Nuclei

github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei Security Tools Open-source projectOpen source

Scan applications, APIs, networks, DNS, and cloud configurations for vulnerabilities using Nuclei.

github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei
Nuclei homepage screenshot

About Nuclei

Nuclei is an open source vulnerability scanner that runs as a command-line tool. Its checks are written as YAML-based templates, which users can create or customize, and it is used to scan applications, APIs, networks, DNS, and cloud configurations. Community security professionals contribute templates for newly reported vulnerabilities.

The project is in active development, so releases may include breaking changes, and the source recommends reviewing the changelog before updating. It is described as primarily a standalone CLI tool, and the source notes that running it as a service may pose security risks. Installation via go install requires Go 1.24.2 or later. A free cloud tier with monthly limits is offered, and a separate cloud-hosted Pro and Enterprise edition built on Nuclei OSS adds team and reporting features; the source does not state the limits or prices of these tiers.

Key features

  • Scans applications, APIs, networks, DNS, and cloud configurations for vulnerabilities
  • Simple YAML-based templates for creating and customizing vulnerability checks
  • Community-contributed templates for trending vulnerabilities
  • Multi-step checks that simulate real-world steps to verify a vulnerability
  • Parallel scan processing with request clustering
  • Integration into CI/CD pipelines for detection and regression testing
Best for: Security engineers and developers who want a command-line scanner with customizable YAML templates and CI/CD integration.
Good for
  • Open source, with templates contributed by a community of security professionals
  • Templates are simple YAML files that can be written and modified by users
  • Supports multiple protocols, including TCP, DNS, HTTP, SSL, WHOIS, and JavaScript
Watch out for
  • Under active development, and releases may include breaking changes
  • Described as primarily a standalone CLI tool; running it as a service may pose security risks
  • Installation via go install requires Go 1.24.2 or later

Nuclei at a glance

Type
Open-source project
Pricing
Not confirmed. Check the site
Open source
Yes · Source code
Language
English
Last checked
Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
Listed
Oct 5, 2026

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Nuclei FAQ

Is there a hosted option?
A free cloud tier with generous monthly limits is offered. A cloud-hosted Pro and Enterprise service built on Nuclei OSS is also available for security teams and enterprises.
What is required to install Nuclei with the go install command?
The source states that Nuclei requires Go 1.24.2 or later. The install command is go install -v github.com/projectdiscovery/nuclei/v3/cmd/nuclei@latest.
Where is the Pro service hosted?
The source states that the Pro platform is SOC 2 compliant and offers EU and US hosting options.
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