Installing internal agents using Docker
Acunetix Premium+ Online lets you use internal agents to scan targets in your internal environment that are not publicly accessible from the internet or when you do not want to allow-list Acunetix cloud agents.
This article explains how to install the Acunetix internal agent using Docker Desktop.
If your internal agents require a proxy to connect to online.acunetix.com or app.invicti.com, these parameters must be specified when installing the internal agent. For instructions, refer to Installing an internal agent with proxy settings.
Limitations for internal agents When the site is internal, and you prefer using internal agents for the scan, you cannot create a new Login Sequence Record (LSR) or Business Logic Record. However, you can import them. For further information about recording and downloading an LSR, refer to Using the Login Sequence Recorder. |
Prerequisites
System requirements
To run scans successfully, the agent requires sufficient system resources. The agent will only initiate a new scan if the following minimum resources are available:
- CPU: 2 free core CPU 64-bit processor
- Memory (RAM): 6 GB available
- Disk Space: 50 GB of free disk space
Access requirements
- Ensure Docker Desktop is installed on your host OS by verifying with the command 'docker -v' in Terminal. If version information is displayed, you're all set. Otherwise, refer to the Docker support documentation for installation guidance.
- Administrator privileges for command execution.
- Acunetix System/Platform Administrator role.
Whitelisting requirements
- Whitelisting guidelines for Acunetix Online - US region
- Whitelisting guidelines for Acunetix Online - EU region
- Whitelisting guidelines for Acunetix On-Premises
Resource allocation behavior
When the agent starts, it checks the available system resources and allocates scan slots accordingly. Each scan slot requires:
- 6 GB of available RAM
- 2 CPU cores
- 50 GB of free disk space
The agent will determine how many scans can run in parallel based on these requirements.
NOTE: If a machine has 15 GB RAM, 5 CPU cores, and 500 GB free disk space, the agent will allocate 2 scan slots. This means up to 2 scans can run simultaneously, while any additional scans will remain queued until a slot becomes available. The agent dynamically manages resources before and during scan execution. If system resources drop below the required threshold, new scans will not begin until sufficient resources are available. |
Installing an internal agent
Below is a table detailing the parameters necessary to configure a Docker container for installing an internal agent.
Parameter | Description |
-d | This indicates detached mode, allowing the container to operate in the background. |
--name | Assigns a name to the container. |
--url | Specifies the Acunetix URL. |
--agentname | Defines the agent name in the Acunetix UI, changeable later. If installing multiple agent instances, assign a unique agent name for each instance. (Max 50 characters) |
--registration-token | Obtain from Acunetix Agents menu > Agent Installation > Docker > Your registration token is displayed in Step 2: Get your token. |
How to install an internal agent using Docker
- Log in to Acunetix and select Agents from the main menu.
- Click View Agent Installation Instructions.
- Select Docker.
- Enter a name for your internal agent.
- Copy the command from Step 3 in the Agent Installation Instructions.
- Open Terminal, paste, and execute the command copied from the Agent Installation Instructions.
Your internal agent is successfully installed. Access the Acunetix Agents page to view and manage your internal agents.
You can now assign targets to the installed internal agent and commence testing your website.
Troubleshooting
To troubleshoot issues, review the Docker log and host terminal. For further assistance, contact our Support team.