What Is Vulnerability Scanning? (Comprehensive Guide)

Vulnerability scanning is the process of assessing web applications, mobile apps, APIs, systems, networks, or cloud infrastructures to identify security weaknesses. It uses automated tools to detect known CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures), misconfigurations, and potential attack vectors, helping to secure assets against cyber threats.

With the yearly average cost of cybercrime being predicted to cross $23 trillion by 2027 and the rapid rise of cyberattacks, strengthening your security systems is more important than ever. Vulnerability scanning and detection plays a major role in this.

That’s what this blog is going to look at in terms of what, why, and how on vulnerability scanning.

What is Vulnerability Scanning?

Vulnerability scanning refers to the process of evaluating web and mobile applications, APIs consumed by them, or systems, networks, and cloud infrastructures to identify vulnerabilities. It involves using automated tools trained to scan for known CVEs, misconfigurations, and potential attack vectors.

How Does Vulnerability Scanning Work?

A vulnerability scan helps identify vulnerabilities by using specialized software to scan a system for known CVEs and then reporting any potential risks. This allows your team to roll out patches, address security threats, and protect their valuable data.

What Are the Steps in Vulnerability Scanning?

Vulnerability scanning involves five steps: preparation, scanning, analysis, remediation, and follow-up. Before scanning, gather information and create a baseline. Launch the scanner to analyze the system for CVEs and compare it against a database. Analyze the results, prioritize remediation, and address configuration issues. Conduct follow-up scans and leverage continuous monitoring.

Step 1: Identification and Preparation:

Before starting the scan, gather the necessary information, such as identifying the systems or networks to be scanned, obtaining authorization, and ensuring that the scanning tools are up-to-date. Additionally, a baseline of the system’s current security posture should be created to compare against the scan results.

Step 2: Initiate The Vulnerability Scan:

Once the system is prepared, the vulnerability scanner can be launched to initiate the scan. The scanner will analyze the target system for known vulnerabilities, comparing its configuration and software against a database of vulnerabilities. This process can take some time, depending on the size and complexity of the system being scanned.

Step 3: Analysis:

The scan results must be analyzed to identify CVEs and draft a detailed report with information about the severity of each vulnerability, its potential impact, and recommended remediation steps. It’s crucial to prioritize vulnerabilities based on their risk level and focus on addressing the most critical issues first.

Once the scan is done, a report is created that documents the vulnerabilities and assigns risk scores to them. The report may or may not include remediation guidance for the developers. After the report is produced, the developers can take a shift-left approach to find the code bugs, configuration errors, or other factors that contributed to the vulnerabilities and remediate the issues.

Step 4: Remediation and Follow-up:

After prioritizing vulnerabilities, you can begin remediation by patching systems, updating software, addressing configuration issues, and following best practices to avoid introducing new vulnerabilities during the remediation process. After vulnerabilities have been remediated, it’s important to conduct follow-up scans to ensure that the issues have been resolved and to identify any new vulnerabilities that may have emerged. Moreover, scheduling regular scans for continuous monitoring can also help significantly.

Different Types of Vulnerability Scanning

Vulnerability scans can be categorized based on the target environment and the methodology used. When grouped by environment, there are four main types of scans: network, host-based, cloud, and API. Each one focuses on specific areas of a system.

In addition to environment-based classifications, scans can be grouped by methodology and approach. This includes ten different types of vulnerability scanning: network, host-based, cloud, API, internal, external, active, passive, authenticated and unauthenticated scanning.

1. Network-based Scanning:

These scanners analyze the entire infrastructure of an organization’s network to scan for vulnerabilities like open ports, improper settings, and unauthorized access. They also test the firewalls and routers.

2. Host-Based Scanning:

Host-based scanners look for vulnerabilities in individual systems or workstations and test for insecure software configurations, application vulnerabilities, malware, and operating system vulnerabilities.

