A Step-by-Step Guide to Installing and Using OpenVAS in Kali Linux

In today's digital age, ensuring the security of your system is of utmost importance. With cyber threats becoming more sophisticated and prevalent, it is crucial to have a robust vulnerability scanning tool that can identify potential weaknesses in your system. OpenVAS, short for Open Vulnerability Assessment System, is a popular choice among cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Kali Linux, a Debian-based Linux distribution, is widely recognized as the go-to operating system for penetration testing and ethical hacking. It comes pre-installed with a plethora of powerful tools, including OpenVAS. This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive walkthrough of the installation process and usage of OpenVAS in Kali Linux.

Before diving into the installation process, let's take a moment to understand what vulnerability scanning is and why it is essential. Vulnerability scanning involves systematically identifying and assessing potential security flaws in a system, network, or application. By conducting vulnerability scans, you can proactively identify weaknesses and take appropriate measures to mitigate them before malicious actors exploit them.

OpenVAS is an open-source vulnerability scanner that is widely used for its effectiveness and ease of use. It is capable of scanning various types of targets, including servers, network devices, and web applications. OpenVAS employs a combination of active and passive scanning techniques to identify vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and other security issues.

Throughout this guide, we will cover the installation process of OpenVAS in Kali Linux, including any necessary dependencies and configurations. We will also explore the different scanning options and customization features available in OpenVAS. By the end of this guide, you will have a solid understanding of how to install and use OpenVAS effectively to enhance the security of your system.

So, without further ado, let's get started with the installation process of OpenVAS in Kali Linux!

Step 1: Install Kali Linux

If you haven't already, the first step is to install Kali Linux on your system. Kali Linux is a Debian-based distribution that is specifically designed for penetration testing and digital forensics. You can download the latest version of Kali Linux from the official website and follow the installation instructions provided.

Before you begin the installation process, it's important to ensure that your system meets the minimum requirements for running Kali Linux. These requirements include a minimum of 20 GB of free disk space, at least 2 GB of RAM, and a 64-bit processor. Additionally, you will need a reliable internet connection in order to download the necessary files during the installation process.

Once you have verified that your system meets the requirements, you can proceed with the installation. The installation process for Kali Linux is relatively straightforward and is similar to installing any other operating system. You will need to create a bootable USB or DVD using the downloaded ISO file, and then boot your system from the USB or DVD.

During the installation process, you will be prompted to select your language, time zone, and keyboard layout. You will also need to create a username and password for your Kali Linux system. It is important to choose a strong password to ensure the security of your system.

After the installation is complete, you will need to restart your system and log in with the username and password you created. Once you have logged in, you will have access to the full range of tools and features that Kali Linux has to offer.

It is worth noting that Kali Linux is a powerful tool that should be used responsibly and ethically. It is intended for use by security professionals and should not be used for any illegal activities. It is important to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations in your jurisdiction regarding the use of penetration testing tools before using Kali Linux.

In conclusion, installing Kali Linux is the first step towards harnessing the power of this versatile penetration testing and digital forensics tool. By following the installation instructions provided by the official website, you can have Kali Linux up and running on your system in no time. Remember to use Kali Linux responsibly and ethically, and always comply with the laws and regulations in your jurisdiction.

Step 2: Update and Upgrade

Once you have Kali Linux installed, it's important to keep your system up to date. Open a terminal and run the following commands:

sudo apt update
sudo apt upgrade

These commands will update the package lists and upgrade any outdated packages on your system.

Updating and upgrading your Kali Linux system is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that you have access to the latest security patches and bug fixes. The developers of Kali Linux constantly release updates to address any vulnerabilities or issues that may have been discovered. By regularly updating your system, you can stay protected from potential threats and keep your data secure.

Additionally, updating and upgrading your system allows you to benefit from the latest features and improvements. As the Kali Linux community continues to grow and evolve, new tools and functionalities are introduced. By keeping your system up to date, you can take advantage of these advancements and enhance your overall experience with Kali Linux.

