OpenVAS : Security Assessment

OpenVAS is an open-source vulnerability scanning and management tool that helps to identify security issues like misconfigurations, outdated software, and weak passwords that could be exploited by attackers. OpenVAS is widely used by security professionals to assess and improve the security posture of their networks and is known for its effectiveness and flexibility. This article explores how OpenVAS works, its features, and how it can be used to enhance cybersecurity.

Open Vulnerability Assessment System (OpenVAS) is free software that is used to detect and manage vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks. It provides various services and tools for vulnerability assessment such as identifying and analyzing security issues such as misconfigurations, outdated software, and weak passwords that could be exploited by attackers.

Working of OpenVAS

OpenVAS consists of a server and various client-side tools for scanning and reporting. It uses a regularly updated database of known vulnerabilities and checks systems against these to detect potential weaknesses. The tool performs a comprehensive scan of the specified targets, identifying potential vulnerabilities such as outdated software, misconfigurations, and weak passwords and generates comprehensive reports detailing the identified vulnerabilities and provide recommendations for remediation.

A vulnerability assessment tool works in the following way as follows.

1. Classifies the system resources.
2. Allocates the enumerable values to the classified resources.
3. Detects the possible threats (vulnerabilities) in each resource.
4. Eliminates the vulnerabilities on a priority basis.

• OpenVAS Scanner:
  • The primary engine that performs the actual scanning of target systems. It uses Network Vulnerability Tests (NVTs) to detect security vulnerabilities.
• OpenVAS Manager:
  • Manages scan configurations, schedules, and stores scan results. It acts as an intermediary between the scanner and the user interfaces, handling scan requests and processing results.
• Greenbone Security Assistant (GSA):
  • A web-based graphical user interface (GUI) that allows users to manage scans, configure settings, and view scan results. It provides an easy-to-use platform for interacting with OpenVAS.
• OpenVAS CLI:
  • A command-line interface for users who prefer scripting and command-line operations. It enables management of scans, targets, and results through commands and scripts.
• Greenbone Security Feed (GSF):
  • A continuously updated feed that provides the latest Network Vulnerability Tests (NVTs) and security information. It ensures OpenVAS can detect the most recent vulnerabilities.
• OpenVAS Libraries:
  • These libraries provide essential functionalities required by the scanner and manager, such as network communication, data storage, and cryptographic operations.
• Database:
  • The database stores scan results, configurations, and other essential data. It ensures data persistence and retrieval for analysis and reporting purposes.

What are the benefits of using OpenVAS?

OpenVAS provides several benefits like offering comprehensive vulnerability detection, supporting customization and scalability, and providing detailed reports for fixing the issue .

What are the limitations of OpenVAS?

Potential performance issues with very large networks, need for regular updates, and the requirement for skilled personnel to interpret scan results and resolve issues are some limitations of the OpenVAS

What are the main components of OpenVAS?

The main components of OpenVAS include the OpenVAS Scanner, OpenVAS Manager, Greenbone Security Assistant (GSA), OpenVAS CLI, Greenbone Security Feed (GSF), OpenVAS Libraries, and the database.