3. Cloud Scanning:

Cloud scanners look for weaknesses in all aspects of a cloud environment. They look for problems within the cloud infrastructure, applications hosted on the cloud, insecure configurations, and unauthorized data access.

4. API Scanning:

API scanners look for weaknesses in the programming interface, such as SQL Injections, broken authentication, and data exposure, while testing for API rate limiting and throttling.

5. Internal Scanning:

Internal scanning refers to vulnerability assessments conducted within an organization’s network or infrastructure and typically involves scanning systems, devices, or applications accessible only from within the network. It helps identify potential risks and weaknesses that insiders could exploit or if an attacker gains internal access.

6. External Scanning:

As the name suggests, external scanning involves assessing your assets from outside the organization’s digital infrastructure using publicly accessible assets, such as websites, APIs, and servers, to detect CVEs that external attackers could exploit. It helps secure your outer defenses and exposed services.

7. Active Scanning:

Active scanning involves directly interacting with a target system by sending probes or requests to identify vulnerabilities. It actively tests your system’s defenses that may trigger responses or alerts to provide detailed insights but also be intrusive and potentially disrupt normal operations.

8. Passive Scanning:

On the other hand, passive scanning monitors network traffic or system behavior without interacting directly with the target. It analyzes CVEs based on observed data, making it less disruptive and stealthier, but it may not detect all exposures, especially those requiring active interaction.

9. Authenticated Scanning:

Authenticated scanning is the process of scanning a system with valid login credentials, allowing the scanner to gain deeper access to the target’s internal configurations and settings. This approach helps identify vulnerabilities that may not be visible from an external perspective.

10. Unauthenticated Scanning:

Unauthenticated scanning does not require credentials, meaning the scanner evaluates the target as an external attacker would without privileged access. This approach simulates an external attack, identifying CVEs that could be exploited by unauthorized users from outside the system.

How is vulnerability scanning different from pentesting?

Both vulnerability scanning and penetration testing are important procedures to understand the security posture and resilience of an organization – its network, applications, and devices. They have some fundamental differences.

Vulnerability scanning detects vulnerabilities and provides you with risk scores for those vulnerabilities so as to help you prioritize the critical vulnerabilities over the less severe ones while fixing them. It is usually an automated procedure which is very fast and not intrusive.

Vulnerability scanning doesn’t exploit the identified security loopholes to assess how much damage it could cost. That is where penetration testing comes in. It involves security experts employing hacker-like strategies to safely exploit certain vulnerabilities to answer questions like how easily it was exploitable, how much access the said vulnerability could grant a malicious actor, whether it could allow someone to access sensitive data.

Penetration testing attempts a more in-depth analysis of the security situation than vulnerability scanning. Whether you should conduct penetration testing on top of vulnerability assessment depends on multiple factors. If your business deals with a lot of sensitive and valuable data and if your industry vertical is governed by stern security regulations, you may want to opt for both.

Vulnerability Scanning Challenges

Here are some of the five common vulnerability scanning challenges posed by vulnerability scans:

1. Only Identifies Known Vulnerabilities

Vulnerability scans can only detect vulnerabilities in the software’s vulnerability database. However, several vulnerability scanners fail to include new and emerging vulnerabilities in their databases and don’t regularly update the directory, which can lead to missed vulnerabilities.

2. Reports Point-in-Time Vulnerabilities

Vulnerability scans are point-in-time scans, i.e., they can only find vulnerabilities already present during the scan. However, if a vulnerability popped up right after the scan, it would go undetected until the following scan. This, again, can leave the cyber assets vulnerable based on the frequency of scans they conduct.

3. Unauthenticated Scans Lack Depth

Some scanning solutions might only offer unauthenticated scans with undetected internal vulnerabilities. Look for a scanner that can perform authenticated scans and scan behind login pages with the appropriate credentials through automated integration.

