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Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer(MBSA) - Data Collection

Vulnerability Assessment: Using Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA)

Introduction:

This Post provides a guide on using the Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer (MBSA) to assess the security of your Windows system. MBSA helps identify missing security updates, common misconfigurations, and potential threats based on Microsoft's recommendations. By utilizing MBSA, you can proactively improve your security posture and address vulnerabilities before they are exploited

 To run MBSA, ensure you meet the following requirements:

  • Administrative Privileges: You must have administrator rights to perform a scan.
  • Software:
    • Latest Windows Update Agent (WUA) client: MBSA can automatically update your system if necessary.
    • IIS 5.0, 5.1, or 6.0 (optional): Required for Internet Information Services (IIS) vulnerability checks.
    • SQL Server 2000 or MSDE 2.0 (optional): Required for SQL Server vulnerability checks.

  Installation Process:

      

  1. Download and run the appropriate installer:
    • 32-bit system: MBSASetup-x86-EN.msi
    • 64-bit system: MBSASetup-x64-EN.msi
  2. Follow the on-screen instructions through the license agreement and installation path selection.

 

           Click on next to proceed to the end-user license agreement.

            Click on I accept the license agreement.

 


       Select the destination where the MBSA setup needs to be installed.




      Click on next.

           Click install to start application installation.

 


     Once the installation is complete, the below dialog box will appear.

 

  1. Note: Before running MBSA, copy the wsusscn2.cab file to the MBSA cache folder: C:\Users<user>\AppData\Local\Microsoft\MBSA\2.1.1\Cache (replace <user> with your username).


  System Scanning:

 

  1. Open the Start menu and navigate to "Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer."
  2. Click "Scan a computer."

 


  • Leave all options as default and click "Start Scan."

 


  • MBSA will download the latest security catalog and begin the scan.
  • Once complete, the scan results will be displayed in a detailed report organized by sections. Each section might recommend specific actions to address identified vulnerabilities.


  •  Save the report for further analysis.

Conclusion:

By regularly using MBSA, you can stay informed about potential security weaknesses and take appropriate steps to mitigate them. Remember, maintaining a secure system requires continuous vigilance and action.




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