Building a Cost-Effective Vulnerability Scanner: A Nessus Alternative

By /

Listen to this Post

Featured Image

Introduction

Naresh J, a former BlackHat infiltrator, is developing an affordable alternative to Nessus—a popular vulnerability assessment tool—offering a Tool-as-a-Service (TAAS) model. This solution aims to provide cheaper, subscription-based access to reconnaissance and exploitation tools, with flexible payment options, including cryptocurrencies.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the growing demand for budget-friendly vulnerability scanning tools.
  • Learn how TAAS models disrupt traditional cybersecurity tool pricing.
  • Explore payment alternatives like TON coin, BTC, and ETH in cybersecurity services.

You Should Know

1. Setting Up a Basic Vulnerability Scanner

Command (Linux):

nmap -sV --script=vulners <target_IP>

Step-by-Step Guide:

This Nmap command scans a target IP for vulnerabilities using the `vulners` script, which cross-references services with known CVE databases.

1. Install Nmap: `sudo apt install nmap`

  1. Install the vulners script: `sudo wget -O /usr/share/nmap/scripts/vulners.nse https://svn.nmap.org/nmap/scripts/vulners.nse`
  2. Run the scan: Replace `` with the IP you want to assess.

2. Automating Reconnaissance with Python

Code Snippet:

import os 
target = "example.com" 
os.system(f"nmap -sS -p 1-1000 {target}")

Step-by-Step Guide:

This Python script automates a SYN scan (-sS) on ports 1-1000.

1. Save the script as `recon.py`.

2. Run: `python3 recon.py`

  1. Outputs open ports, helping identify potential attack surfaces.

3. Hardening a Cloud Server

Command (AWS CLI):

aws ec2 modify-instance-attribute --instance-id i-1234567890 --no-disable-api-termination

Step-by-Step Guide:

Prevents accidental termination of critical instances:

1. Install AWS CLI: `sudo apt install awscli`

2. Configure credentials: `aws configure`

  1. Run the command, replacing `i-1234567890` with your instance ID.

4. Exploiting a Common Web Vulnerability (SQLi)

Command (Using SQLmap):

sqlmap -u "http://example.com/login.php?user=1" --dbs

Step-by-Step Guide:

Tests for SQL injection:

1. Install SQLmap: `sudo apt install sqlmap`

2. Run the command to list databases (`–dbs`).

3. Mitigation: Use parameterized queries in web apps.

5. Securing API Endpoints

Command (JWT Token Validation):

curl -H "Authorization: Bearer <JWT_TOKEN>" http://api.example.com/data

Step-by-Step Guide:

Validates JWT tokens for API access:

1. Generate a token via your auth service.

2. Replace `` and test access.

3. Implement rate-limiting to block brute-force attacks.

What Undercode Say

  • Key Takeaway 1: Affordable TAAS models like Naresh’s could democratize cybersecurity tools, but may also lower barriers for malicious actors.
  • Key Takeaway 2: Cryptocurrency payments add anonymity, appealing to ethical hackers and threat actors alike.

Analysis:

The shift toward subscription-based, low-cost tools reflects a broader trend in cybersecurity: accessibility vs. risk. While startups and small enterprises benefit from cheaper solutions, the lack of enterprise-grade support could lead to false negatives in vulnerability detection. Additionally, crypto payments complicate regulatory oversight. If Naresh’s tool gains traction, it may pressure established vendors like Tenable to revise pricing—but quality and compliance must not be compromised.

Prediction

Within 3–5 years, TAAS models will dominate the mid-tier cybersecurity market, forcing legacy tools to adopt hybrid pricing. However, the rise of “DIY hacking kits” could escalate low-skill cyberattacks, necessitating stricter KYC for tool subscriptions.

IT/Security Reporter URL:

Reported By: Naresh J – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

🔐JOIN OUR CYBER WORLD [ CVE News • HackMonitor • UndercodeNews ]

💬 Whatsapp | 💬 Telegram

📢 Follow UndercodeTesting & Stay Tuned:

𝕏 formerly Twitter 🐦 | @ Threads | 🔗 Linkedin

Related Posts: