nmap-scan

Scan specified targets with Nmap for open ports and services.

Updated Feb 16, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/aurainfosec/cloud-review-automation-poc --skill nmap-scan-aurainfosec
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: nmap-scan
Source: https://github.com/aurainfosec/cloud-review-automation-poc/tree/main/skills/nmap-scan
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/aurainfosec/cloud-review-automation-poc --skill nmap-scan-aurainfosec

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Nmap-scan helps you discover hosts and confirm which ports and services are actually reachable over the network, reducing reliance on assumptions or configuration-only checks.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Host discovery: Identify live targets using ping sweeps, ARP discovery, and options for environments where ICMP is blocked.
  • Port scanning & service enumeration: Detect open ports, infer service versions, and support targeted scans for security validation.
  • OS detection, NSE scripting, and automation-ready output: Run OS fingerprinting and vulnerability/script checks while producing XML/grepable outputs for parsing and security automation.
  • Use Case: Validate an AWS security group claim by running external reachability scans against public IPs/endpoints and comparing nmap results to expected allowed ports.

Quick Start

Ask for an external validation scan of a host’s exposed web services by running nmap with SYN scanning and XML output, then summarize the open ports and detected services.

Frequently Asked Questions about nmap-scan

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I scan for open ports and enumerate services on a target host?

Network scanning with Nmap detects open ports and infers service versions on specified targets. You can perform host discovery via ping sweeps or ARP, then apply SYN scanning and service enumeration to validate external reachability and exposed endpoints.

Can I output Nmap scan results in XML format for security automation?

Yes, Nmap scanning supports automation-ready output formats including XML and grepable. Generating XML output allows you to parse detected open ports, service versions, and NSE script results programmatically for downstream security validation workflows.

What is the best way to validate AWS security group exposure using network scanning?

Validating security group exposure involves running external reachability scans against public IPs using Nmap. By comparing detected open ports and services to the expected allowed ports, you can confirm whether your security group configurations actually match your network exposure.

Does Nmap scanning work when ICMP is blocked in the target environment?

Nmap host discovery provides options for environments where ICMP is blocked, such as ARP discovery. These methods allow you to identify live targets and proceed with port scanning and service enumeration even when standard ping sweeps are filtered.

How do I run vulnerability checks using NSE scripts during a network scan?

Nmap scanning incorporates NSE scripts to perform vulnerability assessments and specialized security checks during host reconnaissance. You can execute these scripts alongside OS fingerprinting and service detection to validate exposure on reachable network targets.

What permissions or operational constraints do I need to consider for SYN scanning?

SYN scanning and OS detection require appropriate permissions and authorized usage. You must meet operational constraints including timing templates and safe scanning practices to ensure your network discovery and service enumeration activities remain compliant.