Re: Question on root credentials for scanning

[Nikhil Wagholikar <visitnikhil () gmail com>]

Hi Shobana,

To have access to all possible scanning/scanner options, scanner
should always be run by a privileged user. A system's privileged user
can create custom Ethernet packets that can bypass the checks that are
normally done by the operating system. With these custom "raw"
packets, scanners can build packet header combinations that can induce
unique responses from the remote stations. These responses then
provide scanners with much more information than would be normally
available to a non-privileged user.

HTH.

Regards,

---
Nikhil W.

On 22 September 2011 19:59, Shobana Narayanaswamy <snaraya () opnet com> wrote:
> Hi:
>
> I am a newbie to security and scanning. Here is my question:
>
> Do you generally need root credentials in order for the scan to produce detailed results? When I run a scan without 
> root credentials, it comes up very little info. However, when I supply
> root credentials, I get several useful reports. It appears that the scanner detects the OS version and other s/w 
> component versions only if it is provided root access.
>
> Thanks
>
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
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------------------------------------------------------------------------
Securing Apache Web Server with thawte Digital Certificate
In this guide we examine the importance of Apache-SSL and who needs an SSL certificate.  We look at how SSL works, how 
it benefits your company and how your customers can tell if a site is secure. You will find out how to test, purchase, 
install and use a thawte Digital Certificate on your Apache web server. Throughout, best practices for set-up are 
highlighted to help you ensure efficient ongoing management of your encryption keys and digital certificates.

http://www.dinclinx.com/Redirect.aspx?36;4175;25;1371;0;5;946;e13b6be442f727d1
------------------------------------------------------------------------