By following the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES), businesses of any size can perform effective pen tests that identify weaknesses in their cybersecurity. Penetration testing allows you to observe how a hacker might exploit your systems in a controlled setting. Ensuring that such tests align with criteria is crucial, to their effectiveness and reliability.
What is the Penetration Testing Execution Standard?
The Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) is a standardized set of procedures designed to guide all pen testing. While pen testing has been practiced for a long time, early testers operated without many rules or regulations, leading to inconsistent results for businesses. Ethical hacking still involved hacking, which allowed for potential misconduct and a lack of quality control.
This changed in early 2009 when a group of cybersecurity experts established the PTES. This standard provides rules and guidelines to help businesses understand what to expect and how to assess pen testing, whether they conduct it internally or hire external services.
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This guide will explain the PTES guidelines and break down their main components. But first, let’s cover some basic aspects of what a pen test is.
What is a Penetration Test?
A pen test is a type of ethical hacking that identifies vulnerabilities in your cybersecurity by intentionally exploiting them to demonstrate how a malicious hacker could harm your company. The more complex the attack you simulate, the more insights you can gain, which in turn allows you to strengthen your security measures.
As the saying goes, “the best defense is a good offense.”
To fully benefit from this approach, any offensive action must follow specific guidelines. Even a controlled attack is still an attack, and testers must adhere to safety standards and avoid crossing boundaries during a pen test. This is why both clients and testers benefit from the clear guidelines established by the PTES.
There are various types of pen tests covered under the PTES framework.
Different Types of Penetration Testing
Penetration testing, as a broad term, refers to any analysis involving the deliberate simulation of an attack on your systems. However, there are various approaches to ethical hacking.
Pen tests generally fall into two main categories:
- “White box” or “white hat” pen testing – The attacker is provided with information to guide the attack, often focusing on internal vulnerabilities.
- “Black box” or “black hat” pen testing – The attacker starts with no prior information from the client, typically focusing on external vulnerabilities.
In some scenarios, the approach is neither strictly white nor black box/hat. In “grey box” attacks, the hacker may receive some information but is also expected to conduct extensive reconnaissance. The specific amount of information provided upfront can be negotiated.
Pen tests also differ in their overall focus, which typically falls into two main areas:
- External pen testing – The attacker begins from “outside” your company and concentrates on finding ways to infiltrate your systems.
- Internal pen testing – The attacker starts from within your company, assessing how much damage can be inflicted and how quickly from an insider’s position.
Similar to the distinction between white and black box/hat techniques, these focuses are not always mutually exclusive. A single test might combine both internal and external methods, with the balance between them being a key aspect of the negotiation process.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the standards that govern these types of tests.
Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES)
The goal of the pen test execution standard is to establish a consistent set of baseline expectations that all pen testers should adhere to during the process.
The standard does not address every possible scenario or detail that might arise in a specific pen test. Instead, it focuses on defining a core set of norms that outline the minimum requirements for all penetration tests.
These norms are divided into seven key areas, reflecting the sequence of steps in any penetration testing process:
- Pre-engagement Interactions
- Intelligence Gathering
- Threat Modeling
- Vulnerability Analysis
- Exploitation
- Post Exploitation
- Reporting
1. Pre-engagement Interactions
The first section of the PTES outlines standard procedures for pre-engagement interactions. Typically, these interactions cover the entire process from the initial contact between the client and the pen testing organization to the final negotiations before the pen test begins.
The PTES provides specific guidelines for the following aspects during these meetings:
- Goals of the pen test – The tester and client must clearly define the specific objectives of the pen test. The PTES suggests the following priorities:
- Primary goals should focus on enhancing security, rather than merely achieving compliance.
- Secondary goals should address compliance and legal responsibilities.
- Scope of the analysis – Once the goals are set, the pen tester and client must agree on the scope and scale of the pen test. Key elements to discuss include:
- Identifying which areas will be tested.
- Determining the quality and quantity of testing procedures.
- Setting the duration, including start and end times.
- Rules of engagement – It is also essential for the pen tester and client to establish clear expectations and limitations on what actions are allowed. Considerations include:
- Identifying any resources that are “off limits.”
