Pentest

Kick-off

The Kick-off, also known as the scoping phase, is an essential preliminary stage in the success of the operation. This meeting brings together all stakeholders to establish a common understanding of the test objectives, methodologies and timetable.

Key points addressed during this phase include:

• Detailed presentation of the project and its precise objectives.
• Rigorous definition of the test perimeter, specifying the systems, applications and networks to be examined.
• Selection of the most appropriate test methodologies, according to the specific needs of the project (black box, white box, grey box, internal, external).
• Draw up a precise, realistic timetable for the entire pentest process.
• Clearly defined rules of engagement governing communication, reporting and interaction between stakeholders.
• Detailed presentation of the state-of-the-art tools and techniques that will be used to guarantee test effectiveness.
• Clarification of the role and responsibilities of each stakeholder for optimal collaboration.

Information gathering

The information-gathering phase, also known as reconnaissance, is an important stage in the pentest process. It aims to gather as much data as possible on the target in order to :

• Identify potential vulnerabilities.
• Understand system and application architecture.
• Identify technologies and software used.
• Identify users and user groups.
• Map networks and services.

The information-gathering phase is an essential part of the pentest, as it enables:

• Refine targets and test priorities.
• Identify potential attack vectors.
• Adapt test methodologies to target characteristics.
• Increase the chances of a successful pentest.

Analysis & Audit

The audit and in-depth analysis stage is a central element of the pentest process. It is at this stage that pentesters exploit the information painstakingly gathered during the reconnaissance phase to identify, assess and exploit the target's vulnerabilities and security holes.

This crucial phase consists of several distinct stages:

Report

The reporting phase aims to communicate the results of the analysis in a clear, concise and usable way to stakeholders. A well-written pentest report enables:

• Understand identified vulnerabilities and their severity.
• Measure the potential impact of security vulnerabilities on the organization.
• Prioritize corrective actions.
• Improve the company's overall security posture.

The pentest report must contain the following elements:

Introduction

• Summary of the project and its objectives.
• Scope of pentest.
• Methodologies and tools used.

Detailed results

• Detailed description of identified vulnerabilities.
• Proofs of exploitation (screenshots, logs, etc.).
• Severity and potential impact of each vulnerability.

Recommandations

• Concrete solutions to correct security vulnerabilities.
• Estimation of resources and time required for correction.
• Prioritization of corrective actions.
• Assistance in correcting detected vulnerabilities

Conclusion

• Summary of the report's key points.
• Overall risk level associated with the target.
• General recommendations for safety improvement

In addition to these elements, the report may also include:

Technical appendices

• Detailed information for security experts.
• Penetration test results.

Glossary

Définition of technical terms used in the report.

Counter-audit

The counter-audit is an important step. Its main objective is to validate that the identified vulnerabilities have been corrected, and to ensure that the corrective measures implemented are effective. What's more, it enables us to identify any harmful side-effects of the corrective measures.

At Ziwit, we remain at your disposal to help and guide you in correcting and remedying any reported flaws.

The counter-audit ensures that:

• Vulnerabilities have been correctly identified and understood.
• The remediation solutions implemented are adequate and effective.
• Risks related to vulnerabilities have been effectively reduced.

The counter-audit is an essential step for several reasons:

• It builds confidence in the security posture of the organization.
• It ensures that security investments are profitable.
• It helps identify possible gaps in the vulnerability correction process.
• It contributes to the continuous improvement of the security posture.