Introduction :
Web Application Pentesting Tools are essential to the penetration testing process for web-based applications.
In this article, we list some of the free Web Application Pentesting Tools.
We all know very well that in the old days, hacking was quite difficult and required a lot of manual bit manipulation.
However, today, on the internet, we can find a complete set of automated test tools that turns normal hackers or security experts into cyborgs, computer-enhanced humans capable of testing much more than ever.
What is Penetration Testing?
Penetration testing is also known as ethical hacking.
Testing a computer system, network, or web application is a practice to find vulnerabilities that attackers or malicious hackers could exploit.
Penetration tests can be automated with software applications, or they can be performed manually.
The main objective of penetration tests is to determine security weaknesses.
Apart from these things, penetration tests can also prove compliance with an organization’s security policy, the safety awareness of its staff and users, and the organization’s ability to identify and combat those security errors or attacks.
Hence, to reinforce the defenses, security professionals need to build a set of tools, both free and commercial.
Some free Web Application Pentesting Tools are available, and others are not, but they all serve a purpose: the administrator must find the vulnerabilities before hackers do.
Each tool differs in its scanning methods, which security administrators can implement, and the vulnerabilities they are looking for.
Generally, some offer an unlimited number of IP addresses or hosts to exploit, while others don’t.
Some are specific to operating systems, and others are agnostic.
We are in a stage where we should work smartly.
In short, why use a horse and carriage to cross the country when you can fly in a plane?
Hence, here we have created a list of smart penetration testing tools that make the work of a modern pentester faster, better, more efficient, and smarter.
Moreover, penetration tests are sometimes called “white hat attacks,” We all know that in these types of tests, good hackers or white hat hackers try to get into the force.
So, now without wasting much time, let’s explore the list below.
Free Web Application Pentesting Tools
- Cyver Core
- Zed Attack Proxy
- W3af
- Arachni
- Wapiti
- Metasploit
- Vega
- Grabber
- SQLMap
- Ratproxy
- Wfuzz
Table of Contents
What is Penetration Testing?
Free Web Application Pentesting Tools
1. Cyver Core
2. Zed Attack Proxy
3. W3af
4. Arachni
5. Wapiti
6. Metasploit
7. Vega
8. Grabber
9. SQLMap
10 . Ratproxy
11 . Wfuzz
Free Web Application Pentesting Tools Features
Conclusion
Related Read
Free Web Application Pentesting Tools Features
| Free Web Application Pentesting Tools | Features |
|---|---|
| 1. Cyver Core | |
| 2. Zed Attack Proxy | 1. Intercepting Proxy 2. Active and Passive Scanning 3. Automated Spidering 4. Fuzzing and Brute Forcing 5.Management of Sessions |
| 3. W3af | 1. Discovery and Scanning 2. Vulnerability Detection 3. Exploitation 4. Reporting and Remediation 5.Check and Attack |
| 4. Arachni | 1. Crawler and Scanner 2. Extensibility and Plugin System 3. Multi-User Support 4. Fine-Grained Configuration 5.Pre-written scripts and analysis |
| 5. Wapiti | 1. Black-Box Scanning 2. Crawler and Vulnerability Detection 3. Extensive Test Coverage 4. Customizable Scan Policies 5.Finding of wrong designs |
| 6. Metasploit | 1. Exploit Development 2. Exploit Modules 3. Payloads 4. Post-Exploitation Modules 5.Modules for After Exploitation |
| 7. Vega | 1. Website Crawler 2. Automated Vulnerability Scanning 3. Interactive and Active Scanning 4. Extensibility and Customization 5.Not Depend on the Platform |
| 8. Grabber | 1. Website Scanning 2. Vulnerability Detection 3. Customizable Scanning Policies 4. Authentication Support 5.Scan web applications |
| 9. SQLMap | 1. Automatic SQL Injection Detection 2. Exploitation and Takeover 3. Support for Multiple Database Management Systems (DBMS) 4. Extensive Fingerprinting and Enumeration 5.Reports and Formats for Output |
| 10 . Ratproxy | 1. Passive Traffic Analysis 2. Vulnerability Detection 3. Security Policy Assessment 4. Reporting and Analysis 5.Configuration that can be changed |
| 11. Wfuzz | 1. Fuzzing and Brute Forcing 2. Multiple Injection Points 3. Custom Payloads and Wordlists 4. Output Formatting and Analysis 5.Support for multiple threads |
1. Cyver Core
When it comes to providing Pentest-as-a-Service, Cyver Core is the platform to use.
