Systematic Evaluation And Model Based Selection Of Web Vulnerability Scanners: Toward A Prior Guided Assessment Framework

Abstract

The rapid expansion of web-based services, coupled with the integration of increasingly dynamic and complex functionalities, has considerably broadened the attack surface of modern web applications. This evolution introduces a wide spectrum of vulnerabilities, ranging from basic configuration errors to advanced logic flaws and injection attacks that can be exploited by malicious entities. As a result, continuous and rigorous security assessments have become a critical necessity for organizations aiming to safeguard their digital assets. Among the most prevalent methods for performing such assessments is the use of Web Vulnerability Scanners (WVS), which automate the process of identifying known security weaknesses in web environments.Despite their widespread adoption, the current ecosystem of WVS tools is fragmented. There exists a wide variety of commercial and open-source scanners, each differing in architecture, scanning strategies, signature databases, update mechanisms, report generation formats, and ease of use. This heterogeneity leads to significant differences in performance, some tools may be highly effective at identifying injection flaws but inadequate in detecting access control issues, while others may prioritize usability at the expense of accuracy, often generating numerous false positives. The absence of a standardized evaluation methodology further complicates the process of selecting an appropriate scanner for specific use cases.To overcome these challenges, this study presents the Prior Guided Assessment Framework (PGAF), a structured, adaptable, and context-sensitive model designed to assist in the evaluation and selection of web vulnerability scanners. The framework facilitates comparative analysis through key performance indicators such as detection precision, false positive rate, and vulnerability coverage, user interface quality, reporting capabilities, and scanning efficiency. Crucially, PGAF allows stakeholders, whether security professionals, developers, or organizational leaders, to assign weights to these metrics in accordance with their unique operational priorities or project needs.

To validate the framework, a benchmarking experiment was conducted involving several widely used WVS tools tested against a standardized suite of intentionally vulnerable web applications. Each scanner underwent controlled testing, and its results were evaluated using a weighted scoring system based on user-defined priorities. This approach enabled the generation of customized rankings that reflect practical usage contexts rather than relying on generic performance averages.

Findings from the evaluation reveal that the PGAF not only enables more informed scanner selection but also provides deeper insights into the comparative strengths and limitations of each tool in varying environments. By aligning selection criteria with real-world requirements and constraints, the framework enhances both the effectiveness and efficiency of web application security strategies.