NBE File – What is .nbe file and how to open it?

NBE File: Overview and Purpose

An NBE file, with the extension “.NBE,” is a Nessus Report File, a proprietary file format associated with the Nessus vulnerability assessment and network security scanning software suite developed by Tenable Network Security. The NBE file serves as a container for storing the results and findings of vulnerability scans conducted using the Nessus scanner. It encapsulates detailed information about the vulnerabilities identified, including their severity, impact, and potential remediation steps. NBE files play a crucial role in security assessments, allowing cybersecurity professionals to analyze and document vulnerabilities within their network infrastructure.

NBE File Structure and Compatibility

An NBE file is a binary file format that adheres to a specific structure defined by Tenable Network Security. It is not intended to be human-readable and can only be properly interpreted by the Nessus software suite or compatible third-party tools. NBE files are typically generated after a Nessus scan is completed, and they can be shared with stakeholders or used for reporting purposes. The NBE format has evolved over time alongside Nessus versions, ensuring compatibility with scans conducted using different versions of the software. This compatibility allows for seamless sharing and analysis of vulnerability information across different environments.

Opening NBE Files with Nessus Software

NBE files are native report files created by Nessus, a vulnerability scanner developed by Tenable Network Security. To open and view the contents of an NBE file:

• Ensure You Have Nessus Installed: Nessus software is required to open NBE files. Download and install the appropriate version for your operating system from Tenable’s website.
• Locate and Open the NBE File in Nessus: Once Nessus is installed, locate the NBE file on your computer. Right-click the file and select “Open With” > “Nessus.” Alternatively, drag and drop the file into the Nessus application window.
• Review the Report: Nessus will automatically load and display the contents of the NBE file. The report will include details about vulnerability scans, including identified vulnerabilities, their severity, recommended mitigations, and other relevant information.

Alternative File Viewers

While Nessus is the primary software used to open and interpret NBE files, there are a few alternative viewers available:

• NBE Explorer: This open-source tool can view and extract information from NBE files. It provides a user-friendly interface and allows users to export the report data to various formats, such as PDF and XML.
• Online Viewers: Several online viewers, such as “NBE File Viewer” and “NBE Online Viewer,” offer basic viewing capabilities for NBE files. However, these viewers may not provide the same level of functionality and detail as Nessus.

Nessus Report File Format

Nessus Report File (.NBE) is a proprietary file format developed by Tenable Network Security, a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions. This format is primarily used to store the results of vulnerability assessments conducted using Nessus, Tenable’s flagship vulnerability scanner. NBE files are encapsulated in a ZIP archive and contain a structured database of the scan results, including information such as discovered vulnerabilities, system information, and security recommendations.

The NBE file format enables the sharing and archiving of scan reports for further analysis and remediation planning. Security professionals can easily import NBE files into Nessus or other compatible tools to review findings, prioritize vulnerabilities based on risk levels, and generate comprehensive reports for compliance and auditing purposes. Additionally, the NBE format supports the inclusion of custom plugins and scripts, allowing users to extend the scanner’s capabilities and address specific security concerns within their environments.

Other Extensions