Top 5 Vulnerability Scanning Tools in 2024

Vulnerability scanning, a critical component of a cybersecurity strategy, enables organizations to identify, assess, and mitigate vulnerabilities within their network infrastructure. Research¹ found that:

• 42% of companies suffering from external attacks attributed these incidents to vulnerabilities in software security. 
• 35% of these organizations identified the cause as web application defects. 

Considering the variety of vulnerability scanning and management tools, businesses may face challenges in choosing the most suitable solution. This article explores the top five vulnerability scanning tools, providing an in-depth analysis of their features and capabilities.

*Based on our technical reviewer’s experience. Within each vendor’s section, the AIMultiple team outlined our rationale for this selection.

**Reviews are based on Capterra and G2

*** A free trial period is included if it is publicly shared.

How did AIMultiple choose the top 5?

• Employee Count: We focused on companies with over 100 employees, understanding the correlation between a company’s earnings and the size of its staff.
• Reviews on B2B Platforms: We preferred companies that received reviews from 50 or more users on B2B review sites, such as G2 and Capterra, indicating a solid market presence validated by user feedback.

Differentiating features of vulnerability scanning tools

You can refer to the definitions and significance of these features.

You can refer to these vendors’ important core features that are not covered above.

Top Vulnerability Scanning Tools Analyzed

Invicti: Best for Web Application Scanning

Invicti is a web vulnerability management solution providing scalability, automation, and integration. It leverages a web vulnerability scanner, which utilizes proprietary Proof-Based Scanning technology to identify and confirm vulnerabilities accurately, ensuring the results are not false positives. The tool is designed to thoroughly assess application security by using both dynamic and interactive scanning techniques (DAST + IAST) to detect vulnerabilities that other tools could overlook. Tools like Invicti are also considered DAST tools.

Invicti’s solution offers deployment options ranging from on-premises to public or private cloud environments, as well as hybrid setups. Furthermore, Invicti incorporates features like Web Application Firewall and OAuth 2.0 integration. Its primary reputation lies in conducting comprehensive web application security scans, whether for internal or external websites.

Reviews

Capterra: 4.7 based on 18 reviews²

G2: 4.5 based on 54 reviews³

Pros

• Many users state that Invicti accurately verifies access and SSL injection vulnerabilities, along with its integration with additional security resources. ⁴
• The foundational and progressive scanning capabilities of Invicti are highly regarded by its users. ⁵
• The efficacy of Invicti’s proof-based scanning technology is praised for its ability to streamline the vulnerability identification process, saving users time. ⁶

Cons

• Some users suggest that the tool’s false positive detection and vulnerability analysis resources need improvement. ⁷
• A few users have mentioned that the detail level in the reports produced by the software could be increased for better clarity. ⁸
• Concerns have been raised regarding Invicti’s licensing structure, with suggestions for making it more economical. ⁹

Burp Suite: Best For Pentesting

Burp Suite is a platform for security testing of web applications developed by PortSwigger. It includes tools designed to help security professionals assess the security of web applications. One of the key components of Burp Suite is the Burp Scanner, which is an automated dynamic application security testing (DAST) web vulnerability scanner. Burp Suite is available in different editions, including a free community edition and a professional edition, catering to various user needs.

PortSwigger is known for catering to professionals aiming to elevate their penetration testing skills. While the user interface might pose challenges for those with limited technical proficiency, the community edition offers internal and external functionalities for scanning and crawling web applications. Alternatively, the paid version offers enhanced features tailored to enterprises seeking a more sophisticated toolset.

Reviews

Capterra: 4.8 based on 24 reviews¹⁰

G2: 4.8 based on 112 reviews¹¹

Pros

• The software is praised for its easy and straightforward installation, as highlighted by several reviewers. ¹²
• Some users argue that it stands out for its precision, showing a lower rate of false positives than alternative solutions. ¹³
• Its automatic scanning capability is highly valued by those seeking fundamental security verifications. ¹⁴

Cons

• Issues with stability, especially regarding significant memory consumption during scans, have been pointed out by some users. ¹⁵
• A few users suggest the need for enhanced compatibility with platforms like Jenkins to streamline dynamic application security testing processes. ¹⁶
• The effectiveness of the reports has been questioned, with some users deeming them insufficiently detailed. ¹⁷

Tenable Nessus: Best for Network Scanning and Security

Tenable Nessus is a vulnerability scanner designed to identify vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and potential security risks within networked systems. It provides vulnerability assessments, offering both evaluations and agentless scanning.

