漏洞扫描器的扫描对象：是仅能扫描源代码，还是也可扫描二进制可执行文件检测漏洞？

Great questions—let’s break this down clearly so you know exactly what to expect from different vulnerability scanners.

1. Do vulnerability scanners target source code or executable binaries? #

It depends entirely on the type of scanner. There are two primary categories tailored to different targets:

• Source code scanners (SAST tools): These work directly with raw source code files (e.g., .py, .java, .cpp). They parse the code’s syntax, control flow, and data flow to spot issues like buffer overflows, SQL injection flaws, or insecure authentication logic before compilation. Tools like SonarQube, ESLint, or Checkmarx fall into this group.
• Binary/executable scanners: These target compiled binaries (e.g., .exe, .elf, .apk, .dll)—no source code is required. They reverse-engineer the binary to reconstruct its logic, identify vulnerable third-party libraries, detect hardcoded secrets, or flag unsafe low-level operations. This category includes static binary analysis tools and software composition analysis (SCA) tools built for binaries.

2. Can vulnerability scanners detect flaws in binaries, or are they limited to source code? #

Absolutely—many scanners are purpose-built to analyze binaries and find vulnerabilities without access to source code. Here’s how they operate:

• Static binary analysis: Tools like Ghidra, Binary Ninja, or Radare2 disassemble the executable into assembly code, reconstruct high-level control flow, and flag issues like use-after-frees, unvalidated input handling, or weak cryptographic implementations. They analyze the binary’s structure without running it.
• Dynamic binary analysis: Tools like AFL++, Valgrind, or Frida run the binary in a controlled environment. They fuzz inputs, monitor memory usage, and catch runtime vulnerabilities (like buffer overflows or memory leaks) that might not be visible in static analysis.
• Hybrid analysis tools: Some scanners combine static and dynamic techniques to cross-reference the binary’s static structure with runtime behavior, catching a wider range of flaws than either method alone.

Keep in mind: Not all scanners support both source and binary analysis. Some are strictly source-code focused, so you’ll need to pick the right tool for your use case—especially if you’re auditing closed-source software where only binaries are available.

内容的提问来源于stack exchange，提问作者David J