1. Pre-Test Planning & Preparation

• Define Scope:

  • Determine the target systems, applications, networks, and infrastructure to be tested.

  • Identify boundaries to ensure no critical assets are inadvertently affected.

  • Specify testing objectives, such as identifying vulnerabilities, assessing defense mechanisms, or validating existing security measures.

• Obtain Authorization:

  • Ensure legal permissions are obtained for testing all systems.

  • Establish a clear understanding between stakeholders regarding the test’s goals and limitations.

• Identify Testing Team:

  • Ensure the team includes experienced penetration testers or a trusted third-party vendor.

  • Verify team credentials and ensure adherence to ethical hacking standards.

• Determine Testing Methodology:

  • Choose between Black Box (no prior knowledge of the target), White Box (full access and knowledge), or Gray Box (partial knowledge of the target).

  • Establish which penetration testing techniques will be used, including manual and automated testing.

• Define Communication Channels:

  • Set clear communication guidelines for reporting progress and vulnerabilities during the test.

  • Ensure timely reporting of critical vulnerabilities.

2. Information Gathering (Reconnaissance)

• Passive Reconnaissance:

  • Use public sources (social media, WHOIS databases, DNS records) to gather information about the organization’s systems, staff, and technologies without directly interacting with the target.

• Active Reconnaissance:

  • Use tools like Nmap or Nessus to scan for open ports, services, and vulnerabilities in the target systems.

  • Map out the network structure and identify all exposed assets, such as web applications, databases, and email servers.

• Footprinting:

  • Identify the IP addresses, domain names, subdomains, and email addresses related to the target.

  • Map out network topology, including routers, firewalls, and other critical infrastructure.

3. Vulnerability Assessment

• Network and System Scanning:

  • Conduct vulnerability scans using tools like Nessus, OpenVAS, or Qualys to identify known vulnerabilities in the target systems and software.

  • Assess for weaknesses in public-facing systems, including web servers, email servers, DNS, and FTP servers.

• Web Application Security Testing:

  • Identify common web application vulnerabilities, such as SQL injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), and Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR).

  • Use tools like Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, or Nikto to identify flaws in authentication mechanisms, session management, and input validation.

• Wireless Network Testing:

  • Evaluate Wi-Fi networks for weak encryption (e.g., WEP or WPA), misconfigurations, and default credentials.

  • Test for unauthorized access points (APs) and attempt to break weak Wi-Fi passwords.

4. Exploitation

• Exploit Vulnerabilities:

  • Attempt to exploit identified vulnerabilities to assess the potential risk and impact.

  • Use common exploit frameworks such as Metasploit, Core Impact, or custom scripts to gain unauthorized access to systems, applications, or networks.

• Privilege Escalation:

  • Test for privilege escalation opportunities by attempting to gain elevated access (e.g., root or admin privileges).

  • Exploit flaws like misconfigured file permissions or weak user access controls.

• Pivoting:

  • Once access is gained, attempt to pivot to other systems within the network.

  • Identify potential lateral movement pathways to access more sensitive or critical resources.

5. Post-Exploitation

• Data Exfiltration Simulation:

  • Simulate the extraction of sensitive data, such as customer records, financial data, or intellectual property.

  • Attempt to identify and exfiltrate this data using techniques like HTTP tunneling, DNS exfiltration, or file sharing over compromised services.

• Persistence:

  • Test for persistence mechanisms, such as backdoors, rootkits, or other means that would allow an attacker to maintain access after the pen test ends.

  • Try to install malicious software that would survive system reboots or account changes.

• Covering Tracks:

  • Attempt to delete logs or obscure traces of the penetration testing activities to simulate how a real attacker might cover their tracks after an attack.

6. Reporting

• Document Findings:

  • Provide a detailed report of all discovered vulnerabilities, including severity, exploitability, and impact.

  • Include descriptions of the exploited vulnerabilities, how they were found, and steps taken to exploit them.

• Remediation Guidance:

  • Offer specific recommendations to mitigate or eliminate the identified vulnerabilities. This may include patching, configuration changes, or enhancing access controls.

• Risk Assessment:

  • Prioritize vulnerabilities based on their potential impact and likelihood of exploitation.

  • Provide a risk assessment, highlighting critical vulnerabilities that could lead to a breach or significant damage.

• Provide Evidence:

  • Include screenshots, logs, or other evidence of successful exploitation, providing the client with the proof of concept.

• Executive Summary:

  • Summarize key findings for senior stakeholders, with an emphasis on business impact and risk mitigation strategies.

7. Remediation Testing

• Fix Vulnerabilities:

  • Work with the development or IT teams to implement fixes for the identified vulnerabilities.

  • Apply patches, change configurations, update access controls, and secure vulnerable services.

• Retest:

  • Conduct retesting of critical vulnerabilities to ensure that remediation efforts were successful.

  • Verify that previously exploited vulnerabilities are no longer accessible.

• Continuous Monitoring:

  • Recommend establishing continuous monitoring mechanisms to detect and respond to future vulnerabilities or attacks.

8. Post-Test Evaluation and Feedback

• Lessons Learned:

  • Review the findings and process with relevant stakeholders to assess what went well and what could be improved in future penetration tests.

• Improve Security Practices:

  • Update security policies, procedures, and employee training based on the insights gained from the pen test.

  • Incorporate findings into broader security awareness campaigns and ongoing risk management strategies. audit3aa