Furthermore, updating and upgrading your system can help optimize its performance. Outdated packages can sometimes lead to compatibility issues or performance bottlenecks. By regularly updating and upgrading your system, you ensure that all the components and dependencies are in sync, resulting in a smoother and more efficient operation.

It's worth noting that the update command retrieves the latest package lists from the software repositories. These repositories serve as online libraries that contain all the available software packages for Kali Linux. By running the update command, you ensure that your system is aware of all the latest software releases and updates.

The upgrade command, on the other hand, installs the latest versions of the packages that are already installed on your system. It checks for any updates and upgrades them accordingly. This ensures that your system is running the most recent versions of all the software packages, providing you with the latest features, bug fixes, and security enhancements.

It's important to note that the update and upgrade commands require administrative privileges, hence the use of the sudo command. This ensures that only authorized users can perform system-wide updates and upgrades, protecting the integrity of your system.

In conclusion, updating and upgrading your Kali Linux system is a crucial step in maintaining its security, performance, and functionality. By regularly running the update and upgrade commands, you can ensure that your system is up to date with the latest software releases, and you can enjoy a smooth and secure experience with Kali Linux.

Step 3: Install OpenVAS

Now it's time to install OpenVAS. Open a terminal and run the following command:

sudo apt install openvas

This command will install the OpenVAS package along with its dependencies. Depending on your internet connection, this may take a few minutes.

During the installation process, you may be prompted to enter your password. This is because the command requires administrative privileges to install the software on your system. After entering your password, the installation will begin.

OpenVAS is a powerful vulnerability scanning tool that is widely used by security professionals to identify potential weaknesses in a system. It is designed to scan networks, servers, and applications for known vulnerabilities and provide detailed reports on any issues found.

Once the installation is complete, you can access OpenVAS through the command line or a web interface. The web interface provides a user-friendly dashboard where you can configure and manage scans, view scan results, and generate reports.

Before you can start using OpenVAS, you will need to set up a user account and configure the necessary settings. This includes configuring the target for scanning, setting up scan schedules, and configuring email notifications for scan results.

OpenVAS also offers a wide range of scanning options and customization features. You can choose to perform a full system scan, scan specific ports or services, or even perform authenticated scans to identify vulnerabilities that can only be detected with privileged access.

It is important to regularly update and maintain OpenVAS to ensure that you have the latest security patches and vulnerability definitions. OpenVAS provides regular updates that include new vulnerability checks and improvements to the scanning engine.

By regularly scanning your system with OpenVAS, you can proactively identify and address potential security risks before they are exploited by malicious actors. This can help you maintain the security and integrity of your system and protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.

Step 4: Configure OpenVAS

After the installation is complete, you need to configure OpenVAS. Run the following command to start the setup:

sudo openvas-setup

This command will launch the OpenVAS setup wizard. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure OpenVAS. You will be prompted to set up an administrator account and download the latest vulnerability data. This process may take some time, so be patient.

Once the setup wizard starts, you will be asked to provide some basic information such as the desired username and password for the administrator account. It is important to choose a strong password to ensure the security of your OpenVAS installation.

After setting up the administrator account, the setup wizard will prompt you to download the latest vulnerability data. OpenVAS relies on a constantly updated database of vulnerabilities to scan and assess the security of your systems. The setup wizard will automatically download and update this database for you, ensuring that you have the most up-to-date information.

Depending on your internet connection speed, the download process may take some time. It is essential to have a stable and fast internet connection to ensure the smooth operation of OpenVAS. Once the download is complete, the setup wizard will proceed to configure the remaining settings.

During the configuration process, you will have the option to customize various aspects of OpenVAS, such as network scanning options, email notifications, and report generation settings. It is recommended to carefully review and adjust these settings according to your requirements.

Once you have completed the configuration, the setup wizard will finalize the installation and start the OpenVAS services. You can now access the OpenVAS web interface by opening your web browser and entering the IP address or hostname of the machine where OpenVAS is installed.

Upon accessing the web interface, you will be prompted to log in with the administrator account you created during the setup process. After logging in, you will have full access to the OpenVAS dashboard, where you can schedule scans, view scan results, and generate detailed reports.

