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
7.3 Scanning and Enumeration Explained

7.3 Scanning and Enumeration Explained

Key Concepts

1. Scanning

Scanning is the process of identifying live hosts, open ports, and services running on a network. This phase helps in understanding the network topology and identifying potential entry points for further exploitation.

2. Enumeration

Enumeration is the process of gathering detailed information about specific hosts, services, and users. This phase provides deeper insights into the network's structure, vulnerabilities, and potential attack vectors.

3. Network Scanning Tools

Network scanning tools, such as Nmap and Nessus, are used to discover live hosts, open ports, and running services. These tools help in creating a comprehensive map of the network.

4. Port Scanning

Port scanning is the process of checking for open ports on a target host. This helps in identifying services running on the host and potential vulnerabilities associated with those services.

5. Service Enumeration

Service enumeration involves gathering detailed information about the services running on open ports. This includes version numbers, configuration details, and potential vulnerabilities.

6. OS Fingerprinting

OS fingerprinting is the process of determining the operating system running on a target host. This information is crucial for selecting the appropriate exploits and attack vectors.

7. Banner Grabbing

Banner grabbing is the process of retrieving service banners from open ports. These banners often contain version numbers and other details that can be used to identify vulnerabilities.

Explanation of Concepts

Scanning

Scanning involves using tools to probe a network for live hosts and open ports. For example, Nmap can be used to send packets to various IP addresses and ports to determine which ones are active and which services are running.

Enumeration

Enumeration goes a step further by gathering detailed information about specific hosts and services. For example, enumerating a web server might involve identifying the web server software, installed plugins, and user accounts.

Network Scanning Tools

Tools like Nmap and Nessus are essential for network scanning. Nmap can perform various types of scans, such as SYN scan, UDP scan, and OS detection. Nessus is a vulnerability scanner that can identify security issues on a network.

Port Scanning

Port scanning involves checking for open ports on a target host. For example, a TCP SYN scan sends a SYN packet to a range of ports to determine which ones respond with a SYN-ACK, indicating they are open.

Service Enumeration

Service enumeration involves gathering detailed information about the services running on open ports. For example, identifying that a host is running an outdated version of a web server can indicate potential vulnerabilities.

OS Fingerprinting

OS fingerprinting involves determining the operating system of a target host. For example, Nmap can use techniques like TTL analysis and TCP window size to identify the OS running on a host.

Banner Grabbing

Banner grabbing involves retrieving service banners from open ports. For example, connecting to an FTP server and receiving a banner that includes the version number can help identify known vulnerabilities.

Examples and Analogies

Scanning

Consider scanning as a reconnaissance mission where you map out the layout of an enemy territory. You identify key locations (live hosts) and potential entry points (open ports).

Enumeration

Think of enumeration as gathering intelligence on specific targets within the territory. You collect detailed information about their defenses, strengths, and weaknesses.

Network Scanning Tools

Network scanning tools are like advanced reconnaissance equipment. Nmap is like a radar system that detects live hosts and open ports, while Nessus is like a vulnerability scanner that identifies security issues.

Port Scanning

Port scanning is like checking for unlocked doors in a building. Each door (port) might lead to a different room (service), and you need to know which doors are open to plan your entry.

Service Enumeration

Service enumeration is like inspecting the contents of each room behind the unlocked doors. You gather information about the items (services) in each room and their condition (version and configuration).

OS Fingerprinting

OS fingerprinting is like identifying the type of lock on a door. Knowing the lock type (OS) helps you choose the right key (exploit) to unlock it.

Banner Grabbing

Banner grabbing is like reading a sign on a door that provides information about what's inside. The sign (banner) might include details like the room's purpose (service) and its version (vulnerability).