In cybersecurity, vulnerability scanners are automated tools that help identify security weaknesses or vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, and applications. They act like digital detectives, scanning your IT infrastructure for potential entry points that attackers could exploit.

Think of it like a security guard checking the locks on all the doors and windows of a building to ensure their security. Vulnerability scanners do the same thing for your digital assets.

How do they work?

Vulnerability scanners use a database of known vulnerabilities (like a checklist of common weaknesses) and test your systems against them. They do this by sending various probes and requests to your systems and analyzing the responses.

What do they look for?

They search for a wide range of vulnerabilities, including:

• Outdated software: Applications or operating systems that still need to be patched with the latest security updates.

• Misconfigurations: Incorrect security settings that leave systems exposed.

• Known exploits: Weaknesses that have been previously identified and documented.

• Open ports: Network ports that are open and potentially accessible to attackers.

Why are they important?

Vulnerability scanners are crucial for proactive security management. They help:

• Identify weaknesses before attackers do: Allowing you to fix vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

• Prioritize security efforts: By highlighting the most critical vulnerabilities, they help you focus on the biggest risks.

• Maintain compliance: Many industry regulations and security standards require regular vulnerability scanning.

• Improve overall security posture: Regularly scanning and remediating vulnerabilities strengthens your defenses against cyberattacks.

Types of vulnerability scanners:

• Network vulnerability scanners: Scan your network devices and infrastructure.

• Web application vulnerability scanners: Focus on finding vulnerabilities in web applications.

• Mobile application vulnerability scanners: Analyze mobile apps for security weaknesses.

• Database vulnerability scanners: Scan databases for vulnerabilities.

By incorporating vulnerability scanners into your cybersecurity strategy, you gain valuable insights into your security posture and can take proactive steps to reduce your risk of cyberattacks.

ThreatNG's extensive external attack surface management capabilities can significantly enhance and complement vulnerability scanning efforts. Here's how:

1. Expanding Scope and Visibility:

• Domain Intelligence: ThreatNG goes beyond traditional vulnerability scanners by analyzing DNS records, subdomains, certificates, and IP addresses to discover assets and potential vulnerabilities that internal scans might miss. This includes identifying forgotten or unknown web applications, servers, and other internet-facing assets.

• Cloud and SaaS Exposure: ThreatNG identifies cloud services, including unsanctioned ones, and SaaS applications used by the organization. This allows vulnerability scanning to extend beyond on-premise infrastructure and cover the entire attack surface.

• Exposed Development Environments: ThreatNG can identify development environments exposed to the internet, which often contain vulnerabilities and sensitive information. This allows security teams to prioritize and focus vulnerability scans on these high-risk areas.

2. Prioritizing and Contextualizing Vulnerabilities:

• Known Vulnerabilities: ThreatNG maintains an extensive database of known vulnerabilities. By correlating this information with discovered assets, it can prioritize vulnerability scanning efforts based on each vulnerability's severity and potential impact.

• Sensitive Code Exposure: ThreatNG can identify exposed code repositories and mobile apps, helping uncover vulnerabilities within the code. This complements vulnerability scanners by providing additional context and insights into potential security weaknesses.

• Search Engine Exploitation: ThreatNG can identify exposed sensitive information, error messages, and other clues through search engine exploitation. This information can guide vulnerability scans and help security teams focus on areas with a higher likelihood of vulnerabilities.

• Dark Web Presence: Monitoring the dark web for mentions of the organization and its assets can reveal potential exploits, leaked credentials, and planned attacks. This information can be used to scan for specific vulnerabilities and prioritize remediation efforts proactively.

3. Continuous Monitoring and Reporting:

• Continuous monitoring: ThreatNG monitors the external attack surface for new assets, configuration changes, and emerging threats. This ensures that vulnerability scanning remains up-to-date and effective.

• Reporting: ThreatNG provides comprehensive reports on identified vulnerabilities, including their severity, potential impact, and remediation recommendations. This helps security teams prioritize and track their vulnerability management efforts.

4. Complementary Solutions:

ThreatNG works seamlessly with vulnerability scanners by:

• Expanding the scope of vulnerability scanning: Ensuring complete coverage of the external attack surface.

• Prioritizing vulnerability remediation efforts: Providing context and insights into vulnerabilities' severity and potential impact.

• Offering continuous monitoring and alerting: Keeping security teams informed of new vulnerabilities and emerging threats.

Examples:

• Scenario: A vulnerability scanner misses a critical web server because it's hosted on a subdomain that is not included in the initial scan. ThreatNG's Subdomain Intelligence module identifies this server, allowing the vulnerability scanner to assess its security posture.

• Scenario: ThreatNG's Sensitive Code Exposure module discovers an exposed code repository containing hardcoded credentials. The vulnerability scanner relays this information, which can then test for authentication bypass vulnerabilities.

• Scenario: ThreatNG identifies a dark web forum discussing a zero-day exploit targeting a specific web application framework. This information allows the organization to scan their web applications for this vulnerability using their vulnerability scanner.

By combining ThreatNG's external attack surface management capabilities with vulnerability scanners, organizations can achieve a more comprehensive and proactive approach to vulnerability management, reducing their risk of cyberattacks.