What do the [-], [+], [!] line prefixes mean in exploit outputs?

Question

When you're using exploits, in the output, every line is prefixed with a symbol inside a set of square brackets.

For example:

[+] Set arguments.
[-] Running exploit.
[!] Warning server returned 404.

What are all the different ones and what do they all mean exactly?

they are simply ASCII icons for the type and level of log entries — schroeder, Commented Apr 2, 2016 at 20:18
The type and level is what I'm asking about. When is it appropriate to use X prefix? — Awn, Commented Apr 2, 2016 at 20:19

schroeder · Accepted Answer · 2016-04-02 20:20:25Z

1

They are simply ASCII icons for the type and level of log entries.

Many commandline programs do this, not just exploit code - it makes it easier to read the output.

I'm not sure that there is an established standard, but if you read the source code, you can see what decisions the devs made in their program.

answered Apr 2, 2016 at 20:20

schroeder♦

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