Nmap Scripting Engine

Perform a Script Scan Using Default Scripts (-sC)

Explanation: This runs a script scan using Nmap's default set of scripts, equivalent to --script=default.

nmap -sC <target>

Run Specific Scripts (--script <filename>|<category>|<directory>/|<expression>[,...])

Explanation: This option allows you to run specific scripts by filename, category, or directory. You can use expressions to select scripts more precisely.

nmap --script "http-*" <target>

Provide Arguments to Scripts (--script-args <n1>=<v1>,<n2>=<v2>,...)

Explanation: This allows you to pass arguments to NSE scripts in the form of name=value pairs.

nmap --script-args "user=foo,pass=bar" --script http-brute <target>

Load Arguments from a File (--script-args-file <filename>)

Explanation: This loads arguments to scripts from a file instead of passing them directly on the command line.

nmap --script-args-file /path/to/args.txt <target>

Show Help for Scripts (--script-help <filename>|<category>|<directory>|<expression>|all[,...])

Explanation: This shows help for specific scripts or categories, providing details like their descriptions and usage.

nmap --script-help default <target>

Trace Script Activity (--script-trace)

Explanation: This option prints detailed communication data for scripts, including both incoming and outgoing packets.

nmap --script-trace -sC <target>

Update the Script Database (--script-updatedb)

Explanation: This updates the Nmap script database, which is necessary if you add, remove, or modify NSE scripts.

nmap --script-updatedb