- Defining boundaries for social engineering tactics.
After these initial discussions are concluded, the pen tester is ready to proceed with the first major phase of the test: reconnaissance.
2. Intelligence Gathering
Next, the PTES outlines the requirements for the intelligence gathering stage of a pen test.
During this phase, the pen tester will use publicly available information and perform basic searches according to the rules of engagement. This process, known as open source intelligence (OSINT), collects all relevant information that could be useful for later stages of the testing.
The intelligence gathering stage is divided into three levels of reconnaissance:
- Level 1 – Compliance-driven and basic, this level can be automated and gathers the minimum information needed about a company’s required security measures.
- Level 2 – Focused on best practices, this level goes deeper to uncover specific practices or measures the organization is emphasizing beyond mere compliance.
- Level 3 – State-sponsored, this level involves an in-depth exploration of organizational complexities and business relationships that may not be obvious without thorough searching.
Once the information is collected, the next step is to plan potential targets for attack.
3. Threat Modeling
The next phase of the pen test process is threat modeling. This involves identifying which assets are most likely to be targeted by the ethical hacker and determining what resources (both human and other) might be used to attack these assets. In this stage, the pen tester will use the information gathered previously to start planning the attack.
The PTES outlines a four-step process for high-level threat modeling:
- Gathering documentation
- Categorizing assets (primary and secondary)
- Categorizing threats (primary and secondary)
- Mapping threat communities to corresponding assets
The pen tester will identify the most valuable and vulnerable assets, setting the stage for the next phase by pinpointing individual actors and motives that could be exploited, as well as any potentially exploitable software or hardware.
The subsequent step involves analyzing how to exploit these identified threats.
4. Vulnerability Analysis
The next stage, vulnerability analysis, involves gathering additional information specifically related to flaws or weaknesses in the client’s cybersecurity systems.
This stage utilizes the intelligence collected in previous steps to identify and prioritize known or suspected vulnerabilities.
Vulnerability analysis includes two main approaches:
- Passive – Analysis that is automated or requires minimal activity from the hacker. Examples include:
- Metadata analysis
- Traffic monitoring
- Active – More involved analysis that requires significant effort from the attacker. This includes:
- Port-based network scans
- Application flaw scanning
- Directory listing or “brute forcing”
Through these methods, the attacker creates a prioritized list of vulnerabilities to address during the attack. With this, the planning stages are complete, and the hacker is ready to proceed with the actual attack.
5. Exploitation
The exploitation stage is where all previous preparations come to fruition and is arguably the most crucial part of a pen test, as it involves carrying out the actual attack.
During this stage, the attacker uses all gathered information to execute one or more targeted attacks. The nature of these attacks will vary depending on the goals set during pre-engagement interactions. The core principles guiding the attacker include:
- Stealth – To avoid detection
- Speed – For rapid infiltration
- Depth – To penetrate as deeply as possible
- Breadth – To exploit as many access points as possible
The attacker aims to stay undetected for as long as possible, ideally throughout the entire attack. They will act quickly, delve deeply into the client’s systems, and identify and exploit as many access paths as possible.
By following these principles, the pen tester will enhance the effectiveness of the attack and the insights gained. A more thorough attack leads to more comprehensive insights.
However, the exploitation phase is not the end of the pen test
6. Post Exploitation
In the post-exploitation stage, the hacker shifts to a new phase of attack, focusing on fully exploring and utilizing the control gained. This crucial step is particularly important in certain pen tests, especially those that are internally focused.
During this stage, the hacker’s goals depend on the scope agreed upon with the client, but typically include:
- Assessing the value and functions of compromised resources
- Creating additional vulnerabilities for potential future exploitation
- Maintaining ongoing control of compromised resources
- Avoiding detection upon exit
It is essential for both parties to have clearly defined expectations for this stage. If new, unexpected weaknesses are discovered during post-exploitation, this can lead to scope changes and potential conflicts.
Provided that pre-engagement interactions were thorough, this stage leads to the final step: reporting.
7. Reporting
The final step, reporting is a process if the previous steps have been completed to the required standards.
