Nmap
Featured🌐 Network Recon · C/C++
Nmap (Network Mapper) is a free and open-source utility for network discovery and security auditing. It uses raw IP packets to determine available hosts, services, operating systems, packet filters/firewalls, and dozens of other characteristics. It was designed to rapidly scan large networks but works fine against single hosts. Nmap's scripting engine (NSE) allows users to write and share scripts to automate networking tasks, from vulnerability detection to backdoor discovery. It's used by security professionals, system administrators, and researchers worldwide.
Installation
apt (Debian/Ubuntu)
$ sudo apt install nmapbrew (macOS)
$ brew install nmapchoco (Windows)
$ choco install nmapfrom source
$ git clone https://github.com/nmap/nmap.git && cd nmap && ./configure && make && sudo make installUse Cases
- Host discovery and port scanning across network ranges
- Service version detection and OS fingerprinting
- Vulnerability scanning with NSE scripts
- Firewall and IDS evasion testing
- Network inventory and asset mapping
- Compliance auditing and security assessment
Tags
Details
- Category
- 🌐 Network Recon
- Language
- C/C++
- Repository
- nmap/nmap
Platforms
Alternatives & Comparisons
Masscan
CInternet-scale port scanner. Transmits 10 million packets per second. Asynchronous, stateless scanning.
RustScan
RustBlazing fast port scanner that pipes into Nmap. Scans all 65k ports in 3 seconds flat.
ZMap
CInternet-wide single-packet scanner. Scans the entire IPv4 address space in under 5 minutes.
More in Network Recon
Masscan
CInternet-scale port scanner. Transmits 10 million packets per second. Asynchronous, stateless scanning.
RustScan
RustBlazing fast port scanner that pipes into Nmap. Scans all 65k ports in 3 seconds flat.
Shodan CLI
PythonCommand-line interface for Shodan, the search engine for internet-connected devices.
Wireshark
C/C++The world's foremost network protocol analyzer. Deep packet inspection for hundreds of protocols.
Responder
PythonLLMNR/NBT-NS/mDNS poisoner and rogue authentication server. Captures NTLMv1/v2 hashes on the network.
Censys CLI
PythonSearch engine for internet-connected devices. Alternative to Shodan with certificate and host search.