Web Application Vulnerability Scanner
Web Application Vulnerability Scanner is a powerful software or tool designed to identify potential vulnerabilities and security flaws within web applications. In the realm of Black-Box Testing, where the penetration tester lacks access to source code, the Web Application Vulnerability Scanner becomes indispensable.
In today’s digital landscape, nearly every business relies on web applications to streamline its operations and promote its services online. However, these very web applications become attractive targets for malicious attackers, leading to countless compromises and hacks occurring daily.
To shield web applications from such threats, the practice of Vulnerability Assessment has emerged as the most common method to detect loopholes and security breaches within their architecture.
In this article, we will delve into the Top 5 Website Vulnerability Scanners. By leveraging these scanners, businesses can identify vulnerabilities and loopholes, empowering them to proactively fortify their web applications before falling victim to cyberattacks.
1. BurpSuite
BurpSuite stands as a graphical tool meticulously crafted to test the security of web applications.
Developed by PortSwigger Security, this Java-based tool comes in two versions: the Free Edition, available as a free download, and the Professional Edition, which can be purchased after a trial period. While the free version offers limited functionality,
The Professional Edition provides a comprehensive solution for web application security checks. BurpSuite encompasses fundamental features like a proxy server, scanner, and intruder, while also housing advanced options such as a spider, repeater, decoder, comparer, extender, and sequencer.
2. Acunetix
Acunetix enjoys the reputation of being the go-to web vulnerability scanner for prominent Fortune 500 companies.
It is widely acclaimed for its advanced SQL injection and XSS black box scanning technology. By automatically crawling websites and employing black box and grey box hacking techniques, Acunetix efficiently identifies dangerous vulnerabilities that could potentially compromise websites and sensitive data.
3. Nikto
Nikto, an open-source (GPL) web server scanner, offers extensive testing capabilities for web servers. Its comprehensive tests cover over 6700 potentially dangerous files/CGIs, identify outdated versions of more than 1250 servers, and detect version-specific problems on approximately 270 servers.
Nikto examines server configuration items, including the presence of multiple index files and HTTP server options. This tool’s scan items and plugins are regularly updated and can be conveniently auto-updated.
4. OWASP ZAP
OWASP ZAP, also known as Zed Attack Proxy, represents an open-source web application security scanner. It caters to both newcomers to application security and professional penetration testers. As one of the most active projects within OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project), OWASP ZAP holds Flagship status.
It boasts full internationalization and translation into over 25 languages. When used as a proxy server, OWASP ZAP enables users to manipulate all traffic passing through it, including traffic utilizing HTTPS.
It can also operate in a ‘daemon’ mode controlled via a REST Application Programming Interface (API). Written in Java, this cross-platform tool supports major operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X.
5. Vega
Vega is a free and open-source web security scanner and web security testing platform to test the security of web applications. Vega can help you find and validate SQL Injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), inadvertently disclosed sensitive information, and other vulnerabilities.
It is written in Java, GUI based, and runs on Linux, OS X, and Windows. Vega can help you find vulnerabilities such as: reflected cross-site scripting, stored cross-site scripting, blind SQL injection, remote file include, shell injection, and others.
Vega also probes for TLS / SSL security settings and identifies opportunities for improving the security of your TLS servers. Vega includes an automated scanner for quick tests and an intercepting proxy for tactical inspection. The Vega scanner finds XSS (cross-site scripting), SQL injection, and other vulnerabilities. Vega can be extended using a powerful API in the language of the web: Javascript.
