In this article, you’ll learn the basics of penetration testing in software testing—what it is, how it works, and why it’s essential to your organization’s security. Get the facts from Bugcrowd, and arm yourself with proven strategies to stay one step ahead of threat actors.
Penetration testing is a methodical process of evaluating the security of a system by attempting to exploit its vulnerabilities and weaknesses. In other words, it’s legal hacking designed to help organizations identify and address potential security risks before threat actors can take advantage of them first.
In this article, we will explore the fundamentals of penetration testing and discuss everything you need to know to get started.
Penetration testing offers several benefits:
Penetration testing (or manual testing) and automated testing serve different purposes. While automated testing like scanning focuses on identifying known vulnerabilities and conducting routine checks, penetration testing or the penetration tester simulates real-world attacks with functional testing tactics (called pen tests in the industry) to identify both known and unknown vulnerabilities. Therefore, penetration testing provides a more comprehensive assessment of a system’s security posture. In some cases, regulatory bodies will mandate penetration tests over automated scanning.
Penetration tests are performed by internal teams or external providers, both of which encompass professional pentesters or trusted hackers.
The level of access given to pentesters varies depending on the scope of the engagement. Organizations may provide pentesters with limited or full access to simulate a real-world attack scenario. The level of access is also determined by the goals and objectives of the penetration test.
There are various types of penetration tests:
A typical penetration test involves the following steps:
The results of a penetration test typically include:
A penetration testing tool encompass various categories:
Every tool possesses distinct features and capabilities, making them indispensable elements of any comprehensive penetration testing toolkit.
Nmap: Also known as a network mapper, Nmap analyzes packet responses to map the target network. It helps identify available hosts, services, operating system details, open ports, and potential network vulnerabilities. Nmap is supported by Linux, Windows, and macOS, offering various scan types, from simple port scans to advanced vulnerability scans. It can be used with tools such as Metasploit for automated vulnerability exploitation.
OWASP ZAP: OWASP ZAP is a versatile web app security testing tool. It scans and analyzes responses from target apps, identifying potential vulnerabilities like SQL injection, XSS, and buffer overflow attacks. OWASP ZAP supports passive and active scans, providing an easy-to-use GUI, an intercepting proxy, automated scanners, and plug-ins. Like Nmap, OWASP ZAP works on multiple platforms.
Metasploit: Metasploit offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including an extensive database of exploits and vulnerabilities, for identifying weaknesses in a target system. Its user-friendly interface is ideal for developing and executing exploits, as well as for performing auxiliary tasks like fingerprinting, reconnaissance, and vulnerability scanning. Metasploit seamlessly integrates with other tools and frameworks, such as Nmap and Burp Suite, providing a comprehensive arsenal of penetration testing capabilities.
WPScan: Developed for WordPress, WPScan has a comprehensive database of known vulnerabilities and weaknesses. It can identify usernames, weak passwords, insecure plugin versions, and vulnerable themes. WPScan is a command-line tool with automation capabilities, making it suitable for use in large-scale testing. It is regularly updated to include the latest vulnerabilities.
Nikto2: Nikto2 is an open source web server scanner. It excels at identifying outdated software versions, insecure configuration settings, and XSS vulnerabilities.
BurpSuite: BurpSuite is a widely used tool that offers various features, including a proxy server, scanner, intruder, and repeater, making it versatile for comprehensive testing. The proxy server allows users to intercept and modify browser–server traffic, while the scanner automatically detects and exploits vulnerabilities in web applications or APIs. BurpSuite also seamlessly integrates with tools like Metasploit and Nmap, and it comes pre-installed in Kali Linux.
Wireshark: Wireshark, a popular open source network protocol analyzer, captures and analyzes network traffic across different operating systems. Its real-time packet inspection and filtering features enable focused investigation and enhance analysis efficiency.
ScoutSuite: ScoutSuite is a popular tool used to scan cloud environments for vulnerabilities and misconfigurations. It effortlessly works across AWS, Azure, and GCP in analyzing virtual machines, databases, and storage buckets. It also evaluates compliance with security best practices.
CloudMapper: CloudMapper is an open source cloud security tool that creates detailed visual maps of cloud infrastructure. It identifies security risks and potential attack paths, as well as provides a holistic view of resource relationships. CloudMapper also generates reports with recommendations for addressing vulnerabilities.
Prowler: Prowler is an open source AWS security tool that audits AWS accounts for security best practices. It checks compliance with industry-standard security frameworks like NIST, CIS, and PCI DSS and generates comprehensive audit reports.
Aircrack-ng: Aircrack-ng provides a complete toolkit for monitoring and analyzing network traffic. It is also used to crack passwords to wifi networks that use weak encryption. This open source solution identifies vulnerable access points, monitors network traffic, and tests network security.
Kismet: Kismet offers real-time detection and analysis of wireless network traffic. It provides valuable insights into SSIDs, MAC addresses, signal strength, and more. Pentesters can easily uncover and identify rogue access points, network misconfigurations, and hidden wireless networks with advanced capabilities.
Frida: Frida is a powerful tool for reverse engineering and debugging Android and iOS apps. It enables pentesters to intercept network traffic, manipulate binary code, and alter the behavior of the target app.
Proxmark3: Proxmark3 is an open source hardware tool used in RFID research and testing. It can read and emulate different types of RFID cards and tags, perform wireless analysis, and clone RFID devices. This versatile tool allows pentesters to simulate various attacks, such as replay attacks and man-in-the-middle attacks[.1] , on RFID systems to assess their security.
The Social Engineer Toolkit (SET): The Social Engineer Toolkit (SET) is an open source tool that allows users to generate various social engineering attacks, including spear-phishing and credential harvesting. It also provides features for email spoofing, SMS spoofing, and geolocation spoofing. It integrates seamlessly with the Metasploit framework, enabling pentesters to deliver payloads and exploit vulnerabilities effectively.
The findings of a penetration test are unique to each engagement, but recent examples include:
After a penetration test, the organization receives a detailed report from the pentester. This report includes a summary of the findings, identified vulnerabilities, and recommendations for improving security. The organization can then prioritize and address the identified vulnerabilities to enhance its overall security posture.
Penetration testing plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the security of systems and networks. By identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses, organizations can take proactive measures to reduce the risk of potential security breaches. Regular penetration testing empowers organizations to stay ahead of threat actors and safeguard their valuable data and assets, allowing them not only to protect their brand but also their intellectual property.