Invicti Security Scanner: Automate and Secure Your Web Applications

With businesses fast moving to the cyber world, web applications are gaining traction as the backbone of enterprises. From handing sensitive data to powering critical operations- these applications manage a long roster of crucial tasks. However, their prominent presence in modern businesses also make web applications vulnerable to cyber attacks. This is where organisations need to invest in a reliable application security scanner like Invicti security scanner.

What is Invicti security scanner?

Invicti (formerly Netsparker) is a comprehensive web vulnerability scanner that helps organisations automate security testing throughout the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC). The invicti scanner utilises a combination of cutting-edge technologies to identify and verify vulnerabilities, minimising false positives and saving development teams valuable time.

Key Features of Invicti

• Proof-Based Scanning: Invicti goes beyond identifying vulnerabilities. It exploits them in a safe, read-only manner to confirm their existence. This eliminates the need for manual verification and reduces false positives significantly.
• SDLC Integration: Invicti seamlessly integrates with popular CI/CD tools and issue trackers, enabling smooth integration within DevSecOps and SecDevOps workflows. This "shift-left" approach allows developers to identify and fix vulnerabilities early in the development cycle.
• Industry-Leading Scanning Engine: The invicti tool boasts a powerful black-box scanning technology that effectively detects a broad range of vulnerabilities, including those listed in the OWASP Top 10. It can handle complex applications built on JavaScript/Ajax.
• Server Configuration Testing: Beyond web applications, Invicti scans web server configurations for common security issues on various platforms - like Linux, Windows, and popular web servers (Apache, Nginx, IIS).
• Advanced Features: Invicti offers additional functionalities like manual scanning tools, Software Composition Analysis (SCA) to identify vulnerabilities in third-party libraries, and extensive reporting capabilities.

How Does Invicti Work?

Invicti employs a multi-pronged approach to web application security testing:

• Crawling and Discovery: Invicti crawls your web application to identify all attack surfaces, including web pages, APIs, and forms.
• Vulnerability Scanning: It utilises a combination of Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) and Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST) techniques to identify potential vulnerabilities. DAST scans the application from the outside-in, mimicking an attacker's behaviour. IAST works from within the application, crawling the application code and identifying vulnerabilities based on user interactions. Sign up with DataSpace Academy’s industry-leading penetration testing course to learn vulnerability scanning from industry experts.
• Proof-Based Exploitation: Once a potential vulnerability is identified, Invicti attempts to exploit it in a safe, read-only manner. If successful, it provides evidence of the exploit, reducing false positives and confirming the vulnerability's existence.
• Reporting and Remediation: The invicti web vulnerability scanner generates detailed reports that categorise vulnerabilities by severity level and provide remediation steps. This allows developers to prioritise and address vulnerabilities efficiently.

Benefits of Using Invicti

• Improved Efficiency: Automation and accurate vulnerability detection save development teams time and resources compared to manual testing or scanners with high false positive rates.
• Enhanced Security Posture: Invicti's comprehensive scanning approach identifies a wide range of vulnerabilities, including those in complex applications and server configurations. This helps organisations minimise the risk of cyberattacks.
• Proactive Security: By integrating with development tools and providing actionable feedback, Invicti empowers developers to write more secure code from the start, thereby preventing new vulnerabilities.
• Streamlined Workflows: Integration with CI/CD tools and issue trackers allows seamless vulnerability management within existing DevSecOps/SecDevOps workflows.
• Reduced Security Costs: The cost savings from improved efficiency, fewer false positives, and proactive security measures can outweigh the investment in Invicti.

Use Cases for Invicti

• DevSecOps/SecDevOps Teams: Invicti integrates seamlessly with development workflows, enabling automated security testing throughout the SDLC.
• Security Analysts: Invicti empowers security analysts to identify and prioritise vulnerabilities efficiently, allowing them to focus on remediation strategies.
• Penetration Testers: Invicti can be a valuable tool for penetration testers to supplement their manual testing efforts and identify potential blind spots.
• Compliance Management: The invicti web application vulnerability scanner can assist organisations in meeting compliance requirements related to web application security.

Limitations of Invicti

• High cost: While Invicti offers significant value, it can be a costly solution, particularly for smaller organisations with limited budgets.
• False Positives: Although Invicti boasts a low false positive rate, some false positives may still occur. However, the proof-based scanning approach significantly reduces them compared to traditional scanners.
• Complexity: Invicti offers a wide range of features and functionalities. While powerful, this can make it complex to set up and use for beginners.

Conclusion

Invicti is a powerful web application security scanner that automates vulnerability detection and verification, saving development teams time and resources. Its key strengths lie in its proof-based scanning, SDLC integration, and ability to handle complex applications. While there are some limitations in terms of cost and complexity, the benefits for organizations seeking to enhance their web application security posture are significant.
For those interested in a more hands-on approach to web application security, consider exploring penetration testing training and certification courses with DataSpace Academy.
By implementing a layered security approach that combines automated tools like Invicti with penetration testing and developer training, organisations can significantly improve their web application security posture and protect themselves from cyber threats.