CompTIA PenTest+ Practice Test

What software helps automate the identification of web application vulnerabilities?

1. Metasploit

2. Wapiti

3. Nessus

4. Kali Linux

The correct answer is: Wapiti

Wapiti is specifically designed as a web application vulnerability scanner, making it particularly effective for automating the identification of vulnerabilities within web applications. It systematically scans web applications for many of the most common vulnerabilities outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and file disclosure vulnerabilities. By following the standard web protocols, Wapiti sends automated requests to the web application and analyzes the responses, allowing it to detect potential security flaws efficiently and effectively. In contrast, while Metasploit is a well-known penetration testing framework, its primary purpose is vulnerability exploitation rather than specifically focusing on automated vulnerability scanning for web applications. Nessus is a comprehensive vulnerability scanner that covers a broad range of system vulnerabilities but is not dedicated solely to web applications. Kali Linux is a penetration testing distribution that includes a suite of tools, including Wapiti and others, but it is not a tool in itself for vulnerability identification; rather, it's a platform that houses various tools.