📱 Mobile Security Tips
Sarah Chen — iOS Security Specialist
What is OpenVAS?
OpenVAS (Open Vulnerability Assessment System) is a full-featured vulnerability scanner built to detect issues in network systems and servers. It offers a comprehensive database of security tests and is widely used by security analysts and penetration testers for vulnerability assessments.
Installation
OpenVAS can be installed on various Linux distributions. For Debian systems, you can use the following command:
sudo apt install openvas
Follow the configuration wizard after installation to set up necessary services:
sudo openvas-setup
Basic Syntax
The basic command structure for OpenVAS is:
openvas-cli [options] [task]
Discovery
Start by discovering active hosts in your network:
omp -u admin -w password -G
Scanning
To initiate a scan on a specific target:
omp -u admin -w password -S [target_ip]
Exploitation
Run a specific exploit (if applicable):
omp -u admin -w password -C [scan_id]
Analysis
To view scan results, use the following command:
omp -u admin -w password -R [result_id]
Export results to a specific format:
omp -u admin -w password -E [result_id] -F [format]
Evasion
To reduce scanning time and avoid detection:
omp -u admin -w password --timeout=20
Reporting
Generate a summary report for stakeholders:
omp -u admin -w password -R [report_id] -F pdf > report.pdf
Quick Reference Table
| Flag | Description |
|---|---|
| -u | Specifies user |
| -w | Specifies password |
| -G | Get active hosts |
| -S | Start a scan |
| -R | Get scan results |
| -E | Export report |
Pro Tips
- Use OpenVAS regularly: Regular scans help keep your systems secure by identifying new vulnerabilities.
- Integrate with other tools: Combine OpenVAS with Metasploit for deeper analysis.
- Custom scan configurations: Tailor scan configurations based on environment and needs to improve efficiency.
Real-World Examples
Example of batch scanning multiple targets:
omp -u admin -w password -S [target1_ip,target2_ip,target3_ip]
Scheduling scans can also help maintain routine checks:
omp -u admin -w password -S [target_ip] --schedule='every 1 week'