Getting started with Semgrep CLI

Installing and running Semgrep locally

Install and run Semgrep locally to scan your code. Semgrep runs offline on uncompiled code. No code leaves your computer.

Prerequisite

Semgrep CLI installation requires Python 3.7 or later.

1. Install Semgrep. Use one of the following options depending on your system and preference:

   macOS

   brew install semgrep

   Alternatively:

   python3 -m pip install semgrep

   Linux

   python3 -m pip install semgrep

   Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)

   python3 -m pip install semgrep

   Docker

   docker run --rm -v "${PWD}:/src" returntocorp/semgrep semgrep --config=auto

2. Confirm installation by running a simple search pattern. For example, run the following command:

   semgrep --pattern '127.$A.$B.$C' --lang generic /etc/hosts
3. Run recommended Semgrep Registry rules:

   semgrep --config=auto PATH/TO/SRC

   Substitute the optional placeholder PATH/TO/SRC with the path to your source code.

note

By default, when Semgrep Registry is used, Semgrep collects usage metrics.

Next steps

By completing this guide, you are now familiar with a simple use of Semgrep. Here are some additional resources to follow:

• Follow tutorials on Learn Semgrep to learn about Semgrep interactively.
• See Running rules to try out and understand more about Semgrep rules.
• See CLI Reference for command line options and exit codes.
• Explore the Semgrep Rules Registry to add rules to your project or writing a rule.

Testing Semgrep on vulnerable repositories

The following community projects are designed to test code scanners and teach security concepts. Try cloning and scanning them with Semgrep.

Expand for sample projects! 🎉

# juice-shop, a vulnerable Node.js + Express app:
git clone https://github.com/bkimminich/juice-shop
cd juice-shop
semgrep --config=auto

# Or if you don't have Semgrep installed, replace the semgrep command with:
docker run --rm -v "$(pwd)/juice-shop:/src" returntocorp/semgrep semgrep --config p/security-audit /src

# Try railsgoat, a vulnerable Ruby on Rails app:
git clone https://github.com/OWASP/railsgoat
cd railsgoat
semgrep --config=auto

# govwa, a vulnerable Go app:
git clone https://github.com/0c34/govwa
cd govwa
semgrep --config=auto 

# Vulnerable-Flask-App, vulnerable Python + Flask:
git clone https://github.com/we45/Vulnerable-Flask-App
cd Vulnerable-Flask-App
semgrep --config=auto 

# WebGoat, a vulnerable Java + Spring app:
git clone https://github.com/WebGoat/WebGoat
cd WebGoat
semgrep --config=auto 

Run Semgrep continuously

Semgrep is at its best when used to continuously scan code. Check out Semgrep in CI to learn how to get results where you already work: GitHub, GitLab, Slack, Jira, and more. To get results even earlier in the development process, such as in a Git pre-commit hook or VS Code, check the available Semgrep extensions.

Check out Semgrep App to integrate CI with PR or MR comments, monitor progress, host private rules (paid tier), and much more!

Upgrading

We release new Semgrep versions often! See upgrading for more details.

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Find what you needed in this doc? Join the Semgrep Community Slack group to ask the maintainers and the community if you need help.