The Best Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) Tools

Although Vulnerability Assessment (VA) and Penetration Testing (PT) are both processes used to identify weaknesses in systems, networks, or web apps, they do have differences.

First, a Vulnerability Assessment (VA) scans, identifies, and reports known weaknesses. It provides a report with the classification and priority of those discovered vulnerabilities. A Penetration Test (PA), on the other hand, aims to exploit vulnerabilities to determine the level of entry. It evaluates the degree of defense.

A VA is like walking up to a door, classifying it, and analyzing its possible weaknesses. A PT is like bringing chisels, lockpicks, or screwdrivers to work on those weaknesses. VA is usually automated, while a PT is performed by a security professional.

Here is our list of the best VAPT tools:

1. Invicti Security Scanner – EDITOR'S CHOICE A robust vulnerability scanner and management solution tailored for enterprises. It can find and exploit weaknesses such as SQL injection and XSS. Download a free demo.
2. Acunetix Scanner – GET DEMO A web app vulnerability scanner designed for SMBs, but can also scale for larger enterprises. It can identify SQL injection, XSS, or more. Get a free demo.
3. ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus – FREE TRIAL A security tool that helps organizations identify and address potential vulnerabilities in their network and devices. The software uses vulnerability scanning to detect potential vulnerabilities, such as missing patches or insecure configurations, and provides detailed reports on the results. Get a 30-day free trial.
4. CrowdStrike Penetration Testing Services A consultancy service that performs white hat hacker attacks on your IT system from within your network and from external locations.
5. Intruder An automated online web vulnerability assessment tool, that identifies a wide range of threats.
6. Metasploit A robust framework with pre-packaged exploits code. It is supported by the Metasploit project with information on a massive number of vulnerabilities and their exploits.
7. Nessus An open-source online vulnerability and configuration scanner for IT infrastructure.
8. Burp Suite Pro A powerful bundle of tools for web app security, vulnerability scanning, and penetration testing.
9. Aircrack -ng A set of wireless network security assessment tools, to monitor, scan, crack passwords, and attack.
10. SQLMap An open-source penetration tool that specializes in exploiting SQL injection flaws.
11. W3af A web application, attack, and audit framework. It identifies more than 200 web app vulnerabilities.
12. Nikto A powerful vulnerability scanner for web apps, servers, and content management systems.
13. Worthy Mentions Other tools that can help in the VAPT process: Nexpose, OpenVAS, Nmap, Wireshark, BeEF, and John the Ripper.

What is a VAPT Tool?

A VAPT tool performs a VA to identify vulnerabilities and a PT to leverage from those vulnerabilities to gain access. For example, a VA might help identify weak cryptography, but the PA will attempt to decode it.

The VAPT tools scan and identify vulnerabilities, generate a PA report, and in some cases execute code or payloads. VAPT tools help achieve compliance like PCI-DSS, GDPR, and ISO27001.

The Best Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) Tools

With these selection criteria in mind, we identified some interesting VAPT systems – some of the tools on the list are more for automated scanning, while others are suitable for manual penetration testing.

1. Invicti Security Scanner – GET DEMO

Invicti is an advanced VAPT solution. It automatically scans vulnerabilities in web applications, websites, and API. Netsparker uses proprietary Proof-Based Scanning to exploit an identified vulnerability and extract sample data. This process reduces (and sometimes eliminates) false positives.

Key Features

• Accurate vulnerability scanner
• Identify and test SQL injection, XSS, and more
• Automatically evaluates dangerous vulnerabilities and proves a sample exploit
• In-depth vulnerability reporting
• Built-in tools: HTTP request builder, encoding/decoding, ViewState viewer, retesting individual vulnerabilities
• Built-in workflow and vulnerability management along with support for issue tracking systems and CI/CD

Why do we recommend it?

Invicti is capable of scanning thousands of web assets for vulnerabilities on a constant basis thanks to its dynamic and interactive (DAST + IAST) scanning approach. It can even run codes through multiple scenarios and generate streamlined reports with remediation steps.

Who is it recommended for?

DevOps teams and businesses with their individual sites and microservices can make the best use of Invicti Security Scanner. However, home users or businesses who do not have access to any web system will not benefit from this advanced security tool.

Register with Ivicti to download a free demo

2. Acunetix Scanner – GET DEMO

Acunetix is a robust web vulnerability assessment and management tool. It automatically scans web apps, sites, and APIs, and identifies their vulnerabilities. Acunetix is capable of analyzing web apps developed with JavaScript, AJAX, or Web2.0.

