Vulnerability Scanning: What Is a Vulnerability Scan and How It Works

What Is a Vulnerability Scan?

A vulnerability scan is an automated process using security tools to identify known weaknesses such as missing patches, misconfigurations, open ports, and outdated software in networks, systems, applications, and databases. It helps teams detect potential exploit paths that attackers could leverage.

Purpose and Importance of Vulnerability Scanning

• Proactive Security: Identifies weaknesses before attackers exploit them, reducing risks and potential breaches
• Compliance: Supports standards like PCI DSS, ISO 27001, SOC 2, and NIST by regularly running internal and external vulnerability scans
• Asset Visibility: Scanning builds an inventory of devices, software, and configurations across your environment
• Cost Savings: Early detection reduces incident response, legal, and reputational costs
• Continuous Improvement: Tracking vulnerabilities over time helps measure and raise your security posture

The Vulnerability Scanning Process

1. Scoping – Identify what will be scanned (internal or external networks, applications, databases) and define objectives
2. Asset Discovery – Map endpoints, servers, virtual machines, containers, APIs, and databases in scope
3. Tool Selection – Choose tools based on deployment models, cloud support, integrations, and ease of reporting
4. Configuration – Specify target addresses, scan depth, credentials, schedule, and speed
5. Scan Execution – Let the scanner probe systems, comparing them to CVE databases and threat intelligence
6. Analysis and Reporting – Vulnerabilities are categorized by severity; a report is generated with remediation recommendations
7. Remediation and Rescan – Fix issues, then re-scan to validate resolution
8. Continuous Monitoring – Repeat scans regularly or integrate scanning into DevOps pipelines

Types of Network and Application Vulnerability Scans

Network Vulnerability Scanning

Scans network devices and services for open ports, weak protocols, outdated firmware, and misconfigurations.

Host-Based Scanning

Examines individual systems for OS vulnerabilities, software flaws, and configuration issues.

Web Application Vulnerability Scanning

Targets web apps for flaws like SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and broken authentication.

Database Scanning

Assesses databases for weak authentication, excessive privileges, and misconfigurations.

Container and Cloud Scanning

Evaluates container images, orchestration configurations, and cloud infrastructure for misconfigurations.

Authenticated vs. Unauthenticated Scanning

Authenticated scans use credentials to uncover deeper system vulnerabilities. Unauthenticated scans detect externally visible flaws only.

Use Cases for Vulnerability Scanning Services

• Regular security assessments
• Pre-deployment checks for new systems or applications
• Integration into DevOps pipelines for build-time scanning
• Compliance documentation for PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR
• Post-incident investigations and forensics

Best Practices for Vulnerability Scanning as a Service

• Use a well-maintained vulnerability database and updated tools
• Schedule scans at off-peak times to reduce disruption
• Prioritize remediation based on CVSS scores
• Enable authenticated scanning for deeper results
• Fine-tune scanning to reduce false positives
• Track historical scan results to monitor improvement
• Combine automated scanning with manual validation or pen testing

Vulnerability Scanning vs. Penetration Testing

Feature	Vulnerability Scanning	Penetration Testing
Scope	Automated detection of known issues across systems	Manual testing simulating real attacks
Depth	Surface to mid-level using known patterns	Exploits actual vulnerabilities
Frequency	Ongoing or scheduled scans	Periodic engagements
Output	List of potential vulnerabilities	Proof-of-concept exploits and insights
Best For	Maintaining baseline security and compliance	Assessing real-world attack risk

Sources: Palo Alto Networks, Wiz

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Vulnerability scanning, whether delivered through in-house tools or as vulnerability scanning services or vulnerability scanning as a service, is a foundational part of cybersecurity. These scans automate risk discovery across networks, hosts, applications, and cloud environments. When paired with proper remediation processes and continuous monitoring, they help organizations maintain compliance, reduce exposure, and improve security posture. Request a vulnerability scanning that is included in our penetration testing package today!