It has a cloud interface that clients can use.
The tool can automatically generate vulnerability reports from tool outputs using work process automation.
These reports may then be used to automatically generate pentest results from a template.
Better management of pentest team work is also possible with the help of customizable processes, vulnerability framework checklists, and assessment data.
Projects are entirely automated, allowing client data to auto-populate in appropriate reports, and users can create, manage, and share pentests using calendars or Kanban-style boards.
Features
- It may have enhanced cybersecurity to protect digital systems and data from hackers, viruses, and other cyber threats.
- It is the most crucial components of a network or IT infrastructure, such as computers, routers, switches, and other hardware and software.
- It could integrate with other technologies to simplify collaboration and information sharing.
- This Core might easily connect to other technologies or systems, making collaboration and information sharing more efficient.
| What is Good ? | What Could Be Better ? |
|---|---|
| Protects against cyberattacks and weaknesses. | Integration with existing systems or applications may be difficult. |
| Provides many threat detection, prevention, and mitigation techniques. | Cybersecurity solutions may slow system performance. |
| User-friendly security management interface. | |
| New threats and vulnerabilities are patched promptly. |
Cyver Core – Trial / Demo
2. Zed Attack Proxy
Web application pentesting tools like ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy) are free and open-source, and they work on multiple platforms.
An open-source and cross-platform tool for assessing the security of online applications, ZAP stands for Zed Attack Proxy.
Its typical use case is discovering several security holes in a web project while it’s still in the development and testing stages.
Anyone, from complete beginners to seasoned pros, may use Zed Attack Proxy with ease because of its user-friendly interface.
Therefore, advanced users have the option to use the command line with this security testing application.
Additionally, OWASP has recognized it as the flagship project, making it the most well-known of its kind.
One further way to stop a proxy from manually evaluating a website is to use ZAP, which is written in Java.
A online statement scanner and security vulnerability finder, ZAP is available for free and is easy to use.
Features:-
- ZAP intercepts and modifies client-web application data as a proxy.
- It actively checks web programs for CSRF, SQL injection, and XSS.
- It discreetly monitors client-target application communications for security concerns.
- ZAP’s spidering and crawling features automate application analysis via link following and page discovery.
| What is Good ? | What Could Be Better ? |
|---|---|
| Open-Source and Free | Comprehensive Scanning Capabilities |
| Active OWASP Project | Limited Browser Support |
| User-Friendly Interface | |
| Comprehensive Scanning Capabilities |
Zed Attack Proxy – Trial / Demo
3.W3af
Among the many Web Application Attack and Audit Frameworks created using Python, W3af stands out.
Testers can use this tool to identify more than 200 different types of web application security issues.
W3af is compatible with Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, and other operating systems through its command line interface. The core and the plug-ins are the two primary components of w3af.
Because it controls the process and provides functionality that the plug-ins use, the core component is able to identify and exploit weaknesses.
In addition, the plugins are interdependent and share data via a database.
Features:-
- By searching pages for directories, files, and parameters, W3af can map a web app’s layout.
- It automatically tests web apps for vulnerabilities
- It can detect and exploit vulnerabilities.
- With extensive reports, w3af shows how secure the scanned web service is.
| What is Good ? | What Could Be Better? |
|---|---|
| Open-Source and Free | User Interface |
| Active Development and Community Support | Resource Intensive |
| Comprehensive Scanning Capabilities | Limited Reporting Options |
| Interactive and Targeted Scanning |
W3af – Trial / Demo
4. Arachni
An open-source security protection testing tool, Arachni may detect security flaws within a webpage and find several vulnerabilities.
In addition, it is useful for checking the safety of online applications.
As a meta-analysis, it takes in HTTP acknowledgments from audit methods and uses them to provide insights into application security.
Features
- Arachni’s rigorous online application testing finds XSS, SQL injection, command injection, remote file inclusion, and other security vulnerabilities.
- As it crawls a web application, Arachni finds and checks pages, forms, and other components.
