Testing Methodologies

Professional penetration testing follows established methodologies to ensure systematic and comprehensive assessments. Here are three proven approaches:

OWASP Testing Guide

The OWASP Testing Guide provides a comprehensive framework specifically designed for web application security testing. It offers detailed guidance on testing procedures and techniques.

Key Phases:

• Information Gathering and Reconnaissance

• Configuration and Deployment Management Testing

• Identity Management Testing

• Authentication and Session Management Testing

• Authorization Testing

• Data Validation Testing

• Error Handling and Logging Testing

• Cryptography Testing

• Business Logic Testing

• Client-Side Testing

Strengths: Detailed technical guidance, regularly updated, free and open-source, widely adopted for web applications.

NIST SP 800-115

The National Institute of Standards and Technology provides a federal standard for information security testing and assessment, offering a structured approach to security evaluations.

Key Phases:

1. Planning: Define scope, rules of engagement, and testing approach

2. Discovery: Gather information about the target environment

3. Attack: Attempt to exploit identified vulnerabilities

4. Reporting: Document findings and provide remediation recommendations

Strengths: Government-approved methodology, comprehensive coverage, strong emphasis on planning and documentation.

PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard)

PTES provides a complete framework covering all aspects of a penetration test, from initial planning through final reporting.

Key Phases:

1. Pre-engagement Interactions: Scope definition and legal agreements

2. Intelligence Gathering: Passive and active reconnaissance

3. Threat Modeling: Identify potential attack vectors

4. Vulnerability Analysis: Discover and validate security weaknesses

5. Exploitation: Attempt to exploit vulnerabilities

6. Post Exploitation: Determine impact and maintain access

7. Reporting: Communicate findings and recommendations

Strengths: Comprehensive coverage, detailed technical guidelines, industry collaboration, practical focus.