> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xsiam/reference-and-developer-docs/about-cortex-cli/cortex-cli-for-api-security/cortex-cli-api-security-command-line-reference-guide.md).

# Cortex CLI API Security command line reference guide

Reference Cortex CLI commands for API Security scans in Cortex XSIAM.

Use these API Security-specific commands and flags to run scans with the Cortex CLI. Refer to [Cortex CLI common command line reference guide](/cortex-xsiam/reference-and-developer-docs/about-cortex-cli/cortex-cli-common-command-line-reference-guide.md) for common flags that apply across all supported modules.

| Value                        | Description                                                                                                                                                                                                            |
| ---------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| `--scanned-app-url` (string) | Base URL of the app to scan (required)                                                                                                                                                                                 |
| `--api-spec-file` (string)   | Path to the API specification file (required)                                                                                                                                                                          |
| `--api-spec-type` (string)   | Type of the API specification ('openapi) (default "openapi")                                                                                                                                                           |
| `--auth-file` (string)       | Path to the authentication file (optional). For more information on authentication, refer to [Cortex CLI for API Security](/cortex-xsiam/reference-and-developer-docs/about-cortex-cli/cortex-cli-for-api-security.md) |
| `--concurrency` (int)        | Concurrency limit for scan requests (default 5)                                                                                                                                                                        |
| `--java-location` (string)   | Path to the Java (version >= 11) binary file (default: Java)                                                                                                                                                           |
| `--no-publish` (boolean)     | Avoid publish results to Cortex                                                                                                                                                                                        |
| `--output-file` (string)     | Output path for the report file (optional)                                                                                                                                                                             |
| `--timeout` (int)            | Scan timeout in seconds (default 300)                                                                                                                                                                                  |
| `--zap-port` (int)           | Listening port to be used by ZAP (default 35391)                                                                                                                                                                       |


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xsiam/reference-and-developer-docs/about-cortex-cli/cortex-cli-for-api-security/cortex-cli-api-security-command-line-reference-guide.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
