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Vuln. Database APIs for free

By oculus

November 2, 2025


Several options provide free access to vulnerability data and security APIs, catering to different needs from general vulnerability information to specific API security testing.

1. Vulnerability & CVE Data APIs:

  • National Vulnerability Database (NVD): The NVD provides comprehensive information on Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs). While the official NVD API might have usage restrictions, open-source projects like nvd-api on GitHub offer free, public RESTful APIs to access NVD data.
  • CVE Search (CIRCL): This service offers an API to search and retrieve information on CVEs, including details and related resources.
  • Vulners: Vulners provides a search engine and API for vulnerabilities, offering a broad database of security advisories and exploits.

2. API Security Testing Tools with Free Tiers:

  • 42Crunch: This platform offers a freemium model for API security testing. Users can access their API security testing tools, including operation audits and scans, for free with limitations on monthly usage after registering.
  • Akto: Akto is an open-source and commercial DAST and API Security tool that includes automated API discovery and vulnerability scanning in CI/CD environments. The open-source version provides significant functionality.
  • ZeroThreat: This tool offers a free vulnerability scanner specifically designed for modern web applications and APIs, focusing on detecting OWASP Top 10 and CWE Top 25 issues.

3. General Cybersecurity APIs (some with free tiers):

  • AbuseIPDB: Offers an API to check IP addresses for reported abuse.
  • Google Safe Browsing: Provides an API to check URLs against Google's lists of unsafe web resources.
  • VirusTotal: Allows analysis of files and URLs for malware and other threats, with a free public API for non-commercial use.

4. Open-Source Vulnerability Scanners (often with API capabilities or integration options):

  • OWASP ZAP: A widely used open-source web application security scanner with an extensive API for integration into development workflows.
  • OpenVAS: An open-source vulnerability scanner that integrates into the Greenbone Vulnerability Management system, offering a robust solution for network and system vulnerability assessments.
  • Nmap: A powerful network discovery and security auditing tool that can be used for vulnerability scanning, and its output can be parsed for integration.

When choosing a free vulnerability API or tool, consider your specific requirements, such as the type of vulnerabilities you need to detect (e.g., web application, network, API-specific), the volume of data or scans required, and the ease of integration into your existing workflows.