About Me
CompTIA PenTest+
1 Threats, Attacks, and Vulnerabilities
1-1 Common Threat Actors
1-2 Threat Intelligence Sources
1-3 Threat Actors and Motives
1-4 Threat Actor Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs)
1-5 Vulnerability Types
1-6 Exploit Types
1-7 Attack Types
1-8 Threat Detection and Monitoring
1-9 Threat Hunting
1-10 Incident Response
2 Architecture and Design
2-1 Security Controls
2-2 Network Architecture
2-3 Cloud and Virtualization
2-4 Web Application Security
2-5 Wireless Security
2-6 Mobile Security
2-7 IoT Security
2-8 Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security
2-9 Physical Security
2-10 Secure Software Development
3 Tools and Code
3-1 Penetration Testing Tools
3-2 Exploitation Tools
3-3 Post-Exploitation Tools
3-4 Reporting Tools
3-5 Scripting and Automation
3-6 Programming Languages
3-7 Code Analysis
3-8 Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) Tools
4 Planning and Scoping
4-1 Penetration Testing Methodologies
4-2 Legal and Compliance Considerations
4-3 Scope Definition
4-4 Risk Assessment
4-5 Threat Modeling
4-6 Information Gathering
4-7 Asset Identification
4-8 Data Classification
4-9 Business Impact Analysis
4-10 Penetration Testing Objectives
5 Information Gathering and Vulnerability Identification
5-1 Passive Reconnaissance
5-2 Active Reconnaissance
5-3 Vulnerability Scanning
5-4 Network Mapping
5-5 Service Identification
5-6 Web Application Scanning
5-7 Wireless Network Scanning
5-8 Social Engineering Techniques
5-9 OSINT Techniques
5-10 Vulnerability Databases
6 Attacks and Exploits
6-1 Exploit Development
6-2 Buffer Overflows
6-3 SQL Injection
6-4 Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
6-5 Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
6-6 Command Injection
6-7 Privilege Escalation
6-8 Lateral Movement
6-9 Evasion Techniques
6-10 Exploit Delivery Methods
7 Penetration Testing Process
7-1 Pre-Engagement Activities
7-2 Reconnaissance
7-3 Scanning and Enumeration
7-4 Exploitation
7-5 Post-Exploitation
7-6 Reporting
7-7 Remediation
7-8 Retesting
7-9 Documentation and Evidence Collection
7-10 Communication and Coordination
8 Reporting and Communication
8-1 Report Structure
8-2 Executive Summary
8-3 Technical Findings
8-4 Risk Assessment
8-5 Remediation Recommendations
8-6 Legal and Compliance Considerations
8-7 Presentation Skills
8-8 Communication with Stakeholders
8-9 Documentation Standards
8-10 Continuous Improvement
9 Security and Compliance
9-1 Regulatory Requirements
9-2 Industry Standards
9-3 Compliance Audits
9-4 Data Protection
9-5 Privacy Laws
9-6 Incident Response Planning
9-7 Disaster Recovery Planning
9-8 Business Continuity Planning
9-9 Risk Management
9-10 Security Awareness Training
Penetration Testing Methodologies

Penetration Testing Methodologies

Key Concepts

1. OSSTMM (Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual)

The OSSTMM provides a comprehensive framework for security testing, focusing on the operational security of systems, networks, and communications. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the security of processes, procedures, and human factors in addition to technical aspects.

Example: An organization uses the OSSTMM to conduct a security test of its customer service processes. The methodology helps identify vulnerabilities in the procedures, such as inadequate training for employees, which could lead to security breaches.

2. OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project) Testing Guide

The OWASP Testing Guide provides a methodology for testing the security of web applications. It covers various aspects of web application security, including client-side and server-side vulnerabilities, and provides detailed testing techniques and examples.

Example: A web application developer uses the OWASP Testing Guide to identify and fix vulnerabilities in a new e-commerce site. The guide helps the developer test for common issues like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and insecure authentication mechanisms.

3. NIST SP 800-115 (Technical Guide to Information Security Testing and Assessment)

NIST SP 800-115 provides a structured approach to information security testing and assessment. It includes guidelines for planning, conducting, and reporting on security tests, with a focus on identifying vulnerabilities and assessing the effectiveness of security controls.

Example: A government agency uses NIST SP 800-115 to conduct a security assessment of its internal network. The methodology helps the agency identify and prioritize vulnerabilities, ensuring that critical systems are adequately protected.

4. PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard)

The PTES provides a standardized approach to penetration testing, covering the entire process from pre-engagement interactions to reporting. It includes detailed guidelines for each phase of the testing process, ensuring consistency and thoroughness in penetration testing.

Example: A security consulting firm uses the PTES to conduct a penetration test for a client. The methodology ensures that all aspects of the testing process are covered, from initial planning and reconnaissance to exploitation and reporting, providing a comprehensive assessment of the client's security posture.

Examples and Analogies

Consider a security audit as an analogy for penetration testing methodologies:

1. OSSTMM: The OSSTMM is like a comprehensive audit checklist that covers not only the technical aspects of security but also the operational processes and human factors, ensuring a holistic assessment of security.

2. OWASP Testing Guide: The OWASP Testing Guide is like a specialized audit tool designed specifically for web applications, providing detailed techniques to identify and fix vulnerabilities in web-based systems.

3. NIST SP 800-115: NIST SP 800-115 is like a structured audit framework that provides guidelines for planning, conducting, and reporting on security tests, ensuring a systematic and thorough assessment.

4. PTES: The PTES is like a standardized audit process that covers every phase of the security assessment, from initial planning to final reporting, ensuring consistency and completeness in the audit.

By understanding and applying these penetration testing methodologies, security professionals can conduct thorough and effective assessments, identifying and addressing vulnerabilities to improve overall security.

© 2024 Ahmed Baheeg Khorshid. All rights reserved.