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Module 9: Penetration Testing

9.1 Introduction to Penetration Testing

Penetration testing is a crucial aspect of cybersecurity, simulating real-world cyber attacks to identify vulnerabilities in systems.

Types of Penetration Testing

  1. Black Box Testing:

    • Description: Simulates an external cyber attack without any prior knowledge of the target system.
    • Methodology:
      • Conducts external reconnaissance.
      • Identifies vulnerabilities and exploits them.

  2. White Box Testing:

    • Description: Tester has complete knowledge of the target system, similar to an insider.
    • Methodology:
      • Conducts in-depth analysis of the system's architecture.
      • Identifies and exploits vulnerabilities.

  3. Grey Box Testing:

    • Description: Tester has partial knowledge of the target system.
    • Methodology:
      • Simulates an attack with limited information.
      • Evaluates the effectiveness of existing security measures.

Rules of Engagement

Establishing clear rules of engagement is vital for conducting effective penetration tests.

Key Aspects:

  • Scope Definition:
    • Clearly define the systems and networks included in the test.
  • Legal and Ethical Considerations:
    • Adhere to applicable laws and ethical standards.
  • Communication:
    • Maintain transparent communication with stakeholders.
  • Testing Windows:
    • Define the timeframe for testing to minimize disruption.

9.2 Penetration Testing Methodologies

Reconnaissance

Reconnaissance is the initial phase of penetration testing, gathering information about the target system.

Key Activities:

  1. Passive Reconnaissance:

    • Collect information without directly interacting with the target.
    • Example Tools:
      • WHOIS, Google Dorks.

  2. Active Reconnaissance:

    • Interact directly with the target to gather information.
    • Example Tools:
      • Nmap, Recon-ng.

Scanning

Scanning involves identifying live hosts, open ports, and services on the target network.

Key Activities:

  1. Host Discovery:

    • Identify live hosts using various techniques.
    • Example Nmap Command: 
      nmap -sn target_ip_range

  2. Port Scanning:

    • Identify open ports and services on live hosts.
    • Example Nmap Command: 
      nmap -sS -p 1-1000 target_ip

Exploitation

Exploitation is the process of leveraging identified vulnerabilities to compromise the target system.

Key Activities:

  1. Vulnerability Exploitation:

    • Identify and exploit vulnerabilities.
    • Example Metasploit Command: 
      msfconsole

  2. Post-Exploitation:

    • Maintain access and escalate privileges.
    • Example Linux Privilege Escalation: 
      sudo -l

Reporting and Documentation

A comprehensive report is crucial to communicate findings and recommendations.

Key Components:

  1. Executive Summary:
    • Summarize key findings for non-technical stakeholders.
  2. Technical Details:
    • Provide in-depth technical analysis of vulnerabilities.
  3. Recommendations:
    • Offer actionable suggestions for remediation.
  4. Risk Assessment:
    • Evaluate the severity and potential impact of identified vulnerabilities.

Go to Index | Previous Module: Network Scanning and Enumeration | Next Module: Ethical Hacking

Secure the Future. Learn Cybersecurity.

-Ritwik Dadarwal ;)