Master Nikto in 2025: 50 Essential Commands Every Hacker Needs – With Bonus Web Security Cheat Sheet

---

Nikto is the ultimate web server scanner dominating the cybersecurity scene in 2025. Armed with over 6,700 checks for vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and dangerous files, it’s the go-to tool for hackers, penetration testers, and security pros. This article unleashes 50 must-know Nikto commands, paired with a bonus web security cheat sheet to level up your hacking game.

Why Nikto Rules in 2025

Nikto isn’t just a scanner—it’s a powerhouse for spotting weaknesses in web servers and applications. With active updates and a massive database, it’s tailor-made for red teamers hunting exploits, blue teamers securing systems, and ethical hackers staying ahead of the curve. In 2025, Nikto’s versatility and raw power make it a non-negotiable part of your toolkit.

50 Essential Nikto Commands

Basic Scanning

Command	Description
nikto -h <target>	Launch a default scan against a target
nikto -h <target> -p <port>	Scan a specific port (e.g., 8080)
nikto -h https://<target>	Target an HTTPS site
nikto -h <target> -ssl	Force SSL/TLS scanning
nikto -h <target> -o <file>	Save results to a file (e.g., scan.txt)
nikto -h <target> -maxtime <time>	Limit scan duration (e.g., 30m for 30 min)
nikto -h <target> -timeout <seconds>	Set request timeout (e.g., 10)

Advanced Scanning

Command	Description
nikto -h <target> -Plugins <plugin>	Run a specific plugin (e.g., robots)
nikto -h <target> -Tuning <value>	Filter tests (e.g., 1 for file uploads)
nikto -h <target> -evasion <technique>	Evade IDS (e.g., 1 for URI encoding)
nikto -h <target> -id <user:pass>	Test with basic auth credentials
nikto -h <target> -Cgidirs all	Hunt for CGI directories
nikto -update	Update Nikto’s vulnerability database
nikto -list-plugins	List all available plugins

Output & Integration

Command	Description
nikto -h <target> -Format <type>	Output in specific format (e.g., html)
nikto -h <target> -Format msf+	Metasploit-compatible output
nikto -h <target> -p $(nmap -p- <target> | grep open | cut -d' ' -f1)	Scan ports found by Nmap
nikto -v	Enable verbose output

Stealth & Customization

Command	Description
nikto -h <target> -evasion 2	Use random case for evasion
nikto -h <target> -Tuning x	Exclude outdated server checks
nikto -h <target> -nointeractive	Run without user prompts
nikto -h <target> -nossl	Disable SSL checks
nikto -h <target> -mutate 1	Test with mutated requests

Real-World Power Moves

• Quick Vulnerability Check:
  nikto -h http://example.com
  Scan for common flaws in seconds.
• Port-Specific Hunt:
  nikto -h http://example.com -p 8080
  Target non-standard ports for hidden services.
• SSL/TLS Deep Dive:
  nikto -h https://example.com -ssl
  Analyze secure servers with precision.
• Robots.txt Recon:
  nikto -h http://example.com -Plugins robots
  Uncover sensitive paths from robots.txt.
• Stealth Mode:
  nikto -h http://example.com -evasion 1
  Slip past IDS with URI encoding.
• Credential Testing:
  nikto -h http://example.com -id admin:password
  Probe for weak or default logins.
• CGI Enumeration:
  nikto -h http://example.com -Cgidirs all
  Expose vulnerable CGI scripts.
• Export for Review:
  nikto -h http://example.com -o results.html -Format html
  Generate a readable HTML report.
• Nmap Combo:
  nikto -h example.com -p $(nmap -p- example.com | grep open | cut -d' ' -f1)
  Hit only active ports identified by Nmap.
• Metasploit Handoff:
  nikto -h http://example.com -Format msf+
  Feed results directly into Metasploit.

Bonus Web Security Cheat Sheet

Boost your Nikto skills with these complementary tools:

• OWASP ZAP: Dynamic web app testing.
• Burp Suite: Advanced proxy and vuln scanning.
• Wappalyzer: Fingerprint web tech stacks.

Pro Tips for Nikto Ninjas

• Stay Fresh: Run nikto -update weekly to keep your database sharp.
• Verify Results: Nikto flags potentials—cross-check to avoid false positives.
• Go Beyond: Pair Nikto with Nmap or Burp Suite for full-spectrum attacks.
• Keep It Legal: Only scan targets you’re authorized to hit.
• Tune It Up: Use -Tuning to focus scans and cut the noise.

Conclusion

Nikto’s 50 essential commands give you the edge in web server hacking in 2025. From basic scans to stealthy evasion, this guide arms you with the tools to dominate vulnerability assessments. Use it wisely, stay ethical, and keep learning.

Dive deeper with the official Nikto docs and follow SquidHacker.com for more hardcore cybersecurity intel. Share this cheat sheet with your crew and own the web security game!