of any custom modules before integration; store results in version control to track scanning history and reduce duplicate scans.
- Plan scan frequency and concurrency carefully; no documented rate-limiting controls or target-aware throttling mentioned. Single-threaded execution likely; validate on production targets.
- Results are stored in `Result/<Target Site>/cms.json` locally; implement log rotation and backup strategy if running continuous or high-volume scans.
When to avoid it — and what to weigh
- Windows-Only Environments — Tool is Unix/Linux-only. Windows support stated as "will be added later"; no timeline or commitment provided. Requires WSL or VM workaround.
- Production Network Without Authorization — Disclaimer explicitly states scanning without prior written authorization may be illegal. Use only in authorized penetration testing or owned infrastructure scenarios.
- Requirement for Commercial Support — GPL-3.0 license is copyleft; no commercial support model evident. Issues list shows 34 open items; latest release is from 2020 (4+ years old) despite recent git activity.
- Enterprise Deployment Integration Needs — Designed as standalone CLI tool. No documented API, webhook, SIEM integration, or orchestration framework. Results stored as local JSON; requires custom ETL for enterprise logging.
License & commercial use
CMSeeK is licensed under GNU General Public License v3.0 (GPL-3.0), a copyleft open-source license requiring that any derivative work or distribution must also release source code under GPL-3.0.
GPL-3.0 is a copyleft license. Using CMSeeK in commercial penetration testing or security consulting is permitted, but any custom modifications or embedded distributions must be released under GPL-3.0 with source code disclosure. No exception for proprietary tools or SaaS services unless entire application is open-sourced. If uncertain about your use case, seek legal review before deployment. No commercial license option or proprietary fork path stated.
DEV.co evaluation signals
Editorial assessment — not user reviews. Directional, with an explicit confidence level.
| Signal | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Moderate |
| Documentation | Adequate |
| License clarity | Clear |
| Deployment complexity | Low |
| DEV.co fit | Possible |
| Assessment confidence | Medium |
Tool is designed for offensive security scanning and intentional exploitation testing. User bears full responsibility for authorization before scanning targets. No built-in obfuscation, proxy chaining, or evasion controls documented. Tool likely sends HTTP requests with standard patterns that may trigger WAF/IDS alerts. Bruteforce modules may generate high traffic and log noise. Verify legal authorization and target acceptance before deployment. No security audit or vulnerability disclosure process mentioned.
Alternatives to consider
WPScan (WordPress Security Scanner)
Focused exclusively on WordPress; more actively maintained, commercial support available, better integration with vulnerability databases, and stronger community.
Nessus or Qualys (Enterprise Vulnerability Scanners)
Multi-platform CMS detection, SIEM integration, professional support, compliance reporting, and centralized management of scan results across enterprise infrastructure.
Nikto Web Server Scanner
Broader web application vulnerability scanning with CMS fingerprinting, active maintenance, better documentation, and easier integration into automated security workflows.
Build on CMSeeK with DEV.co software developers
CMSeeK is suited for security researchers and penetration testers conducting authorized assessments of CMS-based infrastructure. Before deployment, confirm Unix/Linux compatibility, assess integration needs with your security stack, and verify the project's maintenance status against your requirements.
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CMSeeK FAQ
Can I use CMSeeK on Windows?
Is it legal to scan websites with CMSeeK?
How often is CMSeeK updated?
Can I integrate CMSeeK into my security automation pipeline?
Work with a software development agency
DEV.co helps companies turn open-source tools like CMSeeK into production software. Our software development services cover the full lifecycle — architecture, web development, integration, and maintenance — delivered by software developers and web developers who ship. Engage our software development agency to implement or customize it for your open-source cms stack.
Evaluate CMSeeK for Your Security Testing
CMSeeK is suited for security researchers and penetration testers conducting authorized assessments of CMS-based infrastructure. Before deployment, confirm Unix/Linux compatibility, assess integration needs with your security stack, and verify the project's maintenance status against your requirements.