Nmap: NSE Scripts.

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Introduction to Nmap NSE Scripts:

Nmap NSE (Nmap Scripting Engine) is a powerful feature in Nmap, a widely used open-source network scanning tool. It allows you to extend Nmap's functionality by running custom scripts that perform various tasks during network scans.

1. Listing Available Scripts:

  • You can list available NSE scripts using the --script-help all command.
  • This provides an extensive list of scripts categorized by functionality.

2. Running a Specific Script:

  • To run a specific script, use the --script option followed by the script name.
  • Example: `nmap --script <script-name> <target>`.

3. Running Multiple Scripts:

  • You can run multiple scripts by separating them with commas.
  • Example: `nmap --script <script1>,<script2> <target>`.

4. Running Categories of Scripts:

  • Scripts are categorized based on their functionality, and you can run an entire category.
  • Example: `nmap --script <category> <target>`.

5. Service Enumeration Scripts:

  • These scripts help identify services running on target systems.
  • Example: `nmap --script nmap-service-probes <target>`.

6. Vulnerability Scanning Scripts:

  • NSE scripts in the vuln category can check for known vulnerabilities in services.
  • Example: `nmap --script vuln <target>`.

7. Banner Grabbing Scripts:

  • The banner category contains scripts that extract service version and banner information.
  • Example: `nmap --script banner <target>`.

8. Host Discovery Scripts:

  • The discovery category provides scripts for discovering hosts on a network.
  • Example: `nmap --script discovery <network>`.

9. Automation Scripts:

  • You can automate various network-related tasks using NSE scripts.
  • Example: `nmap --script ftp-anon <target>`.

10. Custom Script Development:

  • If you have specific requirements not covered by existing scripts, you can create custom scripts in Lua.
  • Place custom scripts in the nmap/scripts/ directory and run them as any other NSE script.
  • Example custom script in Lua:
-- myportscanner.lua local open_ports = {} function port_open(host, port) table.insert(open_ports, port.number) end function get_ports() return open_ports end

11. Output Formats:

  • You can specify different output formats for script results using options like -oN, -oX, or -oG.
  • Example: `nmap --script <script-name> -oX results.xml <target>`.

12. Additional Options and Arguments:

  • Nmap provides various options and arguments to customize scans, such as scan types, timing, and target specification.
  • Example: `nmap -sV -T4 -p 80-100 <target>`.
NSE scripting is a skill that requires continuous learning and experimentation to stay current with evolving security threats and technologies.

NSE scripts can be used in combination with other Nmap options to create sophisticated scanning strategies. Example: Combining service enumeration and vulnerability scanning scripts. Regularly update and maintain your NSE scripts to ensure they remain effective and accurate. After running NSE scripts, it's important to analyze and interpret the results to make informed decisions about network security. 

Nmap has a thriving community that continuously contributes new NSE scripts, making it a valuable resource for security professionals.

Always use Nmap and NSE scripts responsibly and within the bounds of legal and ethical guidelines. Unauthorized scanning of networks or systems is illegal and unethical.

In conclusion, Nmap NSE scripts are a versatile toolset that can greatly enhance your network scanning and security assessment capabilities. When using Nmap and NSE scripts, always prioritize ethical and responsible use, respect legal boundaries, and keep your knowledge up to date to effectively identify vulnerabilities and secure your network infrastructure.
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Official Documentation and References:

The official Nmap documentation (https://nmap.org/book/nse.html) is a valuable resource for learning about NSE scripts.

Nmap Scripting Engine (NSE) documentation: https://nmap.org/book/nse.html

NSE script reference: https://nmap.org/nsedoc/
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Question 1: Search for "smb" scripts in the /usr/share/nmap/scripts/ directory using either of the demonstrated methods. What is the filename of the script which determines the underlying OS of the SMB server?
Answer: smb-os-discovery.nse

Question 2: Read through this script. What does it depend on?
Answer: smb-brute

Question 3: What language are NSE scripts written in?
Answer: Lua

Question 4: Which category of scripts would be a very bad idea to run in a production environment?
Answer: intrusive

Question 5: What optional argument can the ftp-anon.nse script take?
Answer: maxlist
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Thank you for reading. 

Roger - Ozz961.

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