Tenable Nessus offers a pricier version known as Tenable Nessus Expert, which introduces additional capabilities like web application scanning and external attack surface scanning.

Reviews

Capterra: 4.7 based on 84 reviews¹⁸

G2: 4.5 based on 273 reviews¹⁹

Pros

• Users state that the tool has an easy-to-navigate GUI, and the detection capabilities are optimal.²⁰
• Users argue that Nesus has decent customer support, also stating that the tool solves the implementation in 2 ways – agent-based and credentials-based.²¹
• Users state that plugins are updated very frequently to include the latest vulnerabilities with suggestions on how to address them.²²

Cons

• Some users state that the scanning time and results can be inconsistent at times. ²³
• Some users state that they had to fetch reports for a more extended period, and scanning and reporting takes a lot of time.²⁴
• A user stated that Nessus could not pull asset tags itself and that they needed to set up different automation to ingest custom asset tags into the tool.²⁵

AlienVault USM (from AT&T Cybersecurity)

AlienVault USM (Unified Security Management), now part of AT&T Cybersecurity, is a platform designed to provide security management. This platform includes a range of security capabilities such as asset discovery, vulnerability assessment, intrusion detection, behavioral monitoring, and SIEM (Security Information and Event Management). AlienVault USM’s vulnerability scanner utilizes the Open Vulnerability Assessment Scanner (OpenVAS) as its scanning engine.

Reviews

Capterra: 4.5 based on 14 reviews ²⁶

G2: 4.5 based on 112 reviews²⁷

Pros

• Users argue that its central management is useful for them since they have clients in different environments. They also argue that the built-in connections with other tools are helpful.²⁸
• Users argue that the tool is easy to deploy and has integrations available to use.²⁹
• Users argue that the tool integrates with SQL, AWS, and other cloud infrastructure.³⁰

Cons

• Some users highlight the availability of the SIEM tool as a concern. Arguing that the tool has a lot of downtime and even sometimes without prior notice.³¹
• Some users argue that, at large, the tool is heavy to manage, and servers can consume a lot of RAM.³²
• Some users argue that the tool becomes overly complicated to analyze DDoS attacks, not being very user friendly.³³

InsightVM Rapid7

InsightVM by Rapid7 is a vulnerability management tool that aims to identify risks within the IT environment. It leverages Rapid7’s vulnerability research, global attacker behavior insights, and internet-wide scanning data; it also integrates with Rapid7’s Metasploit for exploit validation. The platform offers features such as live monitoring and cloud, virtual, and container asset assessments, making it a versatile tool for dynamic IT landscapes.

Reviews

Capterra: 4.4 based on 17 reviews.³⁴

G2: 4.4 based on 77 reviews.³⁵

Pros

• Users argue that the tool’s agent-based platform is useful for them as they can conveniently focus on their enhancements and take care of the underlying dependencies.³⁶
• Users argue that the tool makes it evident where the weaknesses are and what needs to be given top priority, stating that it is highly helpful for the vulnerability and patch management team.³⁷
• Users state that the real risk score-based approach, agent and engine, assisted SCCM patching, hardening check, remediation projects, and SLAs are optimal. ³⁸

Cons

• Some users argue that memory consumption is sometimes high.³⁹
• Some users argue that the GUI is immature and inconsistent and that the query builder is limited. ⁴⁰
• Users argue that some bugs in complex vulnerability checks sometimes take a long time to be fixed. They also state that It can be challenging to set up reports to be concise.⁴¹

What are the core features of vulnerability scanning tools?

