Alternatives to Probely
What middleBrick covers
- Black-box scanning with no agents or code access
- Risk scoring from A to F with prioritized findings
- Detection aligned to OWASP API Top 10 categories
- OpenAPI 3.x and Swagger 2.0 parsing with ref resolution
- Authenticated scanning with header allowlists
- CI/CD integration via GitHub Action and API
Purpose and scope of this comparison
This page compares API security scanners suitable for developer teams that require a self-service, black-box approach. Each option is evaluated on scan methodology, coverage of the OWASP API Top 10, authentication support, and integration options. The comparisons focus on capabilities and limits without implying certification or compliance outcomes.
middleBrick
A self-service API security scanner that submits a URL and returns a risk score from A to F with prioritized findings. It performs black-box testing using only read-only methods and text-based POST probes, completing scans in under a minute without agents or code access. Detection coverage includes 12 categories aligned to the OWASP API Top 10, such as authentication bypass, JWT misconfigurations, BOLA and BFLA, sensitive data exposure, SSRF patterns, and LLM security probes across multiple adversarial tiers.
OpenAPI specifications in versions 3.0, 3.1, and Swagger 2.0 are parsed with recursive $ref resolution, and findings are cross-referenced against the spec to identify undefined security schemes or deprecated operations. Authenticated scanning supports Bearer, API key, Basic auth, and cookies, with domain verification to ensure only domain owners can enable credentials. Header forwarding is limited to an allowlist for controlled testing.
Integration options include a web dashboard for reports and score trends, a CLI via an npm package, a GitHub Action for CI/CD gating, an MCP server for AI coding assistants, and a programmable API. Continuous monitoring in higher tiers provides scheduled rescans, diff detection, email alerts, HMAC-SHA256 signed webhooks, and deletable data storage with user-initiated removal.
Acuret
An API security testing platform that emphasizes automated scanning and developer-friendly workflows. It supports black-box scanning with multiple authentication methods and includes checks aligned to common API risks. The tool provides detailed findings and integrates with CI pipelines to block merges when risk thresholds are exceeded.
Bright Security
A scanner focused on API and application security with a broad detection surface. It offers authenticated scans, GraphQL support, and checks for common misconfigurations. The platform integrates with CI/CD tools and provides detailed dashboards for tracking risk over time.
Contrast Security
An agent-based runtime protection platform that includes API security testing as one component. It instruments applications to detect vulnerabilities during development and testing. The approach differs from black-box scanners by embedding sensors within the runtime environment.
Traceable
A solution that combines static and dynamic analysis for API security. It emphasizes ease of use for developer teams and provides automated scans that map to common standards. The platform includes features for continuous testing within development workflows.
Wallarm
A Web Application and API Protection platform that includes scanning and runtime enforcement capabilities. It supports API discovery, vulnerability detection, and threat mitigation. The tool is positioned for environments that require both testing and active protection.