Nikto is a powerful, open-source web server scanner that is designed to detect potentially vulnerable files, configurations, and programs on web servers. Here's a summary of how Nikto is used for advanced server scanning:
Purpose and Capabilities:
Nikto is specifically developed to scan web servers for thousands of known vulnerabilities and misconfigurations. It can identify default and insecure files, outdated server software, and potentially hazardous programs running on the server.
Features:
Tests for over 6700 potentially dangerous files and programs.
Checks for outdated versions of over 1250 servers, and version-specific problems on over 270 servers.
Scans for server configuration items such as multiple index files and HTTP server options, and will attempt to identify installed web servers and software.
Customization and Plugins:
Nikto can be extended with plugins and can be customized to include specific tests as per user requirements. It supports SSL, proxies, host authentication, and more, enhancing its versatility and capability to assess complex web server setups.
Output and Integration:
Scan results can be saved in various formats like text, HTML, XML, or even directly imported into a database. Nikto can integrate with other software tools, such as Metasploit, for deeper analysis and exploitation of vulnerabilities.
Security and Usage Considerations:
While Nikto provides a wealth of information about potential vulnerabilities, it can generate a significant amount of network traffic and might be detected by intrusion detection systems (IDS). Users must operate with caution, especially on networks they do not own or have explicit permission to test.
Typical Use Cases:
Routine security audits to ensure no known vulnerabilities are present.
Quick checks following the installation of a new web server or application.
Continuous security assessments in a development environment.
Using Nikto for server scanning is a crucial part of maintaining web server security and ensuring compliance with security policies. Its comprehensive nature makes it an invaluable tool for system administrators and security professionals aiming to protect their systems from known threats.