- As it crawls an online application, Arachni finds and checks pages, forms, and other items.
- Arachni says customers can customize scanning methods.
- You can select URLs to include and omit and configure input vectors for advanced tests to fine-tune the scan’s scope.
| What is Good ? | What Could Be Better? |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive Scanning | Login Sequence Recorder |
| Extensibility | Resource Intensive |
| AJAX and JavaScript Support | |
| Login Sequence Recorder |
Arachni – Trial / Demo
5. Wapiti
Among the many popular web application pentesting tools, Wapiti is an open-source project available for free on SourceForge.
In order to find security flaws in online applications, it does black-box testing.
Thus, it is an application that runs on the command line, and more significantly, it is familiar with the many commands that Wapiti uses.
Newcomers have a hard time passing the test, whereas veterans have little trouble with it.
However, there is no need for new users to be concerned; the official literature provides all the necessary instructions for using Wapiti.
Therefore, the open-source security testing tool Wapiti supports GET and POST HTTP attack approaches and injects payloads to evaluate if a script is vulnerable.
Features:-
- Wapiti tests the target web application in a “black box,” without seeing its source code or structure.
- It checks online apps for XSS, SQL injection, global and local file inclusion, command injection, and other security issues.
- It helps users create scan criteria for specific testing needs.
- It offers several output files, giving you more scan result possibilities.
- Wapiti may control sessions and cookies during the scan.
| What is Good ? | What Could Be Better ? |
|---|---|
| Ecological Importance | Crop Damage |
| Economic Value | Habitat Fragmentation |
| Wildlife Conservation | Vehicle Collisions |
| Nutritional Value | Disease Transmission |
Wapiti – Trial / Demo
6. Metasploit
When it comes to web application pentesting tools, Metasploit is among the most popular and cutting-edge frameworks available.
The foundational code was “exploit,” which can gain access to a trustworthy system by circumventing security measures.
Therefore, it provides an ideal environment for penetration testing as, once accessed, it runs a “payload,” or code that performs operations on a target machine.
Also, it’s applicable to online apps, networks, servers, and more.
The program’s command line and graphical user interface (GUI) are compatible with all the main operating systems, including Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
As it is a business product, nevertheless, there may be limited trials accessible for free.
To hone your Metasploit abilities, enroll in the online course Mastering in Metasploit.
Features:-
- Metasploit has several attacks targeting system and program weaknesses.
- It includes payloads, scripts or code that perform tasks on a target machine.
- Metasploit’s “post-exploitation” capabilities let you modify a hacked computer.
- Metasploit’s Meterpreter virus allows remote system control.
| What is Good ? | What Could Be Better ? |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive Exploit Database | Collaborative Development |
| Ease of Use | False Positives/Negatives |
| Penetration Testing Capabilities | Skill and Knowledge Requirement |
| Collaborative Development |
Metasploit –Trial / Demo
7. Vega
Vega is a tool for penetration testing and web vulnerability scanning that is open-source and free.
This program allows you to test the security of a Java-based web project with a graphical user interface in a variety of ways.
Windows, Linux, and OS X users can all access it.
Web applications are susceptible to a wide variety of vulnerabilities, including SQL injection, data inclusion, shell injection, cross-site scripting, header injection, and directory listing.
Additionally, a robust API developed in JavaScript is available for use with this application.
A few choices, such as the number of ways descendants, are available to you.
Features:-
- Vega automatically scans online apps for vulnerabilities.
- As a proxy server, Vega can intercept HTTP and HTTPS communication between a client and a web service.
- Active and silent scanning are possible with Vega.
- Vega’s crawler and spider follow links in the target web app to find new pages and sections.
| What is Good ? | What Could Be Better ? |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive Scanning | Reporting and Analysis |
| User-Friendly Interface | Limited Browser Support |
| Extensibility | Performance Impact |
| Reporting and Analysis: | Web Application Complexity |
Vega – Trial / Demo
8. Grabber
Grabber mainly detects certain vulnerabilities on your website; it is a web protection application scanner.
Grabber is easy to learn and use, albeit it’s not fast.
Admittedly, this web tool isn’t designed to scan large apps because it would slow down your network too much. It is designed to check smaller sites such personal blogs, forums, etc.
