Guide · Open source
How to use MHDDoS: install, methods and safe testing
Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data
MHDDoS is a free, MIT-licensed Python 3 script from the MatrixTM project that sends network traffic in many patterns, which the README describes as DDoS testing with 60 methods. This guide explains what it is, how to install it, how its methods are grouped, and the authorization rules you must follow before running anything. It is written for security staff, researchers and students testing infrastructure they are allowed to test.
MHDDoSMatrixTM/MHDDoS · ★ 16.9k · MIT Install options & downloads Quick start
- 1Check the prerequisite. Confirm you have Python 3.11 or newer installed, as the README requires.
- 2Get written authorization. Obtain explicit permission for the exact system you plan to test and document the scope.
- 3Clone the repository. Run git clone https://github.com/MatrixTM/MHDDoS to download the project.
- 4Read the README sections. Open the Getting Started and Documentation sections in the repository for run instructions, since this excerpt does not include them.
- 5Pick a method from the table. Choose a Layer 7 or Layer 4/3 method that matches the specific behaviour you are studying in your lab.
- 6Test only your own systems. Run the tool only against infrastructure you own or are authorized to test, and record the results.
What MHDDoS is and who it is for
MHDDoS is a Python 3 script. The README calls it a DDoS testing toolkit with 60 methods and says it is for authorized testing and educational use only.
The README names three intended groups: security staff testing the resilience of infrastructure they own, with written authorization; researchers studying how DDoS protections respond in a controlled, permitted lab setting; and students learning about attack categories in an authorized environment.
- Licence: MIT
- Language: Python
- Stated prerequisite: Python 3.11+
Install MHDDoS with git clone
The README's install instruction is to clone the repository from GitHub. Check that you have Python 3.11 or newer before you continue, since the README lists Python 3.11+ as a requirement.
The README also has Docker and Hosting sections, but the excerpt used for this page does not include their commands, so this guide does not give them.
git clone https://github.com/MatrixTM/MHDDoSUnderstand the method list
The README groups methods by network layer. Layer 7 covers HTTP-level methods such as GET (GET flood), POST (POST flood), HEAD (HTTP HEAD method), SLOW (Slowloris method) and PPS (a minimal GET / HTTP/1.1 request). Several Layer 7 entries are named bypass options for specific hosting or protection services, including OVH, Google Project Shield (GSB), DDoS-Guard (DGB), ArvanCloud (AVB), Cloudflare (CFB and CFBUAM) and a generic BYPASS.
Layer 4 and Layer 3 methods are listed in a separate table. The excerpt shows TCP (TCP Flood) at the start of that table, and the rest is cut off.
- Layer 7 examples: GET, POST, SLOW, HEAD, PPS
- Service bypass examples: OVH, GSB, DGB, AVB, CFB, CFBUAM, BYPASS
- Layer 4 / Layer 3 example: TCP
Set the scope and get written permission first
The README is explicit. Use the project only on infrastructure you own or have explicit authorization to test. Do not attack systems, websites or networks without the owner's permission. Treat any request to pay for MHDDoS as a scam, because the project is free.
Before you run any method, write down which host or lab you will test, who approved it, and what result you expect to measure. Test only systems you control, such as an isolated lab or your own staging environment.
- Confirm ownership or written authorization for every target
- Test in an isolated lab or your own staging environment
- Do not use it against third-party sites or networks
Know when a load testing tool fits better
The README says purpose-built load testers are designed for measuring app performance and are safer to use. If your goal is measuring how your application performs under load, use one of those instead.
This project lists Locust, k6 and wrk as comparable projects. Choose based on whether you are measuring application performance or studying DDoS-style traffic patterns.
- Locust, k6 and wrk are listed as comparable projects in the source
- Beginners without networking or security background should not start here, since the README gives little guidance on safe scoping or setup
What people use it for
- A security team checking how its own web servers respond to HTTP-level traffic patterns in a staging environment.
- A researcher comparing how different protection services respond to the bypass-style methods in a controlled lab.
- A student learning the difference between Layer 7 and Layer 4/3 attack categories in an authorized course environment.
Frequently asked questions
Is MHDDoS free?
Yes. The README says MHDDoS is 100% free and warns not to send money to anyone claiming to sell it. The licence is MIT.
What do I need to install MHDDoS?
The README lists Python 3.11+ as the prerequisite. Clone the repository with git clone https://github.com/MatrixTM/MHDDoS to get the code.
Is MHDDoS legal to use?
The README says it is for authorized testing and educational use only, and that you must not target systems you do not own or have permission to test. Using it against others' systems can be illegal.
What are the MHDDoS methods?
The README lists 60 methods across Layer 7, which are HTTP-level, and Layer 4 and Layer 3 network methods. Examples include GET, POST, SLOW, TCP, and several service bypass options.
What are good MHDDoS alternatives?
The source lists Locust, k6 and wrk as comparable projects. The README also recommends purpose-built load testers for measuring application performance.
Why does MHDDoS not work for me?
This excerpt of the README does not include troubleshooting steps. Check the full README, the Documentation section and the project's issues page, and confirm you meet the Python 3.11+ requirement.
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Our verdict
MHDDoS suits security staff, researchers and students who have written authorization to test infrastructure they control and want to study DDoS-style traffic patterns. It is a poor choice for anyone without a networking or security background, or for anyone who only needs to measure application performance, since purpose-built load testers like Locust, k6 or wrk are safer and better suited to that job.
Install options & downloads