The Best Open-Source Security Testing Tools

Hacking activities have increased in tandem with the growth of the Internet. Every now and then, news of a website being hacked or a data breach surfaces. Hacking, like technology, has come a long way. Hacking tactics and tools have gotten more complex and dangerous, much like the digital world.

Security testing is a procedure for determining if a system secures data and performs as expected. Penetration testing, often known as pen testing, is a sort of security testing used to assess the system’s security (hardware, software, networks, or an information system environment).

1. Security Testing Tools:

Here, we have discussed various open-source security testing tools:

1.1 QARK

QARK is a free and open-source application.

It gives comprehensive information on security flaws.
QARK will provide a report on potential vulnerabilities and instructions on addressing them.
It emphasizes the problem with the Android version.
QARK checks the mobile app’s components for misconfiguration and security concerns.
It produces a custom application as an APK for testing purposes and flags any potential flaws.

1.2 Zeb Attack Proxy (ZAP)

The Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP) is simple and straightforward. Previously, it was primarily used to detect vulnerabilities in online apps, but it is now extensively utilised by all testers for mobile application security testing.

ZAP allows users to send fraudulent messages, making it easier for testers to assess the security of mobile apps. This form of testing may be carried out by delivering any request or file through a malicious message and determining whether or not the mobile app is vulnerable to the malicious message.

Features

Authentication support
Automatic Scanner
AJAX spiders
Intercepting Proxy
Web Socket Support
Forced Browsing
Plug-n-hack support
Dynamic SSL certificates
REST-based API and much more.

1.3 Google Nogotofail

It’s a tool for testing the security of network communication. It looks for known TLS/SSL flaws and misconfigurations in the application. Nogotofail is a scalable and versatile tool for detecting, repairing and repairing poor SSL/TLS connections. It determines if they are susceptible to man-in-the-middle (MiTM) assaults. It works with Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, Chrome, OS, OSX, and any other device that connects to the internet as a router, VPN server, or proxy server.

1.4 OpenSCAP

OpenSCAP is a free and open-source framework for Linux. SCAP (Security Content Automation Protocol) is a set of open standards for identifying bugs and misconfigurations in software. In addition, the scanner comes with a wide range of capabilities for scanning web applications, network infrastructure, databases, and hosts.

1.5 Skipfish

Skipfish is a web application security testing tool that recursively crawls a website, checking each page for potential vulnerabilities before generating an audit report. Skipfish is written in C and is optimized for HTTP processing while using the least amount of CPU.

Without disclosing CPU footprints, the programme promises to process 2K queries per second. Additionally, the programme claims to give high-quality positives by crawling and evaluating web apps using a heuristic method.

1.6 Browser Exploitation Framework, or BeEf

Browser Exploitation Framework, or BeEf, is a tool for finding application flaws utilizing browser vulnerabilities. It can give browser instructions such as redirection, modifying URLs, and producing conversation boxes, and it leverages client-side attack vectors to evaluate an application’s security. BeEf extends its scan circumference beyond the typical network perimeter and client system to assess where a web browser’s security system stands.

1.7 Nessus

Nessus Professional is designed for security experts who work with updates, software issues, malware removal tools, adware, and incorrect setup in various operating systems and applications.

Nessus implements a proactive security approach that detects vulnerabilities before they are exploited by hackers, as well as eliminating the drawbacks of remote code execution. Most network devices, including virtual, physical, and cloud infrastructure, are taken care of by it.

1.8 W3af

It is a framework for web application auditing and assault that is effective against more than 200 flaws. It helps to reduce the overall vulnerability of a website to harmful components by discovering vulnerabilities including SQL Injection, Cross-site Scripting, Guessable Credentials, Unhandled Application Errors, and PHP Misconfigurations. W3af guarantees that it will be possible to audit the security of a web app in under five clicks using both a graphical and console-based interface. It can be used to cluster HTTP answers and transmit HTTP requests. A secured website may utilize authentication modules to check them. The output can be saved to a file, emailed via email, or entered into a console.

Features

Blind SQL injection vulnerability
Insecure DAV configurations
Multiple CORS misconfigurations
Buffer overflow vulnerability
CSRF vulnerability and much more

1.9 SQLMap

A detection engine in SQLMap, a penetration testing tool, automates the discovery and use of SQL injection vulnerabilities. SQLMap automatically recognizes hash-based passwords and facilitates the orchestration of a dictionary-based assault to break them. It includes support for various database management systems and SQL injection techniques. It provides ETA support for each query, supports seven verbosity levels, and adds granularity and flexibility for user switches and functionality. Its enumeration and fingerprint capabilities help speed a successful penetration test run.

1.10 Retina Review

An open-source solution for web app security testing called Retina vulnerability scanner manages vulnerabilities from one central location. Patching, compliance, configuration, and reporting are some of its features.

With full support for integrating VCenter and virtual application scanning environments, it takes care of databases, workstations, servers, analytics, and web applications. It offers comprehensive cross-platform vulnerability evaluation and security, taking care of many platforms.

2. How to choose the best tools for automated pen testing

Examine how each tool performs on the following six criteria before selecting one:

Implementation simplicity
Automation level
Interoperability with current security solutions
Ability to filter out false positives.
Competent technical support and documentation
Clarity and depth of results and reports

Make sure the tool or tools you choose are still being actively supported. Additionally, it’s crucial to execute more than the software’s default instructions and scans.

TestDel has extensive experience working with clients from a variety of industry verticals and sizes of organisations, and it is very skilled in Web Security Testing. We’d be pleased to answer any questions about security testing and how it may benefit your business.