A “minimum bar” scanner for NIST’s Same Tool Evaluation Program is its primary goal.
Features:-
- Allows scripting or APIs to automate repetitive tasks.
- Compatible with multiple browsers and OSes.
- Handles extraction mistakes and failures.
- Protects user privacy and safety while extracting data.
- A straightforward layout makes it easy to navigate and perform things.
Grabber – Trial / Demo
9. SQLMap
An open-source penetration testing tool, SQLMap is easy to use.
Finding and exploiting SQL injection vulnerabilities in applications and hacking into various database servers are the primary uses of this tool.
It is cross-platform and works with Linux, Mac OS X, and Windows, among others, and it has a command-line interface.
Additionally, it enables the detection and utilization of SQL injection vulnerabilities in online databases.
The fact that SQLMap is free to use is the most intriguing aspect.
With its excellent testing engine, this security testing tool can withstand six distinct SQL injection attacks.
Features:-
- SQLMap analyzes HTTP requests and responses for SQL injection weaknesses in online applications.
- It can identify the database management system (DBMS), list databases, tables, and columns, and retrieve data using SQL searches from a secure database.
- It supports MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, SQLite, and others.
- Brute-force and dictionary attacks on SQLMap databases can reveal usernames and passwords.
| What is Good ? | What Could Be Better ? |
|---|---|
| Automated SQL Injection Testing | Potential for Unauthorized Acces |
| Wide Range of Features | Impact on Target Applications |
| Extensibility and Customization | |
| Detailed Reporting |
SQLMap – Trial / Demo
10. Ratproxy
To identify security flaws in web applications, you can utilize Ratproxy, one of the popular and open-source web application security audit proxy tools.
Making use of other proxy tools for security audits can be a pain, therefore we built this web application pentesting tool to fix all of that.
It can also tell the difference between JavaScript code and CSS stylesheets.
Measurement of preexisting, user-initiated enterprises in intricate Web 2.0 settings also introduces possible challenges and security-relevant design patterns.
Features
- offers a simple setup and navigation interface.
- Compatible with Linux, Windows, and others.
- Open-source software enables the community improve it.
- Security analysis is easier with regular updates.
| What is Good ? | What Could Be Better ? |
|---|---|
| Open-source | Command-line interface |
| Comprehensive security testing | Limited ongoing development |
| Scriptable and extensible | Expertise required |
| Detailed reports | No graphical user interface |
Ratproxy – Trial / Demo
11. Wfuzz
Wfuzz is another open-source tool for checking the security of web applications that you may use for free and without restriction.
Wfuzz is a powerful tool for measuring injections such as SQL, XSS, LDAP, and many more.
It can brute-force GET and POST arguments.
In general, it is compatible with a wide variety of features, including authentication, parameter brute-forcing, multi-threading, SOCK, proxy, and cookie fuzzing.
The basic idea behind a payload in Wfuzz is to inject any input into any needed field of an HTTP request.
This enables for many web security attacks in various aspects of webpage applications, such as authentication, parameters, forms, directories, headers, etc.
Features:-
- To “fuzz” a web application, Wfuzz sends many carefully planned requests.
- It allows parameter brute-forcing to locate valid inputs or exploit security flaws by changing popular values.
- It finds valid inputs or exploits security weaknesses by brute-forcing parameters.
- It enables you fuzz many parameters at once, which is important for complex vulnerabilities with many input fields.
| What is Good ? | What Could Be Better ? |
|---|---|
| Fuzzing capabilities | Resource-intensive |
| Customization and extensibility | Increased false positives |
| Integration with other tools | Risk of application disruption |
| Scriptable interface | Legal and ethical considerations |
Wfuzz – Trial /Demo
Conclusion
We believe these are the best Web Application Pentesting Tools in the open-source and internet world.
However, we have chosen all of them because they are easy-to-use and user-friendly applications.
So here, we have given all the information regarding the 10 best open-source Web Application Pentesting Tools.
What you have to do now is, try them out and see which one better suits your needs.
However, if you have any other open-source Web Application Pentesting Tools you have used and think are most suitable, please let us know in the comment section below.
We hope that you liked this post and it must have been useful to you; if so, then do not forget to share this post with your friends, family, and on your social profiles as well.
