BunkerWeb Open Source WAF vs Invicti
BunkerWeb Open Source WAF and Invicti take different approaches to web application security. Consider your team's expertise and infrastructure preferences when evaluating these options.
BunkerWeb Open Source WAF and Invicti take fundamentally different approaches to web application security. Understanding your infrastructure and team capabilities will help determine which approach fits your needs.
Overview
BunkerWeb Open Source WAF and Invicti are both popular web application firewall solutions. This comparison will help you understand the key differences and choose the right one for your needs.
Next-generation open source WAF built on NGINX with ModSecurity integration, offering comprehensive web security with an intuitive web UI and extensive plugin system.
Application security testing platform offering DAST and IAST scanning. Formerly Netsparker. Products include Invicti (enterprise DAST) and Acunetix (SMB DAST). Not a WAF, but a vulnerability scanner that finds the vulnerabilities WAFs protect against. OWASP Gold sponsor. Proof-based scanning reduces false positives. Custom enterprise pricing.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | BunkerWeb Open Source WAF | Invicti |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 4.0/5 | 3.8/5 |
| Free Tier | Yes | No |
| Pricing Model | Free (Open Source) / Pro Support | Custom (enterprise, annual contract) |
| Ease of Use | 3.8/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Value for Money | 4.9/5 | 3.3/5 |
| Support | 3.2/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Open Source | Yes | No |
| Platforms | Linux, Docker, Docker Swarm, Kubernetes, any NGINX-compatible environment | Scans any web application accessible via HTTP/HTTPS. Supports REST APIs, GraphQL, SOAP, single-page applications (React, Angular, Vue), and traditional server-rendered applications. On-premises scanner available for internal applications. |
| Compliance | N/A (self-hosted, compliance depends on implementation) | SOC 2 Type 2, helps with PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, GDPR compliance scanning |
Pricing Comparison
BunkerWeb Open Source WAF
Model: Free (Open Source) / Pro Support
Free Tier AvailableCommunity Edition
Free
Pro Support
Contact for pricing
Invicti
Model: Custom (enterprise, annual contract)
Acunetix (SMB)
Custom (starts ~$4,500/year)
Invicti (Enterprise)
Custom (annual contract)
Features Comparison
BunkerWeb Open Source WAF
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ModSecurity Integration
Built-in ModSecurity WAF with OWASP Core Rule Set for comprehensive protection against web application attacks.
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Bot Protection
Block malicious bots with challenge-based verification using cookies, JavaScript tests, captchas, or third-party services.
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Rate Limiting & DDoS Protection
Limit connections and requests from clients, automatically ban suspicious activities triggering abnormal HTTP status codes.
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IP Reputation
Block known bad IPs using external blacklists and DNSBL integration.
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Web UI Management
User-friendly graphical interface for configuration and monitoring without command-line expertise.
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Plugin System
Extend functionality with official and community plugins including ClamAV antivirus, Coraza WAF, and notification integrations.
Invicti
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Proof-Based Scanning
When a vulnerability is found, Invicti attempts to safely exploit it and provides concrete proof. For SQL injection, it extracts actual data. For file inclusion, it reads a specific file. This eliminates the false positive problem that plagues most security scanners.
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DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing)
Tests running web applications by sending crafted HTTP requests and analyzing responses. Finds SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, file inclusion, authentication flaws, and other OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities in production or staging environments.
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IAST (Interactive Application Security Testing)
Instruments the application at runtime to provide deeper vulnerability detection. Combines external scanning with internal application visibility. Finds vulnerabilities that pure DAST scanning might miss, such as insecure deserialization or business logic flaws.
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API Security Testing
Scans REST APIs, GraphQL endpoints, and SOAP services. Imports API definitions (OpenAPI/Swagger, WSDL, GraphQL schemas) and tests all endpoints for vulnerabilities. Critical for modern applications where APIs are the primary attack surface.
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CI/CD Pipeline Integration
Integrates with Jenkins, Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, and other CI/CD platforms. Automatically scans applications as part of the deployment pipeline. Fails builds if critical vulnerabilities are found.
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WAF Rule Export
Exports discovered vulnerabilities as WAF rules that can be imported into WAF products. Creates targeted virtual patches for specific vulnerabilities found during scanning. Bridges the gap between vulnerability discovery and runtime mitigation.
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Compliance Reporting
Generates compliance reports mapped to PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and OWASP Top 10 requirements. Useful for demonstrating due diligence during audits and regulatory reviews.
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Single-Page Application Support
Full support for scanning modern JavaScript applications built with React, Angular, or Vue. Invicti executes JavaScript, interacts with dynamic page elements, and discovers application states that traditional crawlers miss.
Which One Is Right for You?
The best WAF depends on your specific requirements, infrastructure, and team expertise.
BunkerWeb Open Source WAF
- You need: Security-conscious organizations wanting data control, DevOps teams comfortable with self-hosting, budget-constrained projects, privacy-focused deployments
- You want to start with a free tier
- You prefer open-source solutions
- You're using: Linux, Docker, Docker Swarm, Kubernetes, any NGINX-compatible environment
Invicti
- You need: Enterprise security teams evaluating WAF effectiveness against actual application vulnerabilities. DevSecOps teams wanting automated vulnerability scanning in CI/CD pipelines. Organizations needing compliance scanning for PCI DSS, HIPAA, or ISO 27001. Security consultants performing application security assessments.
- You're using: Scans any web application accessible via HTTP/HTTPS. Supports REST APIs, GraphQL, SOAP, single-page applications (React, Angular, Vue), and traditional server-rendered applications. On-premises scanner available for internal applications.
We recommend evaluating both options with a trial or free tier before committing. Consider your existing infrastructure, team expertise, compliance requirements, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for startups: BunkerWeb Open Source WAF or Invicti?
BunkerWeb Open Source WAF offers a free tier while Invicti does not, which may be important for early-stage startups. BunkerWeb Open Source WAF scores higher for ease of use (3.8/5), which is valuable for smaller teams. Consider your immediate security needs and growth plans when choosing.
Which has better support: BunkerWeb Open Source WAF or Invicti?
Invicti has a higher support rating (4.0/5) compared to BunkerWeb Open Source WAF (3.2/5). However, support quality can vary based on your plan tier - enterprise customers typically receive more responsive support from both providers. Consider evaluating support during a trial period.
Which is easier to implement: BunkerWeb Open Source WAF or Invicti?
BunkerWeb Open Source WAF scores higher for ease of use (3.8/5) versus Invicti (3.5/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: BunkerWeb Open Source WAF or Invicti?
BunkerWeb Open Source WAF offers a free tier while Invicti requires a paid plan. BunkerWeb Open Source WAF scores higher for value (4.9/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which is better for enterprise: BunkerWeb Open Source WAF or Invicti?
Invicti is positioned for enterprise use cases, while BunkerWeb Open Source WAF may be more suited for small to mid-market organizations. Both offer compliance certifications important for enterprise. Enterprise buyers should evaluate SLAs, support options, and integration capabilities.