📱 Mobile Security Tips
Sarah Chen — iOS Security Specialist
What is OpenVAS?
OpenVAS (Open Vulnerability Assessment System) is a powerful open-source vulnerability scanner that helps identify security issues in systems and networks. It performs thorough scans to find vulnerabilities, making it a valuable tool for SOC analysts and penetration testers.
Installation
To install OpenVAS on a Debian/Ubuntu-based system, use the following command:
sudo apt install openvas
After installation, you’ll need to set up the database:
sudo openvas-setup
Finally, start the OpenVAS service:
sudo openvas-start
Basic Syntax
The basic command structure for using OpenVAS is:
openvas-cli [options]
Discovery
Discovery scans help identify active hosts and services within a specified network range.
Conduct a host discovery scan using:
openvas-cli -s/24 --host-detect
Scanning
Performing vulnerability scans is one of OpenVAS’s core functions. Below are some key commands:
Run a full scan on a target host:
openvas-cli -s--scan-config
Exploitation
While OpenVAS doesn’t exploit vulnerabilities directly, it provides reports that guide potential exploitation pathways. Analyze the findings with:
openvas-cli --report --stdout --report-type
Analysis
OpenVAS allows for the export of scan results for further analysis:
openvas-cli --export--report --format
Evasion
To avoid detection during scans, customize scanning options. For stealth mode, reduce the scan speed:
openvas-cli -s--max-scan-duration
Reporting
Generating reports allows you to summarize the findings:
openvas-cli --report--format pdf --output
Quick Reference Table
| Flag | Description |
|---|---|
| -s | Specify target(s) for scan |
| –scan-config | Define a specific scan configuration |
| –report | Generate a report from the scan |
Pro Tips
- Batch Scans: Schedule regular scans using cron jobs.
- Use Templates: Save scan configurations to reuse for future scans.
- Integrate CVEs: Use the list of vulnerabilities to focus subsequent penetration testing efforts.
Real-World Examples
1. Performing a comprehensive scan on an internal network segment:
openvas-cli -s 192.168.1.0/24 --scan-config Full
2. Exporting results to a PDF report for sharing with stakeholders:
openvas-cli --report 1 --format pdf --output scan_report.pdf