Running Services

Prioritizing Target Attacks in Penetration Testing

Analyzing Running Services

1. Identify Services: Enumerate running services on the target system using tools like Nmap.

2. Assess Vulnerabilities: Determine known vulnerabilities associated with these services using databases like CVE or vulnerability scanning tools like Nessus.

3. Evaluate Criticality: Consider the criticality of each service based on its role in the organization’s operations.

Suggested Tools and Usage

1. Nmap:

   • Usage: Scans for open ports and services.

   • Command: nmap -sV target_ip

   • Purpose: Identifies open ports and associated services, aiding in the initial enumeration.

2. Nessus:

   • Usage: Performs comprehensive vulnerability assessments.

   • Command: Initiate a scan via Nessus web interface.

   • Purpose: Identifies vulnerabilities and provides detailed reports on each finding.

3. Metasploit:

   • Usage: Exploits identified vulnerabilities to assess impact.

   • Command: msfconsole, followed by specific exploit commands.

   • Purpose: Verifies the exploitability of vulnerabilities and helps prioritize based on exploit success.

4. Nikto:

   • Usage: Scans web servers for vulnerabilities.

   • Command: nikto -h target_ip

   • Purpose: Identifies web server misconfigurations, outdated software, and other vulnerabilities.

5. OpenVAS:

   • Usage: Conducts extensive vulnerability scanning.

   • Command: Initiate a scan via OpenVAS web interface.

   • Purpose: Provides a comprehensive analysis of vulnerabilities across the network.

Steps for Prioritizing

1. Critical Services: Focus on services critical to business operations or containing sensitive data.

2. High-Severity Vulnerabilities: Prioritize vulnerabilities with high CVSS scores.

3. Exploit Availability: Target vulnerabilities with known exploits.

4. Exposure: Consider external exposure and ease of exploitation.

References

• CISA Cybersecurity Best Practices

• NIST SP 800-115: Technical Guide to Information Security Testing and Assessment

• Microsoft Security Vulnerability Management

By using these tools and methodologies, penetration testers can effectively prioritize targets, ensuring that the most critical vulnerabilities are addressed first.