When it comes to SSL/TLS reverse shells, the publicly available options are often limited to:
- Using msfvenom to generate an HTTPS reverse shell (signatured).
- Using a PowerShell / python payload (high level languages).
- Using known tools like nc.exe
Using a standard reverse shell often results in unencrypted traffic, which can be easily flagged by Network Detection and Response (NDR) systems or firewalls. These tools inspect network traffic and can identify remote code execution patterns, blocking the binary and alerting defenders.
An encrypted reverse shell helps evade such detection by:
- Encrypting all communication, making it harder for network tools to inspect the traffic.
- Using SSL to blend in with legitimate HTTPS traffic.
To address this gap, I created a C++ SSL Reverse Shell POC (commented and explained):
- Undetected by Microsoft Defender and other AV solutions at the time of publishing (the ones I tested on).
- Enables secure communication via SSL, reducing the chance of detection.
- Using AES Encryption / Decryption and embedding the results and commands within HTTP headers to bypass deep packet inspection (Added)
More Info and POC: github.com/V-i-x-x/SSL-AES-Reverse-Shell/tree/main
- Using msfvenom to generate an HTTPS reverse shell (signatured).
- Using a PowerShell / python payload (high level languages).
- Using known tools like nc.exe
Using a standard reverse shell often results in unencrypted traffic, which can be easily flagged by Network Detection and Response (NDR) systems or firewalls. These tools inspect network traffic and can identify remote code execution patterns, blocking the binary and alerting defenders.
An encrypted reverse shell helps evade such detection by:
- Encrypting all communication, making it harder for network tools to inspect the traffic.
- Using SSL to blend in with legitimate HTTPS traffic.
To address this gap, I created a C++ SSL Reverse Shell POC (commented and explained):
- Undetected by Microsoft Defender and other AV solutions at the time of publishing (the ones I tested on).
- Enables secure communication via SSL, reducing the chance of detection.
- Using AES Encryption / Decryption and embedding the results and commands within HTTP headers to bypass deep packet inspection (Added)
More Info and POC: github.com/V-i-x-x/SSL-AES-Reverse-Shell/tree/main

