Exploring the Landscape of Website Vulnerability Scanners: A Comprehensive Review and Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This chapter provides a comprehensive analysis of web application vulnerability scanners, examining their characteristics, effectiveness, and implications for web security. Through a synthesis of findings from various studies, the chapter explores the distinctions between open-source and commercial scanners; evaluates their detection capabilities, scanning methodologies, performance, and scalability; and analyzes their accuracy and propensity for false positives. The chapter concludes with recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness and accessibility of vulnerability scanners and emphasizes the importance of continued investment in research and collaboration to address evolving security challenges.