4. Surface-Level Tests

Vulnerability scans are an excellent cyber security solution for regular cyber-health checkups. However, for long-term cybersecurity, comprehensive solutions like penetration tests are much more adept at finding vulnerabilities through thorough scanning and exploitation.

5. Remediation Needs Manual Support

Vulnerability scans in themselves are an automated process. However, once completed, the remediation of vulnerabilities based on the report produced might require the aid of a security expert.

Why is vulnerability scanning important?

Vulnerability scanning is essential for proactive threat detection, risk assessment, compliance enforcement, improved security posture, and cost-effective security. Organizations can prevent costly data breaches and operational disruptions by identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, enhancing their overall security and reputation. It is an important part of your security team’s overall IT risk management approach for several reasons, as explained below:

1. Proactive Threat Detection:

By regularly scanning systems for vulnerabilities, organizations can identify potential security risks before malicious actors exploit them. This allows for timely remediation and mitigation of threats, preventing costly data breaches and operational disruptions. For example, a vulnerability scan might uncover a critical remote code execution vulnerability in a web application, enabling the organization to patch the system and prevent unauthorized access.

2. Risk Assessment and Prioritization:

Vulnerability scanning helps organizations assess the severity of identified vulnerabilities and prioritize remediation efforts based on the potential impact on the business. This ensures that resources are allocated effectively to address the most critical threats first.

For instance, a vulnerability scan might reveal multiple vulnerabilities, but by prioritizing based on risk, the organization can focus on patching the most critical ones, such as those that could lead to data exfiltration or system compromise.

3. Compliance Enforcement:

Many industry regulations and standards, such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR, require organizations to conduct regular vulnerability assessments. Vulnerability scanning can help organizations demonstrate compliance with these requirements and avoid costly penalties or legal consequences.

For example, a healthcare organization must comply with HIPAA regulations, which require regular vulnerability assessments to protect patient data.

4. Improved Security Posture:

By identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, organizations can significantly improve their overall security posture and reduce their risk of cyberattacks. This can enhance the organization’s reputation and trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders.

For instance, a retail organization with a strong security posture, as evidenced by regular vulnerability scanning and remediation, can build customer trust and avoid negative publicity associated with data breaches.

5. Cost-Effective Security:

Vulnerability scanning can be a cost-effective security measure, helping organizations prevent costly data breaches and operational disruptions. By proactively addressing vulnerabilities, organizations can avoid the significant financial and reputational damage from a successful cyberattack.

For example, a financial institution that invests in vulnerability scanning can prevent a data breach that could lead to millions of dollars in fines and lost customer trust.

Recommended Reading: List of Top 7 Cloud Vulnerability Scanner

How Frequently Should You Run Vulnerability Scans?

Ideally, vulnerability scans should be conducted bi-weekly or at least once a month. Since they are quick and hassle-free, they require low effort and ensure high levels of safety. If possible, we recommend running an automated vulnerability scan 4-5 times a week to keep your system as safe as possible.

Why is Astra Vulnerability Scanner the Best Scanner?

• We’re the only company that combines automated & manual pentest to create a one-of-a-kind pentest platform.
• Vetted scans ensure zero false positives.
• Our intelligent vulnerability scanner emulates hacker behavior & evolves with every pentest.
• Astra’s scanner helps you shift left by integrating with your CI/CD.
• Our platform helps you uncover, manage & fix vulnerabilities in one place.
• Trusted by the brands you trust like Agora, Spicejet, Muthoot, Dream11, etc.

Let’s Talk Get Started

How to Choose The Right Vulnerability Scanning Tool for Your Needs?

There are many vulnerability scanning tools in the market with overlapping features. Judging a vulnerability scanner by how many tests it conducts or how fast it reports is difficult. Those are all essential qualities, but they are present in many good scanners.

Regarding vulnerability scanning, the user experience can be significantly improved with additional features such as:

1. Comprehensive Coverage:

A top-tier scanner should be able to uncover a broad spectrum of vulnerabilities, from well-known threats to emerging exploits. It should be adept at identifying vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), buffer overflows, and remote code execution while staying ahead of the curve by detecting newly discovered vulnerabilities.

