performing-authenticated-vulnerability-scan

Authenticated (credentialed) vulnerability scanning uses valid system credentials to log into target hosts and perform deep inspection of installed software, patches, configurations, and security sett. Use when working with performing authenticated vulnerability scan.

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Repository: oyi77/1ai-skills
Last source activity: July 31, 2026 at 15:22
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name	performing-authenticated-vulnerability-scan
description	Authenticated (credentialed) vulnerability scanning uses valid system credentials to log into target hosts and perform deep inspection of installed software, patches, configurations, and security sett. Use when working with performing authenticated vulnerability scan.
domain	cybersecurity
subdomain	vulnerability-management
tags	["vulnerability-management","cve","authenticated-scanning","credentials","nessus","qualys","risk"]
version	1.0
author	oyi77
license	Apache-2.0
nist_csf	["ID.RA-01","ID.RA-02","ID.IM-02","ID.RA-06"]

Performing Authenticated Vulnerability Scan

Overview

Authenticated (credentialed) vulnerability scanning uses valid system credentials to log into target hosts and perform deep inspection of installed software, patches, configurations, and security settings. Compared to unauthenticated scanning, credentialed scans detect 45-60% more vulnerabilities with significantly fewer false positives because they can directly query installed packages, registry keys, and file system contents.

Anti-Rationalization Table

Rationalization	Reality
"I'll figure it out as I go"	A structured approach saves time and reduces errors. Follow the workflow in this skill rather than improvising.
"I already know this topic"	Familiarity breeds shortcuts. Use the checklist to verify you haven't missed critical steps.
"This doesn't apply to my situation"	The patterns here generalize across contexts. Adapt, don't skip — the underlying principles hold.
"One more tool will fix it"	Adding complexity rarely solves process gaps. Master the core workflow first.

When to Use

Trigger phrases:

"performing authenticated vulnerability scan"
"Authenticated (credentialed) vulnerability scanning uses valid system credential"
When conducting security assessments that involve performing authenticated vulnerability scan
When following incident response procedures for related security events
When performing scheduled security testing or auditing activities
When validating security controls through hands-on testing

Prerequisites

Vulnerability scanner (Nessus, Qualys, OpenVAS, Rapid7 InsightVM)
Service accounts with appropriate privileges on target systems
Secure credential storage (vault integration preferred)
Network access from scanner to target management ports
Written authorization from system owners

Core Concepts

This section covers core concepts for performing authenticated vulnerability scan.

Ensure all prerequisites are met before proceeding
Follow the documented workflow steps in sequence
Record results and any anomalies encountered during this phase

Why Authenticated Scanning

Unauthenticated scanning can only assess externally visible services and banners, often leading to:

# Linux: Create scan service account
sudo useradd -m -s /bin/bash -c "Vulnerability Scanner Service Account" nessus_svc
sudo usermod -aG sudo nessus_svc

# Configure sudo for passwordless specific commands
echo 'nessus_svc ALL=(ALL) NOPASSWD: /usr/bin/dpkg -l, /usr/bin/rpm -qa, \
/bin/cat /etc/shadow, /usr/sbin/dmidecode, /usr/bin/find' | sudo tee /etc/sudoers.d/nessus_svc

# Generate SSH key pair
sudo -u nessus_svc ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -f /home/nessus_svc/.ssh/id_ed25519 -N ""

# Distribute public key to targets
for host in $(cat target_hosts.txt); do
    ssh-copy-id -i /home/nessus_svc/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub nessus_svc@$host
done

# Windows: Create scan service account via PowerShell
New-ADUser -Name "SVC_VulnScan" `
    -SamAccountName "SVC_VulnScan" `
    -UserPrincipalName "SVC_VulnScan@domain.local" `
    -Description "Vulnerability Scanner Service Account" `
    -PasswordNeverExpires $true `
    -CannotChangePassword $true `
    -Enabled $true `
    -AccountPassword (Read-Host -AsSecureString "Enter Password")

# Add to local Administrators group on targets via GPO or:
Add-ADGroupMember -Identity "Domain Admins" -Members "SVC_VulnScan"
# For least privilege, use a dedicated GPO for local admin rights instead

# Enable WinRM on targets
Enable-PSRemoting -Force
Set-Item WSMan:\localhost\Service\AllowRemote -Value $true
winrm set winrm/config/service '@{AllowUnencrypted="false"}'

{
  "credentials": {
    "add": {
      "Host": {
        "SSH": [{
          "auth_method": "public key",
          "username": "nessus_svc",
          "private_key": "/path/to/id_ed25519",
          "elevate_privileges_with": "sudo",
          "escalation_account": "root"
        }],
        "Windows": [{
          "auth_method": "Password",
          "username": "DOMAIN\\SVC_VulnScan",
          "password": "stored_in_vault",
          "domain": "domain.local"
        }],
        "SNMPv3": [{
          "username": "nessus_snmpv3",
          "security_level": "authPriv",
          "auth_algorithm": "SHA-256",
          "auth_password": "stored_in_vault",
          "priv_algorithm": "AES-256",
          "priv_password": "stored_in_vault"
        }]
      }
    }
  }
}

# Test SSH connectivity
ssh -i /path/to/key -o ConnectTimeout=10 nessus_svc@target_host "uname -a && sudo dpkg -l | head -5"

# Test WinRM connectivity
python3 -c "
import winrm
s = winrm.Session('target_host', auth=('DOMAIN\\\\SVC_VulnScan', 'password'), transport='ntlm')
r = s.run_cmd('systeminfo')
print(r.std_out.decode())
"

# Test SNMP v3 connectivity
snmpwalk -v3 -u nessus_snmpv3 -l authPriv -a SHA-256 -A authpass -x AES-256 -X privpass target_host sysDescr.0

# Create scan with credentials
curl -k -X POST https://nessus:8834/scans \
  -H "X-Cookie: token=$TOKEN" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "uuid": "'$TEMPLATE_UUID'",
    "settings": {
      "name": "Authenticated Scan - Production",
      "text_targets": "192.168.1.0/24",
      "launch": "ON_DEMAND"
    },
    "credentials": {
      "add": {
        "Host": {
          "SSH": [{"auth_method": "public key", "username": "nessus_svc", "private_key": "/keys/id_ed25519"}],
          "Windows": [{"auth_method": "Password", "username": "DOMAIN\\SVC_VulnScan", "password": "vault_ref"}]
        }
      }
    }
  }'