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Installing and Configuring OpenVAS

In this lab, we'll be installing OpenVAS, an open source vulnerability scanner. Then we'll configure it to scan `localhost` and export the scan task to our Downloads directory.

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Labs

Path Info

Level
Clock icon Beginner
Duration
Clock icon 1h 0m
Last updated
Clock icon Aug 19, 2025

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Table of Contents

  1. Challenge

    Install OpenVAS.

    Run the following commands:

    • `sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mrazavi/openvas (press ENTER when prompted)''
    • sudo apt-get update
    • sudo apt-get install -y sqlite3
    • sudo apt-get install -y openvas9 (select YES when prompted)
    • sudo service openvas-manager restart

    If you are installing for a production system, you will need to run the below commands. However, it will take about an additional hour for Greenbone to download all of the data. We are not going to do this as part of the lab since it's not necessary to complete the tasks.

    • sudo greenbone-nvt-sync
    • greenbone-scapdata-sync
    • greenbone-certdata-sync
    • sudo openvasmd --rebuild --progress
    • sudo service openvas-manager restart
  2. Challenge

    Create an OpenVAS scan of `localhost` and export the task to your Downloads directory.

    1. Open a web browser on your Ubuntu lab host and go to https://10.0.0.116:4000. When prompted about an unsecure connection select Advanced, then Add Exception, then Confirm Security Exception

    2. Login with the username admin and password of admin

    3. Within OpenVAS, click on Scans, then Tasks. (You can close out the pop-up welcome message)

    4. Click on the star icon and select New Task.

    5. Fill out the following scan information:
      Name: LabScan Scan Targets: (click on the star icon next to "Target)", replace "unnamed" with "localhost", then click "Create".
      Schedule: Check the box next to "Once" Alterable Task: Mark "Yes"

    6. Click the Create button.

    7. That completes the tasks in this lab.

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