NetCut (originally developed by Arcai.com) gained popularity in the mid-2000s as a user-friendly tool for network administrators to block unwanted devices on local networks. Unlike professional switch management, NetCut exploits ARP protocol weaknesses to interrupt connections. Old versions (e.g., 2.x, 1.5) are still circulated on third-party repositories, often bundled with adware or without source verification. This paper reviews their operational mechanics, known vulnerabilities, and ethical considerations.
| Feature | Old NetCut (v1.5–2.5) | Modern Alternative (e.g., xarp, arpwatch) | | --- | --- | --- | | ARP cache poisoning detection | None | Active monitoring | | Packet signature obfuscation | No (plaintext ARP frames) | Optional encryption | | Source code integrity | Unverifiable, often trojaned | Open-source / signed | | Operating system support | Windows XP/Vista/7 (32-bit) | Cross-platform | | Automatic ARP recovery | Broken in many builds | Reliable |
An Analysis of Legacy NetCut Versions: Functionality, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigation in Legacy LAN Environments