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
5.10 Vulnerability Databases Explained

5.10 Vulnerability Databases Explained

Key Concepts

1. Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE)

The Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) is a list of publicly disclosed cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Each entry in the CVE list has a unique identifier, such as CVE-2023-12345, which helps in tracking and discussing specific vulnerabilities.

Example: CVE-2021-34527 is the identifier for a critical vulnerability in Windows Print Spooler, known as "PrintNightmare."

2. National Vulnerability Database (NVD)

The National Vulnerability Database (NVD) is a U.S. government repository of standards-based vulnerability management data. It provides detailed information, including severity scores, patches, and references for each CVE entry.

Example: NVD provides a detailed description, impact analysis, and remediation steps for CVE-2021-34527, helping organizations understand and address the PrintNightmare vulnerability.

3. Exploit Database

The Exploit Database is a repository of exploits, shellcodes, and vulnerabilities. It is maintained by Offensive Security and provides a comprehensive collection of publicly available exploits that can be used for penetration testing and security research.

Example: The Exploit Database includes an exploit for CVE-2021-34527, which can be used to test the vulnerability in a controlled environment.

4. SecurityFocus

SecurityFocus is a vulnerability and threat information portal. It provides detailed information on vulnerabilities, including technical details, patches, and vendor responses. It also hosts the Bugtraq mailing list, a forum for discussing security vulnerabilities.

Example: SecurityFocus provides a detailed analysis of CVE-2021-34527, including technical details and vendor responses, helping security professionals understand the impact and remediation steps.

5. MITRE ATT&CK

MITRE ATT&CK is a knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques based on real-world observations. It provides a framework for understanding how attackers exploit vulnerabilities and how organizations can defend against them.

Example: MITRE ATT&CK includes tactics and techniques related to privilege escalation, such as "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation," which can be used to understand how attackers might exploit vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-34527.

Explanation of Concepts

Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE)

The CVE list is a foundational resource for tracking and discussing cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Each CVE entry provides a unique identifier, a description of the vulnerability, and references to further information. This helps security professionals and organizations quickly identify and address known vulnerabilities.

National Vulnerability Database (NVD)

NVD complements the CVE list by providing detailed information on each vulnerability, including severity scores (CVSS), patches, and references. This helps organizations prioritize and address vulnerabilities based on their impact and risk.

Exploit Database

The Exploit Database provides a practical resource for penetration testers and security researchers. By offering publicly available exploits, it allows organizations to test and validate their defenses against known vulnerabilities.

SecurityFocus

SecurityFocus offers a comprehensive view of vulnerabilities, including technical details, patches, and vendor responses. It also facilitates community discussions through the Bugtraq mailing list, helping security professionals stay informed and collaborate on vulnerability management.

MITRE ATT&CK

MITRE ATT&CK provides a strategic view of adversary tactics and techniques, helping organizations understand how attackers exploit vulnerabilities and how they can defend against them. It offers a framework for mapping vulnerabilities to specific attack tactics, enabling more effective defense strategies.

Examples and Analogies

Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE)

Think of CVE as a library catalog, where each book (vulnerability) has a unique identifier (CVE ID) that helps you find and discuss it.

National Vulnerability Database (NVD)

NVD is like a detailed book review, providing comprehensive information on each book (vulnerability), including its impact, reviews, and recommended actions.

Exploit Database

The Exploit Database is like a toolbox, providing tools (exploits) that can be used to test and validate the security of your home (network) against known vulnerabilities.

SecurityFocus

SecurityFocus is like a community bulletin board, where people post detailed information (vulnerability details) and discuss (Bugtraq mailing list) the latest security issues.

MITRE ATT&CK

MITRE ATT&CK is like a map of the tactics and techniques used by burglars (attackers), helping you understand how they might exploit vulnerabilities and how you can defend against them.