The client will have documented all actions taken during the planning and execution phases and all that information will be processed and included in the report. Additionally the report will highlight findings such, as;
- Assessment of security readiness and risk prioritization
- Breakdown of identified risks
- Detailed plan for addressing issues
Reporting marks the conclusion of any penetration test, where the guidelines outlined in PTES come into play.
PTES is essential due to the complexity, challenges and sensitivity involved in penetration testing. These aspects underscore why it’s crucial to engage professionals who can ensure a pen testing experience, for your business.
Benefits of Penetration Testing
- Identify Security Vulnerabilities: As mentioned earlier, penetration testing uncovers security flaws that could potentially allow hackers or attackers to access your digital environment.
- Assess Current Security Measures: Penetration testing allows you to evaluate the effectiveness of your existing security posture against potential cyber threats.
- Ensure Compliance with Industry Standards: Various industry regulations, such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, and ISO 27001, require regular penetration testing to meet compliance requirements.
- Protect Digital Assets from Data Breaches: With the global average cost of a data breach reaching $4.45 million in 2023, penetration testing is crucial for identifying security gaps that could lead to data breaches.
- Preserve Trust with Clients and Partners: Cyber attacks or data breaches can severely damage a company’s reputation. Penetration testing is essential for maintaining robust security and protecting your company’s reputation.
FAQ’s
What is the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES)?
The Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) is a set of standardized procedures developed to guide penetration testing. Established in early 2009, PTES aims to provide a consistent framework for pen testing to ensure quality and reliability. It outlines the rules and expectations for both internal and external pen tests, helping businesses understand what to expect and how to evaluate testing services.
What does a penetration test involve?
A penetration test, or pen test, is an ethical hacking process used to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in your cybersecurity systems. By simulating attacks, pen tests demonstrate how a malicious hacker could exploit weaknesses and provide insights to strengthen your defenses. The process follows strict guidelines to ensure safety and effectiveness.
What is involved in the pre-engagement interactions stage?
Pre-engagement interactions involve defining the goals, scope, and rules of the pen test. This includes setting clear objectives, agreeing on the areas and methods of analysis, determining the test duration, and establishing any limitations or boundaries for the test.
How is intelligence gathered during a penetration test?
Intelligence gathering involves collecting publicly available information and conducting searches to gather data that will inform the testing process. This includes basic compliance checks, in-depth analysis of best practices, and exploring complex organizational relationships.
What is threat modeling and why is it important?
Threat modeling involves identifying key assets and potential threats to those assets. This step helps in planning the attack by pinpointing valuable and vulnerable targets and understanding the possible methods and resources attackers might use.
How are vulnerabilities analyzed in a penetration test?
Vulnerability analysis involves identifying and prioritizing weaknesses in the system. This includes passive methods like metadata analysis and traffic monitoring, as well as active methods like port scanning and application flaw detection.
What happens during the exploitation stage of a pen test?
During exploitation, the tester uses the gathered information to carry out controlled attacks on the system. The focus is on maintaining stealth, achieving rapid infiltration, and exploiting as many access points as possible to assess the system’s defenses.
What is the purpose of the post-exploitation stage?
Post-exploitation involves exploring and utilizing the control gained during the attack. This phase assesses the value of compromised resources, identifies additional vulnerabilities, and ensures ongoing control while avoiding detection.
What should be included in the final report of a penetration test?
The final report should include an assessment of the security posture, a breakdown of identified risks, and a detailed plan for addressing the vulnerabilities found. This documentation helps businesses understand their security weaknesses and take corrective actions.
Why is penetration testing important for businesses?
Penetration testing is crucial for identifying security vulnerabilities, evaluating current security measures, ensuring compliance with industry standards, protecting against data breaches, and maintaining trust with clients and partners. It helps businesses strengthen their defenses and safeguard their reputation.
Conclusion
Penetration testing, when conducted according to the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES), ensures a thorough and reliable assessment of your cybersecurity defenses. By following PTES guidelines, businesses can effectively identify vulnerabilities, assess their current security measures, and comply with industry standards. Regular pen testing not only protects against data breaches but also helps maintain trust with clients and partners. In a rapidly evolving cyber landscape, adhering to PTES is key to safeguarding your digital assets and strengthening your security posture.
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