Key Features

• Assess more than 4,500 vulnerability types
• Pentest SQL injection and DOM XSS Threats
• Integrate tests into a company's SecDevOps
• Generate security reports which are compliant with ISO/IEC 27001, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS standards

Why do we recommend it?

Acunetix Scanner is another popular tool similar to Invicti that helps scan and identify 4500+ vulnerabilities and security weaknesses in a website. You can even run a scan on external source code with Acunetix Scanner. Another use for this package in a CI/CD pipeline is as a continuous tester.

Acunetix uses the proprietary DeepScan to analyze and map the entire website. It also uses AcuSensor Technology to retrieve a list of all the files in the app’s directory. Finally, Acunetix scans vulnerabilities with the Automated Scan Stage tool.

Who is it recommended for?

DevOps teams and businesses that need to show compliance with security standards can invest in Acunetix to scan web assets.

The Standard edition of Acunetix is priced at $4,500 and the Premium edition at $7,000 for multiple-year contracts; subscribe to download a free demo!

Acunetix Scanner Access the FREE demo

3. ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus – FREE TRIAL

ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus includes features such as asset management, patch management, and compliance reporting to help organizations maintain the security of their IT infrastructure.

Key Features

• Scans the network and devices for potential vulnerabilities, such as missing patches or insecure configurations, and provides detailed reports on the results
• Provides a comprehensive inventory of all devices on the network
• Provides guidance on addressing identified vulnerabilities, including step-by-step instructions and links to relevant resources

Why do we recommend it?

ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus console provides comprehensive coverage, end-to-end visibility, and built-in remediation of threats all in a single place. It even supports running constant scans and patches throughout the device lifecycle.

The software provides remediation guidance to help organizations address identified vulnerabilities, including step-by-step instructions and links to relevant resources. Vulnerability Manager Plus can help organizations proactively identify and address potential vulnerabilities, improving the overall security of their network and devices.

Who is it recommended for?

Small businesses can make the best from ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus thanks to its free version. Also, this package can only be used with Windows Server installed on the system; it will not work with any other operating system. On endpoints running Linux, macOS, and Windows, the patch manager can update software and operating systems.

You can download ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus completely free through a 30-day free trial with all features.

ManageEngine Vulnerability Manager Plus Start a 30-day FREE Trial

4. CrowdStrike Penetration Testing Services

CrowdStrike Penetration Testing Services is a consultancy service that provides a hacker team to test the security of any system. This bespoke service is delivered from numerous locations around the world by a distributed team of white-hat hackers. The flagship product is CrowdStrike Falcon Prevent.

Key Features

• Internal penetration testing within the network to attempt lateral movement
• External penetration testing is launched from several remote locations to try to force through access protection systems and discover exposed external systems, such as IoT devices
• Mobile app security testing and device hacks
• Web application penetration testing that includes hijacking and corruption techniques, plus classic man-in-the-middle attacks
• Insider threat modeling
• Wireless network penetration testing

Why do we recommend it?

With CrowdStrike Penetration Testing Services, you no longer have to be dependent on log files as it uses a scanning process to defend organizations against sophisticated threats and stop breaches. It is an all-in-one tool that provides endpoint protections and notifies about anomalous behavior in real-time.

A penetration testing exercise from this group can be used to test the strength of your security system as well as for the discovery of actual system security weaknesses.

Who is it recommended for?

Small enterprises might find the tool a bit expensive as penetration testing is done by external consultants. However, large enterprises or businesses with high-value assets can make the best use of this tool to check website weaknesses and prevent threats.

5. Intruder Automated Penetration Testing

Intruder Automated Penetration Testing is a cloud-based scanner that identifies vulnerabilities in your IT infrastructure. It performs proactive security audits based on databases that contain the latest threats and vulnerabilities.

Key Features

• Managed service: Intruder’s Verified service includes manual evaluation by pen testers
• Wide integrations: Cloud (AWS, Azure, GCP), Slack, Jira, MS Teams, and Zapier
• Automate vulnerability management via Intruders Rest API

Why do we recommend it?

Intruder Automated Penetration Testing allows users to automatically schedule scans for vulnerabilities and weak points in a website using predefined rules and algorithms. It offers a human-powered penetration testing service that helps simulate more complex attacks that may elude automated detection. It even sends recommendations for updating machines running on outdated software.

Who is it recommended for?

Startups, SMBs, and IT Teams with less expertise can invest in Intruder Automated Penetration Testing solutions to identify and mitigate potential risks.

Intruder can assess the security of web assets by performing SQL injection or XSS. Additionally, it can also detect weaknesses such as remote code execution flaws and poor configuration, such as weak encryption and open ports.

The price for a Standard license with Intruder starts at $108.00/month, and you can subscribe to download a 30-day free trial.

