Building a Vulnerability Scanner with OpenVAS: A Step-by-Step Guide

In today’s digitally driven world, securing IT infrastructures from cyber threats is more critical than ever. One of the most effective ways to identify and mitigate security weaknesses is through vulnerability scanning. OpenVAS (Open Vulnerability Assessment System) is a powerful open-source tool that helps ethical hackers and cybersecurity professionals scan systems for vulnerabilities. If you're passionate about mastering these tools, enrolling in a Cyber Security Classes in Dubai can provide you with the foundational and advanced skills needed to protect networks and applications effectively.

This blog will guide you through the process of setting up and using OpenVAS to build a functional vulnerability scanner, ideal for beginners and intermediate-level security enthusiasts.

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What is OpenVAS?

OpenVAS is a full-featured vulnerability scanner developed and maintained by Greenbone Networks. It offers:

• A regularly updated feed of vulnerability tests (over 50,000 security checks)

• A web-based user interface (Greenbone Security Assistant)

• Scanning, reporting, and task scheduling functionalities

• Support for authenticated and unauthenticated scans

OpenVAS is widely used in the cybersecurity community as a free alternative to commercial tools like Nessus and Qualys.

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Why Use OpenVAS for Vulnerability Scanning?

OpenVAS provides several advantages:

✅ Open Source and Free – No licensing fees.
✅ Regular Updates – Access to updated vulnerability definitions.
✅ Flexible Configurations – Customize scans to fit your environment.
✅ Comprehensive Reporting – Generate detailed reports for remediation.

Whether you're securing enterprise networks or learning penetration testing techniques, OpenVAS is an essential tool.

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Prerequisites for Setting Up OpenVAS

Before you start building your OpenVAS vulnerability scanner, ensure that:

🔹 You have a Linux-based server (Ubuntu, Debian, or Kali are popular choices).
🔹 The system has at least 4GB RAM and sufficient storage for scan reports.
🔹 Internet connectivity for updates.

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Step-by-Step: Building Your Vulnerability Scanner with OpenVAS

1️⃣ Install OpenVAS

Here’s how to install OpenVAS on Ubuntu (you can adjust for your distro):

bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt install openvas

Alternatively, if you’re using Kali Linux, OpenVAS is already included in the default repositories:

bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt install gvm

2️⃣ Set Up and Configure OpenVAS

Once installed, you’ll need to set up the scanner and update feeds:

bash
sudo gvm-setup

This process will:

• Create necessary users

• Update the vulnerability database

• Generate required certificates

👉 Tip: This setup can take 15-30 minutes depending on your connection speed.

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3️⃣ Start OpenVAS Services

After setup, start the OpenVAS services:

bash
sudo gvm-start

By default, the web interface (Greenbone Security Assistant) is accessible at:

cpp
https://<your_server_ip>:9392

Log in using the credentials generated during setup.

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4️⃣ Update Vulnerability Feeds

To ensure you have the latest vulnerability checks, update the feeds:

bash
sudo greenbone-feed-sync

Regular updates are crucial to identify the latest threats.

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5️⃣ Create and Configure Scan Targets

Inside the web interface:

• Navigate to Configuration > Targets

• Create a new target with the IP or domain of the system you wish to scan

• Choose whether you want to enable port scanning, alive tests, and credentialed scanning

Credentialed scanning (where you provide login details) offers deeper insights into vulnerabilities.

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6️⃣ Run Your First Scan

Once your target is configured:

• Go to Scans > Tasks

• Create a new task and assign the target

• Start the scan

You can monitor progress in real-time through the web interface.

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7️⃣ Review and Interpret Reports

Upon completion:

• Navigate to Scans > Reports

• View detailed results, including detected vulnerabilities, CVSS scores, and recommended actions

You can export reports in formats such as PDF, HTML, and XML.

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Best Practices for Using OpenVAS

🌟 Schedule Regular Scans: Vulnerabilities emerge frequently. Set up weekly or monthly scans.

🌟 Automate Reporting: Integrate with your SIEM or ticketing systems for automatic incident creation.

🌟 Secure the OpenVAS Server: Harden the server running OpenVAS to prevent it from becoming an attack vector.

🌟 Verify Vulnerabilities: Sometimes scanners produce false positives; verify findings before taking remediation steps.

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Integrating OpenVAS into a Larger Security Strategy

OpenVAS is a powerful tool, but it’s only one part of a complete security posture. Combine it with:

• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)

• Firewall configurations

• Regular patch management

• Security awareness training

This layered defense approach ensures maximum resilience.

If you're serious about mastering these skills, enrolling in an Cyber Security Professional Courses in Dubai can provide the practical experience and certifications to advance your cybersecurity career.

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Conclusion

Building a vulnerability scanner with OpenVAS is an achievable and rewarding project. With proper configuration and regular updates, OpenVAS helps identify security gaps before attackers exploit them. By integrating OpenVAS into your security toolkit, you take a proactive step in safeguarding your digital assets.