GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies Practice Test

What tool is commonly used to test web applications for vulnerabilities?

1. Nmap

2. A scanner

3. A Vulnerability Scanner

4. Firewall configurations

The correct answer is: A Vulnerability Scanner

A Vulnerability Scanner is specifically designed to identify and assess security vulnerabilities within web applications and other software systems. These tools automate the process of testing applications for weaknesses, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and misconfigurations, which can be exploited by attackers. The scanner typically works by sending various inputs to the web application and analyzing the responses to uncover potential security flaws. While tools like Nmap can perform network scanning and reconnaissance, they are not tailored specifically for testing web application vulnerabilities. Similarly, although the term "a scanner" is somewhat vague, it generally does not imply a tool designed specifically for web applications. Firewalls focus on network security by monitoring and controlling incoming and outgoing network traffic, and they do not inherently test web applications for vulnerabilities. This makes a Vulnerability Scanner the most appropriate choice for identifying potential weaknesses in web applications, as it is equipped with features and signifiers tailored for that purpose.