6. Metasploit

Metasploit is a powerful open-source penetration testing framework. It has become a defacto standard for exploit development and even contains a module for zero-day reports.

Key Features

• Integrates well with third-party tools
• Security Loophole Discovery
• Identifies old hidden vulnerabilities
• Large community support

Why do we recommend it?

Metasploit is a reliable penetration testing tool available in both free and paid versions to its users for discovering security loopholes and overseeing vulnerability assessments. Unlike other tools in the list, it does not scan vulnerabilities but is great for defending against large-scale attacks.

Metasploit provides the following modules:

• Exploits
• Payloads
• Auxiliary functions
• Encoders
• Listeners
• Shellcode
• Post-exploitation code
• Nops

Metasploit does not scan for vulnerabilities, it only allows you to choose among exploits and drop payloads to any target. Fortunately, Metasploit integrates with reconnaissance tools such as Nmap (Network mapper), SNMP scanning, and more.

Who is it recommended for?

Many digital security experts and IT specialists have used the free version to find vulnerabilities. However, Metasploit is not a great option for network managers as it is a bit difficult to learn. Organizations with a good budget can try the Metasploit Pro version which comes with more automation features and guidance for testing and scanning vulnerabilities.

Metasploit is available as a free and open-source tool, but you can also opt for Metasploit Pro, Rapid7's GUI version, which offers the same capabilities as Metasploit plus reporting features.

7. Nessus

Nessus is an external vulnerability and configuration assessment tool. It scans IT infrastructure, including network devices, computer systems, databases, and hypervisors— and evaluates their vulnerabilities. Nessus detects misconfigurations, weak passwords, and even zero days.

Key Features

• A vulnerability scanner
• Can be integrated into a penetration testing kit
• External scanning and network scanning

Why do we recommend it?

Nessus is free of charge and comes with a wide set of features, such as 450+ templates and vulnerability assessment tools. Additionally, you can integrate Nessus well into penetration testing tools and make the best use of it.

Although Nessus is a vulnerability assessment tool, it can integrate with PT tools Hydra THC. Nessus finds weak passwords and Hydra THC performs dictionary attacks or brute force to crack those passwords. Additionally, you can also perform Nessus scans from within Metasploit.

Who is it recommended for?

Mostly cybersecurity consultancies and large corporations are looking forward to buying this tool as it is a bit costly. It is not a suitable choice for small businesses and startup companies due to its high-cost packages.

Nessus Essentials offers a free limited version, while Nessus Professional provides a full-featured subscription starting at $2790.00/year.

8. Burp Suite Pro

Burp Suite is a bundle of tools designed for web app vulnerability assessment and penetration testing. Its combination of tools from the scanner, proxy, intruder, decoder, etc., makes Burp Suite a robust VAPT tool.

Key Features

• Scan for injections, cache poisoning, serialized objects, and more
• Use Proxy to modify HTTP headers
• Scan for OOB vulnerabilities
• Generate clickjacking attacks

Why do we recommend it?

Burp Suite Pro is also a popular tool a bit similar to Metasploit but it has a user-friendly interface for its free users and supports OOB vulnerability scans. With this tool, users can even map an application's attack surface and examine responses that take place between programs and target servers.

The most popular tool is the Burp Vulnerability Scanner, which automatically crawls web resources and audits a varying degree of vulnerabilities. Burp Intruder is also handy for carrying out automated web app attacks including SQL injections and XSS.

Who is it recommended for?

The tool comes with a wide range of services and paid features that make it a perfect solution for security professionals. Even small businesses can use its basic features and enjoy the free community edition.

Burp Suite Pro is available starting at $399/user/year; subscribe to download a fully-featured trial.

9. Aircrack -ng

Aircrack -ng is a powerful VAPT for wireless networks. It is a suite of tools with a wireless packet sniffer, WPA/WPA2-PSK key cracker, packet injection, and attacks like replays, fake APs, and de-authentication. Aircrack-ng is supported by a wide range of wireless NICs and can capture packets from different WiFi standards.

Key Features

• Capable of cracking WEP & WPA-PSK keys
• Run WiFi security audits
• Supports Packet capturing

Why do we recommend it?

The ability to operate on wireless networks makes it stand out from the rest of the tools. You can track all the transmitting devices and crack weak wireless encryption using this tool.

Aircrack-ng includes:

• Airodump-ng for racket capture of raw 802.11 frames
• Airmon-ng to enable/disable monitor mode.
• Airbase-ng a tool for attacking clients (not APs)
• Aireplay-ng to generate traffic, which can be useful for cracking keys.
• Airtun-ng to create virtual tunnel interfaces

Who is it recommended for?

