🛠️ Penetration Testing Techniques: An Overview
Penetration Testing (Pen Testing) is a simulated cyberattack on a system, network, or application to identify and exploit vulnerabilities before malicious actors can. It's a key component of proactive cybersecurity and helps validate the effectiveness of security controls.
🧠 Objectives of Penetration Testing
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Identify vulnerabilities before attackers do
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Test the effectiveness of security defenses
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Assess organizational response to real-world attacks
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Validate compliance with standards (e.g., PCI-DSS, HIPAA, ISO 27001)
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Improve incident response capabilities
🧩 Types of Penetration Testing
| Type | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| External Testing | Public-facing assets like websites, DNS, firewalls |
| Internal Testing | Inside-the-network threats (e.g., insider threats) |
| Web Application Testing | Application logic, input validation, session management |
| Wireless Testing | Wi-Fi protocols, rogue access points |
| Social Engineering | Phishing, vishing, baiting |
| Physical Testing | Gaining physical access to facilities |
| Cloud Pen Testing | Misconfigurations and privilege issues in cloud environments |
🔍 Penetration Testing Techniques
Here are the core techniques used during a penetration test:
🏗️ 1. Reconnaissance (Information Gathering)
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Passive Recon: OSINT (Open Source Intelligence), WHOIS, DNS records, social media, job listings
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Active Recon: Ping sweeps, port scans, banner grabbing
🛠 Tools:
Nmap, Recon-ng, theHarvester, Shodan
🔓 2. Scanning & Enumeration
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Network Scanning: Identify live hosts, open ports, services
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Enumeration: Extract usernames, shares, SNMP info, SMTP users
🛠 Tools:
Nmap, Netcat, Nessus, Nikto, Enum4linux
🧬 3. Vulnerability Analysis
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Identify known vulnerabilities in services, software, or configurations
🛠 Tools:
Nessus, OpenVAS, Qualys, Burp Suite, Nmap NSE scripts
💥 4. Exploitation
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Remote Code Execution
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SQL Injection
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Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
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Buffer Overflow
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Privilege Escalation
🛠 Tools:
Metasploit, sqlmap, Burp Suite, Hydra, Cobalt Strike
🐍 5. Post-Exploitation
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Explore access gained
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Dump credentials (e.g.,
mimikatz) -
Lateral movement (pivoting)
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Establish persistence (e.g., backdoors)
🛠 Tools:
PowerShell Empire, Metasploit, CrackMapExec, BloodHound
📤 6. Reporting & Remediation
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Document findings, including:
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Vulnerability exploited
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Risk level
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Proof of concept (PoC)
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Recommendations for mitigation
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Provide both technical and executive summaries
🎯 Common Attack Vectors Tested
| Vector | Techniques Used |
|---|---|
| Web Applications | SQLi, XSS, CSRF, file inclusion, RCE |
| Authentication Systems | Brute force, credential stuffing, 2FA bypass |
| Wireless Networks | WPA2 cracking, rogue APs, evil twin attacks |
| APIs | Input fuzzing, broken auth, data exposure |
| Cloud Infrastructure | Privilege escalation, S3 misconfig, SSRF |
| Active Directory | Kerberoasting, Pass-the-Hash, DCsync |
🛡️ Ethical Considerations
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Get proper authorization (signed agreement or Rules of Engagement)
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Minimize risk to live systems
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Respect data privacy and client scope
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Follow responsible disclosure practices
📘 Certifications & Standards
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Certifications: OSCP, CEH, GPEN, PNPT
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Frameworks:
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OWASP Top 10 (for web apps)
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MITRE ATT&CK
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PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard)
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NIST SP 800-115 (Technical Guide to Information Security Testing)
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🧾 Summary Table
| Phase | Goal | Example Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Recon | Gather intel | Nmap, theHarvester |
| Scanning | Map attack surface | Nessus, Nikto |
| Exploitation | Gain unauthorized access | Metasploit, sqlmap |
| Post-Exploitation | Maintain access, pivot | Mimikatz, Empire |
| Reporting | Share findings and fixes | Dradis, Serpico |