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Nessus

Interact with the Nessus API

Actions17

Overview

This node integrates with the Nessus vulnerability scanner API, allowing users to manage and control scans programmatically within n8n workflows. Specifically, the "Pause" operation under the "Scan" resource lets you pause a running scan by specifying its name or ID. This is useful in scenarios where you need to temporarily halt a scan due to network load, maintenance windows, or other operational reasons without stopping or canceling it entirely.

Practical examples:

  • Pausing a long-running vulnerability scan during peak business hours to reduce network impact.
  • Temporarily halting a scan if suspicious activity is detected, then resuming later.
  • Automating scan lifecycle management by pausing and resuming scans based on external triggers.

Properties

Name Meaning
Scan Name or ID Select the scan to operate on. You can choose from a list of existing scans or specify an ID via expression.

Output

The output JSON contains the response from the Nessus API related to the pause action on the specified scan. Typically, this will include confirmation details about the paused scan status or any relevant metadata returned by the API.

No binary data output is produced by this operation.

Example output structure (simplified):

{
  "status": "paused",
  "scanId": 12345,
  "message": "Scan has been successfully paused"
}

Dependencies

  • Requires an active connection to the Nessus API using an API key credential configured in n8n.
  • The node depends on the NessusApi helper class for making authenticated requests to the Nessus service.
  • Proper permissions on the Nessus server are required to pause scans.

Troubleshooting

  • Common issues:

    • Invalid or expired API credentials may cause authentication failures.
    • Specifying a scan ID that does not exist or is not currently running will result in errors.
    • Network connectivity problems between n8n and the Nessus server can cause request timeouts.

  • Error messages:

    • "Failed to load scans": Indicates inability to retrieve scan list; check API credentials and network.
    • "Scan not found" or similar: Verify the scan ID or name is correct and exists.
    • "Unauthorized" or "Authentication failed": Check API key validity and permissions.

  • Resolution tips:

    • Ensure the API key credential is correctly set up and has sufficient privileges.
    • Confirm the scan is in a state that can be paused (e.g., currently running).
    • Test connectivity to the Nessus API endpoint outside n8n to rule out network issues.

Links and References

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