All vulnerability scanning solutions in this list and most solutions in its adjacent area application security tools offer these features:

On-Prem Deployment

On-premises deployments are crucial for vulnerability scanning tools because they offer enhanced security, control, and privacy, which are essential for effectively identifying and managing vulnerabilities within an organization’s network. By hosting the tools on the organization’s own infrastructure, sensitive data doesn’t need to leave the premises, reducing the risk of exposure during external transmission.

Additionally, on-prem solutions allow for deeper integration with internal systems and customization to meet specific security requirements, providing a more thorough and tailored assessment of potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors.

Zero-Day Vulnerability Database

A core feature of any vulnerability scanning tool is its database of known vulnerabilities. This database should be extensive and regularly updated to include the latest vulnerabilities discovered across various systems, applications, and networks. The database serves as the foundation for the tool to identify and assess potential security risks within the scanned environment.

For vulnerability scanning tools, a zero-day vulnerability database is crucial as it significantly enhances their effectiveness in detecting and protecting against the latest, previously unknown threats. These tools rely on extensive and up-to-date databases to identify vulnerabilities within systems.

SQL injection detection

Vulnerability scanning tools equipped with SQL injection detection can identify weak points in web applications where SQLi could be executed, enabling developers and security teams to remediate these vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

XSS Detection

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) detection is crucial for vulnerability scanning tools because XSS attacks remain one of the most prevalent and damaging web application security threats. By identifying XSS vulnerabilities, scanning tools help prevent attackers from injecting malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, leading to various risks such as data theft, session hijacking, and website defacement. Timely detection and mitigation of XSS vulnerabilities ensure the integrity and security of web applications, safeguarding both users and organizations from potential exploitation and damage.

Automated Scanning and Scheduling

These tools typically offer automated scanning including dynamic application security testing capabilities, allowing users to schedule scans at regular intervals or during low-traffic periods to minimize impact on system performance. Automation ensures that the environment is regularly checked for vulnerabilities without the need for manual intervention, helping to maintain a consistent security posture over time.

Risk-Based Prioritization

After identifying vulnerabilities, the tool should assess and prioritize them based on the potential impact and likelihood of exploitation. This feature helps organizations focus their efforts on mitigating the most critical vulnerabilities first, effectively using their resources to address the highest risks to their environment.

Reporting and Remediation Guidance

Vulnerability scanning tools usually provide detailed reports that not only list the vulnerabilities found but also offer insights into their nature, potential impact, and suggestions for remediation. These reports should be clear and actionable, enabling IT and security teams to understand the risks and take appropriate steps to mitigate them.

Integration

A key feature of modern vulnerability scanning tools is the ability to integrate with other security and IT management solutions, such as patch management systems, Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools, and incident response platforms. Integration enhances the overall security ecosystem, allowing for more efficient vulnerability management and response processes.

What are the differentiating features, and why are they important?

WAF Integration

Integrating Web Application Firewalls (WAF) with vulnerability scanning tools is a valuable feature because it combines real-time threat mitigation with deep vulnerability assessment, creating a proactive and reactive security stance.

This integration enables automatic updating of security rules based on identified vulnerabilities, enhancing the ability to block sophisticated attacks. It ensures comprehensive coverage by protecting against immediate threats while identifying and fixing underlying vulnerabilities, thereby improving the overall security posture and compliance with regulatory standards. This synergy between WAF and vulnerability scanning tools provides a dynamic, adaptive defense mechanism that is crucial for safeguarding web applications against evolving threats.

OAuth 2.0 Integration

OAuth 2.0 integration is important for vulnerability scanning tools as it provides standardized, secure access to external resources without exposing user credentials. By supporting OAuth 2.0, these tools can authenticate securely with various services and APIs, ensuring comprehensive scanning, accurate web application assessments, and compliance with security standards while mitigating the risk of credential exposure.

Integration with SIEM tools

Integration with SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tools is vital for vulnerability scanning tools due to its ability to streamline security operations and enhance threat detection and response. By integrating with SIEM platforms, vulnerability scanners can provide real-time data on identified vulnerabilities and potential threats, enabling security teams to correlate this information with other security events and contextual data. This integration facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of the security posture, enabling proactive measures to mitigate risks effectively. Moreover, it fosters efficient incident response by providing actionable insights and enabling automated responses to emerging threats, ultimately strengthening the overall security posture of an organization.