2. Pentest compliance:

It should help you ascertain which compliance regulations you could pass or fail according to your vulnerability status.

3. Deep Penetration Testing:

The scanner should employ sophisticated penetration testing methodologies that simulate real-world attack scenarios to uncover vulnerabilities including fuzzing, protocol analysis, and web application testing to identify hidden vulnerabilities lurking beneath the surface.

4. Intelligent Vulnerability Prioritization:

Given the sheer volume of vulnerabilities that can be discovered, it’s imperative to prioritize them based on their severity and potential impact. A state-of-the-art vulnerability scanner should provide intuitive prioritization mechanisms, such as risk scoring or severity ratings, to enable you to focus on the most critical issues first and mitigate risks effectively.

5. Seamless Integration and Automation:

To streamline your security workflow and optimize efficiency, look for a scanner that integrates seamlessly with other security tools and platforms, simplifying automation, continuous monitoring, and streamlining the remediation processes. Additionally, consider scanners that offer APIs or plugins to facilitate integration with your existing systems and enhance interoperability.

6. Precision-Engineered False Positive Reduction:

False positives can consume valuable time and resources, hindering your ability to respond effectively to genuine threats. A reliable vulnerability scanner should employ advanced algorithms and techniques with features like vulnerability confirmation, context-aware scanning, and customizable scanning rules to enhance accuracy and reduce false alarms.

Why Choose Astra for Vulnerability Scanning?

Vulnerability scanning is usually an automated process where you just determine the scope of the scan and the rest is done by the tool. That means choosing the right tool for the purpose is important. The automated vulnerability scanner by Astra Security sets the global benchmark in this respect.

Astra’s vulnerability scanner conducts 10,000+ tests to detect a wide range of vulnerabilities, including those listed by OWASP Top 10, SANS 25, and NIST.

At Astra, we prioritize user-friendly security. Take, for instance, our login recorder extension, which allows the automated scanner to scan behind login pages without requiring the site owners to authorize it repeatedly.

Your vulnerability scanning experience with Astra is convenient through an interactive dashboard where you can visualize the vulnerability analysis and remediation status. Our security experts also promise zero false positives in our vetted scans.

The pentest compliance feature we launched also shows you what compliance regulations you meet or fail to meet based on the state of vulnerabilities found in your system during the scan.

You can also integrate platforms like GitHub, Jira, and Slack to make your remediation planning independent from the dashboard.

Pros

• It can detect business logic errors and conduct authenticated scans behind login scans.
• Provides 3 rescans to ensure the successful remediation of vulnerabilities.
• Offers compliance-specific reports.
• Ensures zero false positives through vetted scans.

Limitations

Only a 1-week $7 trial is available, there’s no free trial.

Features

• Scanner Capabilities: Web and Mobile Applications, Cloud Infrastructure, API, and Networks
• Accuracy: Zero False Positives Assured (Vetted Scans)
• Scan Behind Logins: Yes
• Compliance: PCI-DSS, HIPAA, SOC2, and ISO 27001
• Integrations: Slack, Jira, GitHub, GitLab
• Expert Remediation: Yes
• Deployment: SaaS
• Pricing: Starts at $199/month

Final Thoughts

Vulnerability scanning is an automated tool-based procedure. Hence, choosing the right tool cannot be emphasized enough. Using a tool that combines network, host, cloud, and API vulnerability scans strengthens the organization’s security posture.

Transforming your DevOps into DevSecOps is made much more convenient with vulnerability scanners like Astra. It is far easier and less expensive to find and deal with vulnerabilities during the software development life cycle before they pose a real threat.

Finding a pentesting company that conducts a static analysis of code and a dynamic analysis of the application in production will help you cover all your bases. It always helps if your vulnerability scanning report comes with zero false positives.

FAQs