This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Sharon
When it comes to open source Web Application Firewalls (WAFs), two names often pop up: SafeLine and BunkerWeb. Both are modern, self-hosted WAF solutions, but they take very different approaches to securing web applications. In this article, we’ll break down the key differences, strengths, and ideal use cases for each — so you can make the right choice for your stack.
Overview
| Feature | SafeLine | BunkerWeb |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Security-first, rule-based WAF | Reverse proxy + security modules |
| Core Engine | Built on Nginx + custom detection engine | Built on Nginx with modular Lua plugins |
| Deployment | Docker, Linux, Kubernetes | Docker, Linux, Kubernetes |
| UI/UX | Full-featured web dashboard | Web UI (less visual analytics) |
| Detection Capabilities | Semantic analysis, anti-bot, RCE/XSS/SQLi, HTML+JS encryption | OWASP Top 10 protections, security headers, SSL enforcements |
| Community | Active GitHub repo, Discord support | GitHub issues, slower-paced updates |
| License | Free and open source | Open core (some features require subscription) |
Detection Capabilities
SafeLine
SafeLine is built with one purpose: block malicious web traffic before it reaches your app. It uses advanced semantic detection techniques to stop:
- SQL injection
- XSS
- Remote Code Execution (RCE)
- Directory traversal
- Web shell uploads
- Bot scraping
- Vulnerability scanners
It goes beyond simple regex rules by analyzing request intent and traffic behavior — making it more resilient against obfuscation.
A unique feature is its dynamic encryption: HTML and JavaScript responses are encrypted and randomized, making it extremely difficult for bots or scanners to parse page structure.
BunkerWeb
BunkerWeb is closer to a hardened reverse proxy than a traditional WAF. It provides:
- Rate limiting
- Bot detection
- Security headers
- CSP, HSTS, CORS rules
- SSL/TLS best practices
- OWASP CRS integration
Think of it as NGINX-plus-security, great for developers who want tighter control over basic app hardening — but without deep inspection.
Use Case Comparison
| Use Case | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Block automated vulnerability scanners | ✅ SafeLine |
| Protect login and business logic endpoints | ✅ SafeLine |
| Harden Nginx with security headers | ✅ BunkerWeb |
| Enforce HTTPS / TLS / HSTS | ✅ BunkerWeb |
| Need deep semantic analysis of HTTP traffic | ✅ SafeLine |
| Want a drop-in reverse proxy with basic WAF rules | ✅ BunkerWeb |
Installation Experience
Both tools support Docker and Kubernetes.
- SafeLine:
bash -c "$(curl -fsSLk https://waf.chaitin.com/release/latest/setup.sh)"
Access dashboard at https://<your-ip>:9443
Docs: GitHub - SafeLine
- BunkerWeb:
docker run -d --name bunkerweb -p 443:443 bunkerity/bunkerweb
Configuration is handled via environment variables.
Docs: GitHub - BunkerWeb
Final Thoughts
- If you're looking for serious attack prevention, deep inspection, and bot resistance — SafeLine is the way to go.
- If your focus is more on reverse proxying with added security controls — and you want something closer to an NGINX drop-in — BunkerWeb might suit you better.
They aren’t mutually exclusive either. For layered security, some developers choose to run BunkerWeb in front of SafeLine.
Useful Links
- SafeLine Discord Community
Still unsure? Try both in Docker and simulate an attack — you’ll quickly see the difference.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Sharon
Sharon | Sciencx (2025-07-28T04:00:44+00:00) SafeLine vs. BunkerWeb: Which Open Source WAF Is Right for You?. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2025/07/28/safeline-vs-bunkerweb-which-open-source-waf-is-right-for-you/
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