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performing-ot-vulnerability-scanning-safely

Perform OT vulnerability scanning using passive monitoring, native protocol queries, and controlled active scans with Tenable OT Security.

954|172|Updated Mar 13, 2026
Search Tags:#vulnerability scanning#Modbus#industrial control systems#tenable#ICS#passive scanning#OT security
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/xalgord/xalgorix --skill performing-ot-vulnerability-scanning-safely
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: performing-ot-vulnerability-scanning-safely
Source: https://github.com/xalgord/xalgorix/tree/main/internal/tools/skills/data/ot-ics-security/performing-ot-vulnerability-scanning-safely
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/xalgord/xalgorix --skill performing-ot-vulnerability-scanning-safely

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill requires requests.

What problem does it solve?

Vulnerability scanning in OT/ICS environments risks crashing legacy PLCs and disrupting industrial processes when standard IT scanning profiles are used. This Skill provides a safety-first methodology that identifies vulnerabilities without endangering production systems.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Tiered Safety Levels: Coordinates passive traffic analysis, native protocol queries (Modbus FC43, S7 SZL, CIP), and controlled active scanning with explicit risk levels and prerequisite checks.
  • Safety Prerequisite Validation: Enforces lab validation, vendor warranty verification, change management approval, maintenance windows, and SIS exclusion before any active scan.
  • Risk-Prioritized Reporting: Generates CVSS-prioritized findings with OT context, patch prioritization tiers, and compensating control recommendations for unpatchable assets.
  • Use Case: Preparing for an IEC 62443 audit, run a passive assessment against a plant site via the Tenable OT Security API, then export a CSV report of vulnerabilities ranked by severity without sending a single packet to the controllers.

Quick Start

Run a passive vulnerability assessment against my OT site using the Tenable OT Security API and generate a prioritized CSV report of the findings.

Frequently Asked Questions about performing-ot-vulnerability-scanning-safely

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I scan OT networks for vulnerabilities without crashing PLCs?▼

Start with passive monitoring via a SPAN/TAP port, which sends zero packets to devices. If active data is needed, use native protocol queries like Modbus FC43 or S7 SZL reads that were lab-tested against the exact device model and firmware, during an approved maintenance window.

What is the difference between passive and active OT vulnerability scanning?▼

Passive scanning analyzes mirrored network traffic to fingerprint devices and detect vulnerabilities with zero risk. Active scanning sends packets to devices and carries low-to-moderate risk, requiring lab validation, change approval, and a documented rollback plan before use.

Can I use a standard Nessus scan profile on an OT network?▼

No. A default IT Nessus policy can crash legacy controllers. You must select an OT-safe template and explicitly exclude Level 0/Level 1 and Safety Instrumented System subnets from the scan scope.

Why is passive-only vulnerability detection sometimes incomplete?▼

Passive detection cannot see assets that are quiet or air-gapped from the SPAN port. Reconcile passive findings against the asset inventory and switch CAM tables before declaring full coverage of the OT environment.

When should I not use active scanning in an ICS environment?▼

Never actively scan Safety Instrumented Systems, and avoid active scanning of production PLCs without lab-tested profiles, vendor warranty confirmation, and an approved maintenance window. For live exploitation testing, use a dedicated ICS penetration testing approach instead.

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