Export Nessus scan results to CSV
Overview
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on exporting Nessus scan results to a CSV file. Nessus, a widely utilized security tool, provides detailed insights into system vulnerabilities which are pivotal for effective remediation. However, the native format can be cumbersome to work with, making the conversion to a CSV format a valuable step for those seeking a readable and manageable representation of the data, particularly when integrating with spreadsheet applications. Here, we will delve into the essence of Nessus scan results, provide a step-by-step tutorial on exporting these results into CSV format, explore the practical use cases for such exports, introduce Sourcetable as an alternative means for organizing Nessus scan data, and answer frequently asked questions regarding the process to empower you with the knowledge needed to streamline your vulnerability management workflow.
Nessus Scan Results
Nessus is a comprehensive vulnerability assessment tool designed to identify security weaknesses across various platforms. It is distinguished by its remarkably low false positive rate and exceptional accuracy, attributed to its six-sigma level of precision. Nessus is not only a software tool but also a type of service that facilitates in-depth vulnerability coverage, making it a crucial asset for tens of thousands of organizations.
The service utilizes its extensive database of over 202,000 plugins, with 100 new plugins released weekly, to scan for vulnerabilities in web applications, custom application code, and third-party components. Nessus efficiently finds and assesses internet-connected assets, providing more than 450 pre-built policies and templates to streamline vulnerability scans and compliance configuration. Its capabilities extend to auditing configuration compliance against CIS benchmarks and other best practices.
With features tailored for simplicity, ease, and intuition, Nessus enhances scan performance and efficiency. The dynamic compilation of plugins, customizable reporting, and troubleshooting cater to a wide range of user needs. Available in two versions, Nessus Professional and Nessus Expert, the tool offers automated scanning processes, time-saving in compliance cycles, and specialized features like external attack surface scanning. Both versions are available for a free trial and purchase, making Nessus a versatile and widely deployed security technology, capable of being deployed on diverse platforms, including the Raspberry Pi.
Exporting Nessus Scan Results to a CSV File
Using Cygwin and xsltproc Libraries
Nessus scan results can be easily managed and converted to CSV format by utilizing the Cygwin utility along with the xsltproc libraries. The Cygwin utility provides a Linux-like environment on Windows systems, which is necessary for running the xsltproc command-line tool. The xsltproc libraries are used to parse the .nessus file and transform it into a .csv file, allowing for more convenient handling and analysis of the scan data.
Steps for Conversion to CSV
To save Nessus scan results as a CSV file, first ensure that the Cygwin utility is installed on your Windows system. Then, use the xsltproc libraries within the Cygwin environment to parse the .nessus file. This process involves executing specific commands that take the .nessus file as input and output a .csv file, which can then be used for various data management tasks.
Streamline Your Nessus Scan Analysis with Sourcetable
Instead of the traditional and time-consuming method of exporting Nessus scan results to a CSV and then importing them into a spreadsheet program, Sourcetable offers a seamless and efficient alternative. By syncing your live data from Nessus directly into its platform, Sourcetable eliminates the extra steps usually required for data transfer. This direct integration not only saves valuable time but also reduces the risk of errors that can occur during the process of exporting and importing files.
With Sourcetable, you can automate the process of gathering your Nessus scan data, allowing you to focus on analyzing the results rather than on data management. The familiar spreadsheet interface of Sourcetable makes it easy to query and manipulate your data, enhancing your ability to perform in-depth business intelligence tasks. By choosing Sourcetable, you are opting for a solution that streamlines your workflow and supports a more dynamic and responsive approach to vulnerability management.
Common Use Cases
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Creating detailed reports and analyses from scan dataN
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Identifying and tracking specific vulnerabilities over multiple scansN
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Searching for particular text within plugin outputs across different scansN
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Generating trending statistics for security metrics over timeN
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Providing customers with a web-based interface to view selected scan resultsN
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I export a policy compliance scan to a readable and manageable format?
Exporting to CSV is a common task for Nessus users to create a readable and manageable format for policy compliance scans.
Why does exporting a scan to CSV not include the information needed for remediation?
When exporting a scan to CSV, the exported file will not contain the knowledge needed to perform remediation.
Can I directly export a .nessus file to CSV format?
Exporting a .nessus file directly to CSV will not work.
How can I reformat .nessus files to CSV?
Use Cygwin with the xsltproc libraries to parse the .nessus file into a CSV file.
How do I parse a Nessus file into a CSV file using Cygwin and xsltproc?
To parse the nessusfile into a csv file, use Cygwin and xsltproc libraries to handle the conversion.
Conclusion
In summary, while Nessus scan results can indeed be exported to a CSV format, users looking to include comprehensive remediation details such as descriptions, impacts, and solutions may encounter difficulties. For those needing to convert policy compliance scans with this level of detail, the recommended approach is to utilize tools like Cygwin with xsltproc libraries to effectively parse the .nessus files into a workable CSV file. However, for a more streamlined and efficient process, consider bypassing the CSV export altogether by using Sourcetable to directly import your data into a spreadsheet. Sign up for Sourcetable today to get started and enhance your data management experience.
