While conducting a peer review for a recent assessment, a penetration tester finds the debugging mode is still enabled for the production system. Which of the following is most likely responsible for this observation?
Correct Answer:
A
✑ Debugging Mode:
✑ Common Causes:
✑ Best Practices:
✑ References from Pentesting Literature: References:
✑ Penetration Testing - A Hands-on Introduction to Hacking
✑ HTB Official Writeups
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A penetration tester has found a web application that is running on a cloud virtual machine instance. Vulnerability scans show a potential SSRF for the same application URL path with an injectable parameter. Which of the following commands should the tester run to successfully test for secrets exposure exploitability?
Correct Answer:
A
In a cloud environment, testing for Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerabilities involves attempting to access metadata services. Here??s why the specified command is appropriate:
✑ Accessing Cloud Metadata Service:
✑ Comparison with Other Commands:
Using curl
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A penetration tester wants to use multiple TTPs to assess the reactions (alerted, blocked, and others) by the client??s current security tools. The threat-modeling team indicates the TTPs in the list might affect their internal systems and servers. Which of the following actions would the tester most likely take?
Correct Answer:
A
BAS (Breach and Attack Simulation) tools are specifically designed to emulate multiple TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures) used by adversaries. These tools can simulate various attack vectors in a controlled manner to test the effectiveness of an organization's security defenses and response mechanisms. Here??s why option A is the best choice:
✑ Controlled Testing Environment: BAS tools provide a controlled environment
where multiple TTPs can be tested without causing unintended damage to the internal systems and servers. This is critical when the threat-modeling team indicates potential impacts on internal systems.
✑ Comprehensive Coverage: BAS tools are designed to cover a wide range of TTPs,
allowing the penetration tester to simulate various attack scenarios. This helps in assessing the reactions (alerted, blocked, and others) by the client's security tools comprehensively.
✑ Feedback and Reporting: These tools provide detailed feedback and reporting on
the effectiveness of the security measures in place, including which TTPs were detected, blocked, or went unnoticed. This information is invaluable for the threat- modeling team to understand the current security posture and areas for improvement.
References from Pentest:
✑ Anubis HTB: This write-up highlights the importance of using controlled tools and methods for testing security mechanisms. BAS tools align with this approach by
providing a controlled and systematic way to assess security defenses.
✑ Forge HTB: Emphasizes the use of various testing tools and techniques to simulate real-world attacks and measure the effectiveness of security controls. BAS tools are mentioned as a method to ensure comprehensive coverage and minimal risk to internal systems.
Conclusion:
Using a BAS tool to test multiple TTPs allows for a thorough and controlled assessment of the client's security tools' effectiveness. This approach ensures that the testing is systematic, comprehensive, and minimally disruptive, making it the best choice.
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A penetration tester needs to launch an Nmap scan to find the state of the port for both TCP and UDP services. Which of the following commands should the tester use?
Correct Answer:
C
✑ Comparison with Other Options:
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A penetration tester has just started a new engagement. The tester is using a framework that breaks the life cycle into 14 components. Which of the following frameworks is the tester using?
Correct Answer:
B
The OSSTMM (Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual) is a comprehensive framework for security testing that includes 14 components in its life cycle. Here??s why option B is correct:
✑ OSSTMM: This methodology breaks down the security testing process into 14
components, covering various aspects of security assessment, from planning to execution and reporting.
✑ OWASP MASVS: This is a framework for mobile application security verification
and does not have a 14-component life cycle.
✑ MITRE ATT&CK: This is a knowledge base of adversary tactics and techniques but does not describe a 14-component life cycle.
✑ CREST: This is a certification body for penetration testers and security professionals but does not provide a specific 14-component framework.
References from Pentest:
✑ Anubis HTB: Emphasizes the structured approach of OSSTMM in conducting comprehensive security assessments.
✑ Writeup HTB: Highlights the use of detailed methodologies like OSSTMM to cover all aspects of security testing.
Conclusion:
Option B, OSSTMM, is the framework that breaks the life cycle into 14 components, making it the correct answer.
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