Vulnerability scanner

A vulnerability scanner is a computer program designed to assess computers, computer systems, networks or applications for weaknesses.

They can be run either as part of vulnerability management by those tasked with protecting systems - or by black hat attackers looking to gain unauthorized access.

Types

Part of a server log, showing attempts by a scanner to find the administration page.

220.128.235.XXX - - [26/Aug/2010:03:00:09 +0200] "GET /db/db/main.php HTTP/1.0" 404 - "-" "-" 220.128.235.XXX - - [26/Aug/2010:03:00:09 +0200] "GET /db/myadmin/main.php HTTP/1.0" 404 - "-" "-" 220.128.235.XXX - - [26/Aug/2010:03:00:10 +0200] "GET /db/webadmin/main.php HTTP/1.0" 404 - "-" "-" 220.128.235.XXX - - [26/Aug/2010:03:00:10 +0200] "GET /db/dbweb/main.php HTTP/1.0" 404 - "-" "-" 220.128.235.XXX - - [26/Aug/2010:03:00:11 +0200] "GET /db/websql/main.php HTTP/1.0" 404 - "-" "-" 220.128.235.XXX - - [26/Aug/2010:03:00:11 +0200] "GET /db/webdb/main.php HTTP/1.0" 404 - "-" "-" 220.128.235.XXX - - [26/Aug/2010:03:00:13 +0200] "GET /db/dbadmin/main.php HTTP/1.0" 404 - "-" "-" 220.128.235.XXX - - [26/Aug/2010:03:00:13 +0200] "GET /db/db-admin/main.php HTTP/1.0" 404 - "-" "-" (..)

• Port scanner (e.g. Nmap)
• Network vulnerability scanner (e.g. Nessus, SAINT, OpenVAS)
• Web application security scanner (e.g. Nikto, w3af)
• Database security scanner
• Host based vulnerability scanner (Lynis)
• ERP security scanner
• Single vulnerability tests

External links

• Vulnerability Scanning Tools, list at OWASP