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Nessus

Interact with the Nessus API

Actions17

Overview

This node interacts with the Nessus vulnerability scanner API, specifically allowing users to export scan results in various formats. The "Scan Export" operation enables exporting the results of a selected scan in formats such as Nessus native format, PDF, HTML, or CSV. This is useful for security analysts and IT teams who want to automate retrieval and archival of scan reports or integrate scan data into other systems for further analysis or compliance reporting.

Practical examples:

  • Automatically export completed vulnerability scans as PDF reports for management review.
  • Retrieve scan results in CSV format to feed into a custom dashboard or spreadsheet.
  • Export raw Nessus scan files for import into other security tools or long-term storage.

Properties

Name Meaning
Scan Name or ID Select the specific scan to export by name or ID. Can be chosen from a list or specified via expression.
Export Format Format of the exported scan results. Options: Nessus (native), PDF, HTML, CSV.

Output

The output JSON contains the exported scan data corresponding to the selected format:

  • For Nessus format: likely a raw scan file content in Nessus proprietary format.
  • For PDF, HTML, and CSV formats: the scan report rendered in the respective document or data format.

If binary data is returned (e.g., PDF or HTML files), it will represent the actual exported report file content suitable for saving or further processing.

Dependencies

  • Requires an active connection to a Nessus server via its API.
  • Needs an API authentication token credential configured in n8n to authorize requests.
  • The node depends on the NessusApi class which handles all API interactions.

Troubleshooting

  • Common issues:

    • Invalid or expired API credentials causing authentication failures.
    • Specifying a scan ID that does not exist or is inaccessible.
    • Requesting export before the scan has completed may result in errors or empty exports.
    • Network connectivity problems to the Nessus server.

  • Error messages:

    • Errors related to loading scans or templates indicate API communication issues or permission problems.
    • "Failed to load scans" or similar messages suggest checking API credentials and network access.
    • If export fails, verify the scan status is completed and the export format is supported.

Resolving these typically involves verifying API credentials, ensuring the scan exists and is complete, and confirming network connectivity.

Links and References

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