What type of issues can Nikto identify on web servers?

Nikto is a well-known open-source web server scanner that is specifically designed to identify security issues and vulnerabilities on web servers. One of its key capabilities is detecting version-specific vulnerabilities, which means it can assess the installed software versions on the server and compare them against a database of known vulnerabilities. This allows Nikto to pinpoint particular weaknesses that are associated with specific versions of web server software, applications, and their configurations.

For instance, if a web server is running an outdated version of a particular software that has known vulnerabilities, Nikto alerts the user to these issues. This proactive identification helps administrators understand their security posture and take necessary actions to mitigate risks.

Choices that focus on other areas, such as outdated software versions in general or malware infections, do not fully capture the comprehensive nature of Nikto’s scanning capabilities. While outdated software might be a part of what Nikto identifies, its primary strength lies in the direct correlation between specific software versions and known vulnerabilities, rather than only broadly identifying they are outdated or recognizing anomalies in network traffic.