It is important to regularly update the vulnerability data in OpenVAS to ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of your scans. The OpenVAS web interface provides an easy-to-use update manager that allows you to download and install the latest vulnerability data with just a few clicks.

In conclusion, configuring OpenVAS is a crucial step in setting up a robust vulnerability management system. By following the setup wizard and customizing the settings according to your needs, you can ensure that OpenVAS is tailored to your specific requirements and provides accurate and comprehensive security assessments of your systems.

Step 5: Start OpenVAS

Once the setup is complete, you can start OpenVAS by running the following command:

sudo openvas-start

This command will start the OpenVAS services and make them available for use. Starting OpenVAS is an important step as it allows you to begin scanning your network for vulnerabilities and assessing the overall security posture.

When you run the command, OpenVAS will initialize and load all the necessary components, including the OpenVAS Manager, Scanner, and other related services. It may take a few moments for the initialization process to complete, depending on the size of your network and the resources available on your system.

Once OpenVAS is up and running, you can access its web-based interface by opening your preferred web browser and navigating to the following address: https://localhost:9392. This will take you to the OpenVAS web interface, where you can log in and begin configuring your scans and analyzing the results.

Before you can log in, you will need to set up a user account. To do this, you can use the following command:

sudo openvasmd --create-user=<username>

Replace <username> with the desired username for your OpenVAS account. You will be prompted to enter a password for the user. Make sure to choose a strong password to ensure the security of your OpenVAS installation.

Once you have created a user account, you can log in to the OpenVAS web interface using the credentials you just set up. From there, you can explore the various features and options available to you, such as configuring scan targets, scheduling scans, and generating detailed vulnerability reports.

It's important to note that OpenVAS is a powerful tool that requires proper configuration and understanding to use effectively. It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the OpenVAS documentation and best practices to ensure accurate and reliable results from your vulnerability scans.

By regularly running scans with OpenVAS and addressing the identified vulnerabilities, you can significantly improve the security of your network and protect it from potential threats.

Step 6: Access OpenVAS Web Interface

OpenVAS provides a web-based interface that allows you to interact with the tool. To access the web interface, open your web browser and enter the following URL:

https://localhost:9392

You may encounter a security warning since the default SSL certificate is self-signed. You can safely bypass this warning and proceed to the OpenVAS login page.

Once you have accessed the OpenVAS web interface, you will be prompted to enter your login credentials. By default, the username is "admin" and the password is "admin". It is highly recommended to change the default password to ensure the security of your OpenVAS installation.

After logging in, you will be greeted with the OpenVAS dashboard, which provides an overview of your vulnerability scanning activities. From here, you can navigate through various sections of the web interface to configure scan targets, schedule scans, view scan results, and generate reports.

The web interface of OpenVAS is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy for both beginners and experienced users to navigate and utilize the tool effectively. The dashboard provides a summary of the latest scan results, including the number of discovered vulnerabilities and their severity levels.

One of the key features of the OpenVAS web interface is the ability to configure and schedule scans. You can define scan targets by specifying IP ranges, hostnames, or individual IP addresses. Additionally, you can customize the scan parameters to suit your specific needs, such as selecting specific vulnerability checks or adjusting the scan intensity.

Another important aspect of the web interface is the ability to view and analyze scan results. OpenVAS provides detailed reports on each scan, including a list of discovered vulnerabilities, their severity levels, and recommended remediation steps. You can also generate comprehensive reports in various formats, such as PDF or HTML, to share with stakeholders or auditors.

In addition to the core functionality, the OpenVAS web interface also offers advanced features, such as the ability to create custom scan configurations, manage user accounts and permissions, and integrate with other security tools and systems.

Overall, the OpenVAS web interface is a powerful tool that allows you to efficiently manage and conduct vulnerability assessments. Its user-friendly design and comprehensive features make it a popular choice among security professionals and organizations looking to enhance their cybersecurity posture.

Step 7: Log in to OpenVAS

On the OpenVAS login page, enter the username and password you set up during the configuration process. Once logged in, you will have access to the OpenVAS dashboard and its various features.

