Invicti vs ModSecurity Open Source WAF
Invicti and ModSecurity Open Source WAF take different approaches to web application security. Consider your team's expertise and infrastructure preferences when evaluating these options.
Invicti and ModSecurity Open Source WAF take fundamentally different approaches to web application security. Understanding your infrastructure and team capabilities will help determine which approach fits your needs.
Overview
Invicti and ModSecurity Open Source WAF are both popular web application firewall solutions. This comparison will help you understand the key differences and choose the right one for your needs.
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.
The original open source WAF engine powering countless applications, offering unmatched flexibility for those willing to manage their own security infrastructure.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Invicti | ModSecurity Open Source WAF |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 3.8/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Free Tier | No | Yes |
| Pricing Model | Custom (enterprise, annual contract) | Free (Open Source) |
| Ease of Use | 3.5/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Value for Money | 3.3/5 | 4.8/5 |
| Support | 4.0/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Platforms | 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. | Apache, Nginx, IIS, Kubernetes (via Ingress), Docker, any platform via libmodsecurity |
| Compliance | SOC 2 Type 2, helps with PCI DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001, GDPR compliance scanning | N/A (varies by implementation) |
Pricing Comparison
Invicti
Model: Custom (enterprise, annual contract)
Acunetix (SMB)
Custom (starts ~$4,500/year)
Invicti (Enterprise)
Custom (annual contract)
ModSecurity Open Source WAF
Model: Free (Open Source)
Free Tier AvailableCommunity Edition
Free
Commercial Support
Varies by vendor
Features Comparison
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.
ModSecurity Open Source WAF
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OWASP Core Rule Set
Comprehensive, community-maintained rule set providing protection against OWASP Top 10 and more.
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Custom Rules
Powerful SecRule language for creating custom detection logic based on any request/response attribute.
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Real-Time Request Analysis
Inspect and analyze every HTTP transaction with access to full request and response data.
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Audit Logging
Detailed logging of security events for forensics, compliance, and monitoring.
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Virtual Patching
Create temporary rules to protect against vulnerabilities while permanent fixes are developed.
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Data Loss Prevention
Inspect response bodies to prevent sensitive data leakage.
Which One Is Right for You?
The best WAF depends on your specific requirements, infrastructure, and team expertise.
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.
ModSecurity Open Source WAF
- You need: Security teams with WAF expertise, organizations with strict budget constraints, those needing maximum customization, educational purposes
- You want to start with a free tier
- You prefer open-source solutions
- You're using: Apache, Nginx, IIS, Kubernetes (via Ingress), Docker, any platform via libmodsecurity
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: Invicti or ModSecurity Open Source WAF?
ModSecurity Open Source WAF offers a free tier while Invicti does not, making ModSecurity Open Source WAF more accessible for budget-conscious startups. Invicti scores higher for ease of use (3.5/5), which is valuable for smaller teams. Consider your immediate security needs and growth plans when choosing.
Which has better support: Invicti or ModSecurity Open Source WAF?
Invicti has a higher support rating (4.0/5) compared to ModSecurity Open Source WAF (3.0/5). 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: Invicti or ModSecurity Open Source WAF?
Invicti scores higher for ease of use (3.5/5) versus ModSecurity Open Source WAF (2.5/5). The actual implementation effort depends on your existing infrastructure and team expertise.
Which is more cost-effective: Invicti or ModSecurity Open Source WAF?
ModSecurity Open Source WAF offers a free tier while Invicti requires a paid plan. ModSecurity Open Source WAF scores higher for value (4.8/5). Total cost depends on your traffic volume, required features, and support level needs.
Which is better for enterprise: Invicti or ModSecurity Open Source WAF?
Invicti is positioned for enterprise use cases, while ModSecurity 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.