There is some risk to wireless networks from Aircrack-ng, so penetration testers should use it to see if their systems are open to attacks. Also, Aircrack -ng is free and compatible with all major operating systems.

Aircrack-ng is free to download.

10. SQLMap

SQLMap is a popular open-source penetration tool used for identifying and exploiting dangerous SQL injection flaws. It comes with full capabilities tailored to taking control of databases. SQLMap can fingerprint databases, fetch DB data, access file systems, execute commands with Out-of-Band vulnerabilities, and more. SQL offers a fine-grain level of control to perform SQL injections.

Key Features

• Support of a wide range of database management systems
• Six different SQL injection modes
• Directly connect to a database with default credentials
• Powerful enumeration to extract data from databases
• Password cracking via dictionary or automatic recognition of hashes

Why do we recommend it?

The powerful detection engine of SQLMap plays a key role in SQL injection flaw discovery. With the help of these tools, users can directly connect to the database and upload files from the underlying file system of a server.

Who is it recommended for?

All Windows, Linux, Mac OS, and Free BSD users can access the open-source tool for free. SQLMap might have become an outdated tool yet useful for organizations who need to invest in a tool that helps detect and exploit SQL injection vulnerabilities.

SQLMap is free to download.

11. W3af

W3af (Web application attack and audit framework) is an open-source vulnerability testing framework. W3af is similar to Metasploit but for web applications. It effectively identifies more than 200 web app vulnerabilities including SQL injections, XSS, weak credentials, PHP misconfigurations, and more.

Key Features

• Web application scanning
• Crawl plugin for site mapping with web spiders
• Audit SQL injections and Cross-Site, and more
• Brute-force plugins like file authentication and file brute force

Why do we recommend it?

W3af supports several plugins that can help organizations enhance the features and functionalities of the tool. They can even find out all PHP misconfigurations and SQL injections using the tool.

W3af works via a set of plugins. These plugins are categorized as Audit, Auth, Bruteforce, Crawl, Evasion, Grep, Infrastructure, Mangle, and Output.

Who is it recommended for?

It is highly suitable for penetration testers and cybersecurity consultancies as they can run and perform in-depth audits for cross-site and SQL injection vulnerabilities. It might not be a great option if you are looking to detect vulnerabilities in internal systems.

W3af is open-source and free.

12. Nikto

Nikto is an open-source web application vulnerability scanner. It performs specific vulnerability assessments on servers and discovers dangerous files, outdated software, and other specific problems.

Key Features

• Vulnerability on websites using SSL (HTTPS)
• Check syntax errors in databases and key files
• Create customizable reports for PT in txt, XML, HTML, or CSV
• Export report data to Metasploit

Why do we recommend it?

With Nikto, organizations can discover multiple threats, server misconfigurations, and vulnerabilities. It even supports generating custom reports in multiple formats and exporting the data to other tools like Metasploit.

Nikto can scan a web server against +6700 risky files or programs, +1250 outdated web server versions, and +270 server versions with specific problems. It also fingerprints web servers and software and detects server misconfigurations and HTTP server options.

Who is it recommended for?

Businesses of all sizes can leverage the free tool to scan their web servers and perform vulnerability assessments. If you are looking for a tool that is capable of detecting outdated software as well, you must try this tool.

Nikto is free and open source.

13. Worthy Mentions

Below are six worthy mentions that can help in the VAPT process.

• Nexpose A robust vulnerability assessment tool. Some of the highlights of Nexpose are its risk score, remediation reports, and integration with Metasploit.
• OpenVAS An open-source vulnerability assessment and management software. OpenVAS was designed for Linux systems and includes more than 50,000 vulnerability tests.
• Nmap Network Mapper is one of the most popular scanning tools. Nmap can be used for manual VAPT, first because it lets you map the network and find their open ports.
• Wireshark A network protocol analyzer. Wireshark captures packets going through an interface and provides detailed information about those packets.
• BeEF Browser Exploitation Framework Project is designed to exploit web browsers with vulnerabilities and use them to launch attacks.
• John the Ripper An open-source tool that cracks passwords. It can perform dictionary attacks, brute force, or use rainbow tables to attempt to gain access.

Conclusion

The tools in this post help perform Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT). Tools like Invicti, Acunetix, and Intruder can assess vulnerabilities and provide a robust Pen Test report. Netsparker goes beyond by automatically evaluating dangerous vulnerabilities and proving a sample exploit.

Metasploit, W3af, Nessus, Burp Suite Pro, and Nikto are fantastic sets of tools that can help with VA and PT at the same time. SQLMap and Aircrack-ng are niche VAPT tools specific to databases and wireless.

Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) FAQs