Pentest_methodology.md

Blackbox Penetration Testing Methodology

This document provides a comprehensive guide to conducting a blackbox penetration test. Blackbox testing simulates an external attack with no prior knowledge of the target's internal systems.

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1. Planning and Preparation

• Define the Scope:
  • Identify systems, applications, and networks to be tested.
  • Exclude out-of-scope assets explicitly.
• Obtain Authorization:
  • Secure legal permission to perform the test.
  • Document agreements in a formal contract.
• Set Objectives:
  • Define testing goals (e.g., uncover critical vulnerabilities, assess incident response).
• Form a Team:
  • Assign roles and responsibilities within the penetration testing team.

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2. Reconnaissance (Information Gathering)

Passive Reconnaissance

• Public Data Mining:
  • Search for sensitive information via Google, LinkedIn, GitHub, and social media.
• WHOIS Lookup:
  • Gather domain registration details.
  • Use tools like whois or online services (e.g., whois.domaintools.com).
• DNS Enumeration:
  • Discover subdomains and other records with tools like dig, dnsenum, or Amass.
• OSINT Tools:
  • Tools like Maltego and SpiderFoot can automate OSINT data collection.
• Shodan and Censys:
  • Locate exposed systems and services on the internet.

Active Reconnaissance

• Ping Sweeps:
  • Use tools like fping or Nmap to identify live hosts.
• Network Mapping:
  • Map out network topologies using traceroute tools.

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3. Scanning and Enumeration

Network Scanning

• Port Scanning:
  • Use Nmap to identify open ports and services.
  • Command: nmap -sS -p- -T4 <target>
• Service Detection:
  • Perform banner grabbing to identify software and version numbers.
  • Command: nmap -sV -p <port> <target>

Vulnerability Scanning

• Automated Tools:
  • Tools like Nessus and OpenVAS for network vulnerabilities.
  • Nikto for web server vulnerabilities.

Enumeration

• User Enumeration:
  • Use Enum4linux for SMB-related data.
• Directory/Service Enumeration:
  • Tools like Gobuster or Dirbuster for directory brute-forcing.
  • Command: gobuster dir -u http://<target> -w wordlist.txt
• Network Enumeration:
  • Identify shared resources, user accounts, and network configurations.

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4. Exploitation

• Prioritize Vulnerabilities:
  • Use CVSS scores or business impact for prioritization.
• Exploit Frameworks:
  • Use Metasploit for automated exploit delivery.
  • Command: msfconsole
• Manual Exploitation:
  • Test manually for:
    • SQL Injection: Use SQLmap or manual payloads.
    • Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Inject payloads like <script>alert(1)</script>.
    • File Upload Exploits: Test for unrestricted file uploads.
• Privilege Escalation:
  • Use tools like LinPEAS or WinPEAS to identify misconfigurations.

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5. Post-Exploitation

• Impact Assessment:
  • Identify the value of the compromised system (e.g., sensitive data, critical services).
• Pivoting:
  • Use the compromised system to explore deeper parts of the network.
• Data Exfiltration:
  • Simulate extraction of sensitive data to test response capabilities.
• Persistence:
  • Test persistence techniques like creating scheduled tasks or registry modifications (with authorization).

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6. Reporting

• Document Findings:
  • Detailed descriptions of vulnerabilities and exploitation methods.
  • Include screenshots or logs as evidence.
• Provide Recommendations:
  • Offer clear remediation steps for identified vulnerabilities.
• Executive Summary:
  • Summarize key findings and risks for non-technical stakeholders.
• Technical Report:
  • Include technical details and proof-of-concept for system administrators.

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7. Cleanup

• Remove Artifacts:
  • Delete any files, tools, or accounts used during the test.
• Verify System Integrity:
  • Confirm that systems are restored to their original state.
• Document Cleanup:
  • Record all cleanup actions in the report.

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8. Follow-Up

• Validation Testing:
  • Confirm that vulnerabilities have been remediated by the organization.
• Retrospective Analysis:
  • Assess the testing process to identify areas for improvement.

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Commonly Used Tools

Reconnaissance

• theHarvester
• Maltego
• SpiderFoot

Scanning

• Nmap
• Nessus
• OpenVAS

Exploitation

• Metasploit
• SQLmap
• Burp Suite

Post-Exploitation

• Cobalt Strike
• PowerShell Empire
• LinPEAS

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References

• OWASP Testing Guide: OWASP
• MITRE ATT&CK Framework: MITRE

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This methodology ensures a systematic approach to blackbox penetration testing, covering all critical stages for an effective assessment.