The OpenVAS dashboard provides a comprehensive overview of your vulnerability management program. It displays key metrics such as the total number of vulnerabilities, the severity level of each vulnerability, and the number of assets that have been scanned. This information allows you to quickly assess the overall security posture of your organization and identify areas that require immediate attention.

From the dashboard, you can navigate to different sections of the OpenVAS interface to perform specific tasks. One of the main features of OpenVAS is the ability to schedule regular vulnerability scans. By setting up automated scans, you can ensure that your systems are continuously monitored for potential vulnerabilities.

In addition to scheduling scans, you can also manually initiate scans on specific assets or groups of assets. This is useful when you want to quickly assess the security of a particular system or network segment. OpenVAS provides a wide range of scanning options, allowing you to customize the scan parameters to meet your specific requirements.

Once a scan is complete, OpenVAS generates detailed reports that provide a comprehensive analysis of the vulnerabilities discovered. These reports include information such as the severity level of each vulnerability, recommended remediation steps, and additional details about the affected systems. You can export these reports in various formats, such as PDF or CSV, and share them with relevant stakeholders.

Furthermore, OpenVAS allows you to track the progress of remediation efforts. You can assign tasks to team members, set deadlines, and monitor the status of each remediation activity. This helps you ensure that vulnerabilities are being addressed in a timely manner and that your organization's security posture is continuously improving.

In conclusion, logging in to OpenVAS provides you with access to a powerful vulnerability management platform. From the dashboard, you can schedule scans, initiate manual scans, generate detailed reports, and track the progress of remediation efforts. By leveraging the features offered by OpenVAS, you can proactively identify and address vulnerabilities, thereby enhancing the overall security of your organization.

Step 8: Create a Target

Before you can perform a vulnerability scan, you need to create a target. A target represents the system or network you want to scan. To create a target, click on the "Configuration" tab in the OpenVAS web interface, then select "Targets" from the dropdown menu. Click on the "New Target" button and fill in the required information, such as the target's IP address or hostname.

When creating a target, it is important to be specific and accurate with the information you provide. The IP address or hostname should be entered correctly to ensure that the scan is performed on the intended system or network. Additionally, you can specify the port range to be scanned, allowing you to focus on specific services or protocols.

Furthermore, OpenVAS provides options to customize the scan based on your requirements. You can choose from various scan types, such as full and fast scans, or even create your own custom scan configurations. These configurations allow you to define specific parameters, such as the intensity of the scan or the types of vulnerabilities to be checked.

It is also worth mentioning that OpenVAS supports scanning both IPv4 and IPv6 addresses, making it a versatile tool for assessing the security of your systems and networks. This flexibility ensures that you can effectively scan and identify vulnerabilities in a wide range of environments.

Once you have filled in the necessary information and configured the scan options, you can save the target and proceed to perform the vulnerability scan. OpenVAS will use the information provided to scan the target system or network for known vulnerabilities and provide you with a detailed report of the findings.

Creating a target is a crucial step in the vulnerability scanning process, as it allows you to focus the scan on specific systems or networks and tailor it to your specific needs. By accurately defining the target and configuring the scan options, you can effectively identify and address potential security weaknesses in your infrastructure, helping to protect your organization from potential threats.

Step 9: Configure a Scan

Once you have created a target, you can configure a scan. A scan defines the parameters and options for the vulnerability assessment. To configure a scan, click on the "Scans" tab in the OpenVAS web interface, then select "Tasks" from the dropdown menu. Click on the "New Task" button and fill in the required information, such as the target to scan and the scan type.

When configuring a scan, you have several options to choose from. One important parameter to consider is the scan type. OpenVAS offers different scan types, each with its own purpose and level of thoroughness. For example, you can choose a "Full and Fast" scan if you want a quick overview of the vulnerabilities present on the target system. This scan type is less comprehensive but provides results faster.

On the other hand, if you require a more thorough assessment, you can opt for a "Full and Fast Ultimate" scan. This scan type performs a more exhaustive scan, including in-depth checks for potential vulnerabilities. However, keep in mind that this option may take longer to complete due to its comprehensive nature.