Ticketing tools integrations

Integration with ticketing tools is crucial for vulnerability scanning tools as it facilitates seamless communication and collaboration between security teams and IT operations. By automatically generating tickets for identified vulnerabilities, these integrations ensure that issues are promptly assigned, tracked, and resolved within established workflows. This streamlines the remediation process, reducing the time to mitigate vulnerabilities and minimizing potential security risks. Furthermore, integrated ticketing systems enable better prioritization of tasks, ensuring that critical vulnerabilities are addressed with urgency while optimizing resource allocation. Overall, this integration enhances efficiency, transparency, and accountability in managing vulnerabilities, ultimately strengthening the security posture of organizations.

Deployment options

Deployment options such as on-premises and cloud are vital for vulnerability scanning tools as they cater to the diverse needs and preferences of organizations. Offering flexibility in deployment allows businesses to choose the option that aligns best with their infrastructure, security policies, and compliance requirements. On-premises deployments are favored by organizations with strict data sovereignty or regulatory constraints, providing them with full control over their security environment. Conversely, cloud-based deployments offer scalability, accessibility, and ease of maintenance, appealing to organizations seeking cost-effective and agile solutions. By providing a range of deployment options, vulnerability scanning tools ensure that organizations can effectively integrate security measures into their existing workflows while adapting to evolving business needs and technological advancements.

Further reading:

• Top API Security Tools
• Top Application Security Tools
• Top DAST tools

If you have further questions, reach us.

External Links

• 1. “State of Application Security” Forrester
• 2. “Invicti”. Capterra
• 3. “Invicti”. G2
• 4. “Invicti Review by Amr Abdelnaser ” PeerSpot
• 5. “Invicti Review by Akshay Waghmere” PeerSpot
• 6. “Invicti Review by Berk Onur” PeerSpot
• 7. “Invicti Review by Akshay Waghmere” PeerSpot
• 8. “Invicti Review by Amr Abdelnaser ” PeerSpot
• 9. “Invicti Review by Berk Onur” PeerSpot
• 10. “PortSwigger” Capterra
• 11. “PortSwigger” G2
• 12. “PortSwigger Review by Jyoti B.” PeerSpot
• 13. “PortSwigger Review by Akash K.” PeerSpot
• 14. “PortSwigger Review by Hie H.” PeerSpot
• 15. “PortSwigger Reviews Jose Antonio B.” G2
• 16. “PortSwigger Review 127717” PeerSpot
• 17. “PortSwigger Reviews by Anjalee A.” G2
• 18. “Nessus” Capterra
• 19. “Tenable Nessus” G2
• 20. “Tenable Nessus Review 8655293” G2
• 21. “Tenable Nessus Review 8641911” G2
• 22. “Tenable Nessus Review 8100291” G2
• 23. “Tenable Nessus Review 8655293” G2
• 24. “Tenable Nessus Review 8374769” G2
• 25. “Tenable Nessus Review 8641911” G2
• 26. “AlienVault USM” Capterra
• 27. “AlienVault USM” G2
• 28. “AlientVault USM by Chris E.“G2
• 29. “AlientVault USM by Javier A.“G2
• 30. “AlientVault USM by a Verified User in E-Learning.“G2
• 31. “AlientVault USM by Nisarg S.“G2
• 32. “AlientVault USM by Javier A.“G2
• 33. “AlientVault USM by a Verified User in E-Learning.“G2
• 34. “InsightVM” Capterra
• 35. “InsightVM (Nexpose)” G2
• 36. “InsightVM Review by Ravi C.” G2
• 37. “InsightVM Review by Mayank J.” G2
• 38. “InsightVM Review by René T.” G2
• 39. “InsightVM Review by Pranay M.” G2
• 40. “InsightVM Review by René T.” G2
• 41. “InsightVM Review by Rick H.” G2