Learn
LoginRegister
← All tools

OpenVAS / Greenbone

Tool manual · Kali & common usage

Containers · Intermediate · Containers lane

IntermediateVulnerability Scanner
Authorized usage only. Capture and inspect traffic only on systems and networks you own or have written permission to analyze.

What is OpenVAS / Greenbone?

OpenVAS/Greenbone is an open-source vulnerability scanner for network/service CVEs.

Authenticated/unauthenticated vuln scanning in enterprise labs.

Official website: OpenVAS / Greenbone · Documentation

When do you use it?

  • You need Open-source vulnerability scanning.
  • You are following a CYNARKS lab or authorized engagement that calls for OpenVAS / Greenbone.
  • You already tried simpler checks and need this tool’s deeper capability.

Who uses it?

  • Cloud security engineers
  • DevSecOps
  • Platform / SRE security

How do you use it? (typical flow)

  1. Install OpenVAS / Greenbone using the steps below (prefer Kali package or official installer).
  2. Confirm you have authorization for the target (lab VM, own system, or written scope).
  3. Run --help / man (or the Help section) to see current flags for your version.
  4. Start with a safe example from Basic commands against localhost or an authorized lab target.
  5. Record what you ran, what you observed, and any follow-up (filter, report, remediation).

Help & manual (like man / --help)

Every serious tool has a built-in way to look up flags. Learn these first so you are not stuck memorizing every option.

  1. 1. Docs

    https://greenbone.github.io/docs/

Kali Linux

Heavier stack — often separate VM; not a tiny Kali default binary.

1. Installation

OSInstallation
Kali LinuxHeavier stack — often separate VM; not a tiny Kali default binary.
OfficialSee official docs: https://greenbone.github.io/docs/

2. Basic commands

  1. 1. Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

    gvm-start

    Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

  2. 2. Show help

    gvm-start --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. 3. Short help

    gvm-start -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. 4. List all options

    --help / -h

    List all options

Options / flags

OptionPurpose
--help / -hList all options

5. Useful features

  • Core workflow and interface
  • Reading and interpreting output
  • Key configuration options
  • Integrating into a professional workflow

6. Practical examples

  1. Example 1: Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

    gvm-start

    Safe example against your own lab data or localhost

  2. Example 2: Show help

    gvm-start --help

    List flags for your installed version (same habit as man/--help).

  3. Example 3: Short help

    gvm-start -h

    Alternate help flag when supported.

  4. Example 4: List all options

    --help / -h

    List all options

7. Important notes

  • OpenVAS / Greenbone is used by professionals for legitimate defense, testing and research.
  • Authorized targets only — labs, systems you own, or written permission.
  • Prefer reading --help / man / official docs for your installed version; flags change over time.

Related course: cloud security · devsecops · Commands: /commands#docker