Optimizing Host Discovery Methods

Change

Nessus supports multiple methods of host discovery, including TCP ping, ICMP ping, and ARP. Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) is the default host discovery method for targets on the local network. On a typical network, it converts an IP address into a physical (MAC) address.

When a target is on the same network as Nessus, a failed ARP ping is considered definitive, and other ping methods are not tried. Some networks (e.g. some cloud environments) suppress ARP broadcasts and handle responses differently. This plugin will be modified to support these environments, allowing successful ARP pings.

Impact

Customers who have been scanning a local network that suppresses ARP broadcasts may discover additional targets.

Plugin

10180 - Ping the remote host

Target Release Date

July 1 2019

Additional Notes

None

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Tenable Research Release Highlights are posted in advance of significant new releases or updates to existing plugins or audit files that are important for early customer notification.