Built with Python and Django, APTRS is more than just a report generator—it’s a complete solution for security professionals looking to streamline pentesting operations, client communication, and documentation.
In the world of offensive cybersecurity, efficient documentation is just as critical as technical skill. Reports must be clear, accurate, timely—and above all—professional. But for many security professionals, report writing is still a manual, time-consuming process. That’s where APTRS (Automated Penetration Testing Reporting System) comes in.
Created by Sourav Kalal, APTRS is a free and open-source platform designed specifically for penetration testers and cybersecurity teams who want to automate reporting, manage projects, and deliver better outcomes for clients. Built with Python and Django, it offers seamless PDF, DOCX, and Excel report generation, combined with full-fledged vulnerability, project, and client management tools.
Not Just Reporting—A Full Pentest Lifecycle Tool
What sets APTRS apart from other open-source tools is its focus on the entire penetration testing workflow. From initial scoping to client handoff and retesting, APTRS is designed to centralize and automate key processes:
✅ Manage vulnerabilities with dynamic fields for proof of concept (PoC), detailed descriptions, and actionable remediation advice.
✅ Customizable report templates in Word (docx) and HTML/CSS, tailored to your branding or format preferences.
✅ Track multiple projects, schedules, deadlines, and retesting stages from a single unified dashboard.
✅ Centralize client and company data, ideal for agencies, MSSPs, and freelance consultants.
✅ Generate PDF, Excel, and DOCX reports with one click—no more formatting headaches.
✅ Maintain a reusable vulnerability database to save time in future audits.
According to Kalal, “APTRS is the only open-source solution that combines advanced reporting with full client and project management, giving security teams the tools they need to operate more professionally and transparently.”
A Client Portal Is Coming
In addition to current features, the next major release of APTRS is set to include a dedicated client portal, enabling customers to:
- View and download reports
- Access invoices and completed pentests
- Request new services or retests
- Manage communications in a secure, centralized environment
This move toward greater professionalism and client transparency is a big step forward in closing the gap between commercial pentest platforms and open-source tooling.
Easy to Deploy: Docker-Ready and Developer Friendly
APTRS offers a streamlined Docker installation method for quick setup, while also supporting manual deployment for users familiar with Nginx, Python, and Node.js.
🚀 Quickstart with Docker:
git clone https://github.com/APTRS/APTRS
cd APTRS
cp env.docker .env
nano .env
docker-compose upThe project is hosted on GitHub, with full documentation and a live demo available for testing:
- 🔗 GitHub: https://github.com/APTRS/APTRS
- 🌐 Live Demo: https://live.aptrs.com
Filling a Gap in the Pentesting Ecosystem
As penetration testing matures from ad-hoc exercises to structured services, the need for professional, repeatable, and transparent workflows has never been higher. While commercial platforms like Cobalt, HackerOne, or Pentera dominate enterprise markets, open-source alternatives like APTRS offer an attractive option for independent consultants, boutique security firms, and internal red teams.
With APTRS, small teams can now produce high-quality deliverables, maintain client relationships, and scale their work—without paying for expensive SaaS tools.
What’s Next: Automation, Integrations, and Collaboration
The roadmap for APTRS is ambitious, with upcoming goals including:
- Integration with vulnerability scanners like Nmap, Burp Suite, and Nessus
- Enhanced dashboard visualizations and metrics
- Multi-user collaboration features for distributed teams
- Stronger role-based access controls for client-facing portals
Kalal also welcomes contributors and sponsors to support the continued development of the platform. Donations can be made via Bitcoin, and GitHub sponsors are encouraged to help sustain the project.
Final Thoughts
APTRS is more than a tool—it’s a foundation for modernizing how penetration testing is delivered. For cybersecurity professionals looking to move beyond spreadsheets and manual reporting, APTRS offers an end-to-end solution with all the flexibility and power of open-source.
