root@thehacksparrow:~/writeups$ SYSTEM ONLINE
root@sparrow:~/writeups$ cat ssl-labs.md
// tools

SSL Labs

22 Jul 2026 · 2 min read

What it is — Qualys' SSL Server Test (known as "SSL Labs") deeply analyses a server's TLS/SSL configuration: supported protocols (and whether it still accepts obsolete SSLv3/TLS 1.0), weak cipher suites, certificate validity and chain, HSTS support, and known vulnerabilities (Heartbleed, POODLE, etc.). It returns a grade from A+ to F.

TypeFree web service
CostFree
URLssllabs.com/ssltest

How to use it

Enter the hostname and wait ~1-2 minutes while it runs the full analysis. There's also a JSON API to automate queries:

https://api.ssllabs.com/api/v3/analyze?host=target.com

The analysis is public by default (it shows up in the site's recent-scans board) unless you tick "Do not show the results on the boards" — keep that in mind before scanning a sensitive target.

What I use it for

  • Understanding a target's TLS posture before an engagement — even though many bug bounty programs exclude purely TLS-configuration issues from scope, it's still useful recon information.
  • Verifying certificates after a finding: if I find a certificate-related issue (wrong hostname, broken chain), SSL Labs gives the full technical detail to document it properly in the report.
  • Learning: the detailed report is a good way to understand TLS protocols and ciphers in depth, not just whether something "passes" or "fails".

Link

ssllabs.com/ssltest →