Penetration Testing mailing list archives

Re: Re: Security Review Template/Checklist


From: "Lee Lawson" <leejlawson () gmail com>
Date: Tue, 8 Aug 2006 08:50:18 +0100

Hi,
A security review, in my opinion, would be a check of ALL information
assurance security mechanisms.  this would include a vulnerability
assessment, penetration test (if they want someone to run exploits
against their systems, most don't!), social engineering/physical
security etc and a review of all policies and procedures they use to
bolster their security - acceptable internet useage, password change
policy etc.

This would be very difficult to achieve in 5 business days, but that
depends on the size of the client network.

My definitions for the types of tests are:

Vulnerability Assessment - Identification and verification of
weaknesses with any system.  This includes footprinting (DNS, whois,
Google), scanning (TCP, UDP, ICMP), enumeration (LDAP, SNMP),
automated vulnerability scanning (nessus, retina) and the manual
verification of those vulnerability's (banner grabbing/version
scanning for vendor/versions of services).  Basically, everything
short of running the exploit.

Penetration test - All of the above and running the exploits.
Password extraction/cracking. backdoors, anti-forensics etc.  Can
include social engineering and physical intrusion checks. All the fun
stuff!

Security Review - All of the above and a review of policies and
procedures in place.  What does the helpdesk do when somebody wants a
password change? etc.  Also includes a review of the 'Security
Policy', the guiding document on all matters security.

Then you have the internal testing phase, this also includes things
like sniffing and other types of enumeration etc.

Then you have web application assessments, a different kettle of fish!

I work as a penetration tester in the UK, and we do not (by default)
perform DoS or actual penetrations.  This is not because we cannot do
it, but because our clients (mostly government and large businesses)
do not want to accept the risks associated with performing those types
of actions.  This means that we are limited to a 'deep' vulnerability
assessment only!

Anyway, those are my definitions.  I'm not saying they are right,
should be pretty close though!

On 8 Aug 2006 03:56:24 -0000, one () two com <one () two com> wrote:
Hi All,


Thanks to everyone who as responded so far. Some great suggestions. To give you all a little more information about 
what I am after ...


I'm a full time pen tester but have been given a week to perform a "Security Review" (not a Pen Test, but not excluding a Pen 
Test!). What makes up the Security Review hasn't been defined to the client, and we currently don't have a framework to go by.


Therefore, I have been given the job of determining what the "Security Review" should entail, given the time 
constraints of 5 business days. Currently I am not sure what type of systems the client has.


Any other suggestions would be appreciated.


Thanks,

One2



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--
Lee J Lawson
leejlawson () gmail com
leejlawson () hushmail com

"Give a man a fire, and he'll be warm for a day; set a man on fire,
and he'll be warm for the rest of his life."

"Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum sonatur."

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