OpenVAS Scanning Using the OMP Command Line
OpenVAS scanning is a crucial method for automating vulnerability assessments. The OpenVAS command-line client (OMP) allows you to create custom solutions tailored to your scanning needs. This guide will walk you through using the omp command to set up, run, and manage OpenVAS scans efficiently.
What Is the OMP Command?
OMP (OpenVAS Management Protocol) is a command-line interface used to interact with the OpenVAS system. It offers a variety of options for managing scanning tasks, including the ability to automate scans, retrieve reports, and configure settings. One of the key features of OMP is the ability to store connection credentials securely, so you don’t need to repeatedly input them.
The Configuration File: Simplifying Connections
To make using OMP even easier, you can save your connection details in a configuration file. This eliminates the need to input credentials every time you run a scan. The default file is located at ~/omp.config and can store essential information such as:
[Connection]
host=localhost
port=9390
username=your_username
password=your_password
Alternatively, you can pass the connection parameters directly on the command line or use the --configfile option to load them from a specific file.
Key OpenVAS OMP Command Options
The OMP client offers a variety of options for detailed scan management. Below are some of the most useful commands:
-h, --host: Specify the host where the OpenVAS manager is located.-p, --port: Define the port to use for the connection.-u, --username: Your OMP username.-w, --password: Your OMP password.-C, --create-task: Command to create a scan task.-T, --get-targets: Retrieve details of scan targets.-X, --xml: Send XML-based commands to interact with OpenVAS in greater detail.--config-file: Use a custom configuration file to store connection parameters.
For a full list of available commands, simply run:
omp --help
Starting a OpenVAS Scanning from the Command Line
Now that you’re familiar with the basic commands, let’s dive into starting an actual scan. The general process involves the following steps:
Step 1: Create a Target
First, specify the target for the scan using an XML command:
omp --xml="<create_target><name>MyTarget</name><hosts>mytargettotest.com</hosts></create_target>"
Step 2: Create a Task
Once the target is defined, create a task by specifying the scan configuration ID and target ID:
omp --xml="<create_task><name>MyScan</name><config_id>ConfigID</config_id><target_id>TargetID</target_id></create_task>"
Step 3: Start the Task
After creating the task, you can initiate the scan:
omp --xml="<start_task><task_id>TaskID</task_id></start_task>"
Step 4: Get the Scan Report
Once the scan completes, retrieve the scan report with the following command:
omp --xml="<get_report><report_id>ReportID</report_id><format_id>FormatID</format_id></get_report>"
Automating OpenVAS Scanning with ZippyOPS
For businesses looking to automate OpenVAS scanning and integrate it into a broader security strategy, ZippyOPS offers consulting, implementation, and managed services. ZippyOPS specializes in DevSecOps, Cloud Security, and Infrastructure Optimization, making it an ideal partner for enhancing your OpenVAS scanning efforts. Whether you need AIOps, MLOps, or Microservices management, ZippyOPS can tailor solutions to fit your specific needs.
Explore their full range of services:
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Conclusion: Streamlining Your OpenVAS Scanning Workflow
Using the OMP command line interface for OpenVAS scanning offers a powerful and customizable solution for vulnerability management. By creating tasks, specifying targets, and automating reports, you can optimize your workflow and enhance your network security. With the additional support from ZippyOPS, you can integrate OpenVAS into a more comprehensive security strategy, leveraging their expertise in cloud, DevOps, and security automation.
For more information on security automation, watch ZippyOPS YouTube Channel.