In addition to the scan type, you can also configure other parameters such as the maximum number of concurrent tests, the port range to scan, and the maximum number of hosts to scan simultaneously. These options allow you to customize the scan according to your specific requirements and resources.

Furthermore, OpenVAS provides the ability to schedule scans at specific intervals. This feature is particularly useful for regularly assessing the security of your systems. By setting up recurring scans, you can ensure that any new vulnerabilities are promptly identified and addressed.

Once you have configured all the necessary parameters, click on the "Save" button to create the scan task. OpenVAS will then start the scan process, utilizing its extensive vulnerability database and scanning techniques to analyze the target system for potential security weaknesses.

Step 10: Run a Scan

With the target and scan configured, you are now ready to run a vulnerability scan. To start a scan, click on the "Scans" tab in the OpenVAS web interface, then select "Tasks" from the dropdown menu. Locate the scan task you created and click on the play button to initiate the scan. Depending on the size and complexity of the target, the scan may take some time to complete.

During the scan, OpenVAS will systematically examine the target system for any vulnerabilities or weaknesses that could potentially be exploited by hackers or malicious actors. It will conduct a thorough analysis of the target's network, operating system, and applications to identify any security flaws.

OpenVAS uses a comprehensive database of known vulnerabilities and exploits to compare against the target system. It will check for common issues such as outdated software versions, misconfigurations, weak passwords, and insecure network services. The scan will also include an assessment of the target's compliance with industry security standards and best practices.

While the scan is running, you can monitor its progress in the OpenVAS web interface. It will display information such as the number of vulnerabilities found, the severity of each vulnerability, and any potential remediation steps. OpenVAS will generate a detailed report once the scan is complete, providing you with a comprehensive overview of the target's security posture.

It is important to note that running a vulnerability scan on a target system should only be done with proper authorization. Unauthorized scanning of systems can be illegal and may result in severe consequences. Always ensure that you have obtained the necessary permissions and legal clearance before initiating a scan.

Once the scan is finished, you can review the results and take appropriate actions to address any vulnerabilities that were identified. This may involve applying patches or updates, reconfiguring settings, or implementing additional security measures. Regularly conducting vulnerability scans is an essential part of maintaining a secure and robust IT infrastructure.

Step 11: View Scan Results

Once the scan is complete, you can view the results in the OpenVAS web interface. Click on the "Scans" tab, then select "Reports" from the dropdown menu. Locate the scan report you want to view and click on it to see the detailed results. OpenVAS provides a wealth of information about the vulnerabilities found, including severity ratings and suggested remediation steps.

The scan report will display a comprehensive overview of the vulnerabilities detected during the scan. It will include details such as the name of the vulnerability, its severity level, and a brief description. OpenVAS uses a standardized severity rating system to classify vulnerabilities based on their potential impact and exploitability.

Each vulnerability will be assigned a severity level, ranging from low to critical. This rating helps prioritize the remediation efforts, as critical vulnerabilities pose the highest risk and should be addressed immediately. The report will also provide additional information about each vulnerability, such as the affected system or software version.

In addition to the severity rating, OpenVAS will suggest remediation steps for each vulnerability. These steps are designed to guide system administrators in fixing the identified issues. They may include installing patches, updating software versions, or implementing configuration changes.

Furthermore, the scan report may include recommendations for improving the overall security posture of the system. These recommendations can help organizations proactively address potential vulnerabilities and strengthen their security defenses. They may involve implementing best practices, such as regular patching, strong password policies, or network segmentation.

OpenVAS also offers the option to generate detailed vulnerability reports in various formats, such as PDF or XML. These reports can be shared with other team members or stakeholders for further analysis or documentation purposes. They can serve as a valuable resource for IT teams, auditors, or compliance officers, providing a comprehensive overview of the system's security status.

By regularly reviewing the scan results and taking appropriate actions to address the identified vulnerabilities, organizations can significantly enhance their security posture. OpenVAS empowers system administrators with the necessary tools and information to effectively manage and mitigate security risks.