VAPT checklists for internal and external network - testing and mitigation
Modified 2024-06-20 Created 2024-06-20
VAPT checklists for internal and external network
Checklists for internal and external network vulnerability attack testing (VAPT) and
mitigation.
A comprehensive assessment and subsequent mitigation of vulnerabilities.
Internal Network Vulnerability Attack Testing Checklist
1. Pre-Assessment Preparation
- Define scope and objectives.
- Obtain necessary approvals and permissions.
- Gather network diagrams and asset inventories.
- Identify key systems and data.
2. Information Gathering
- Perform network discovery (e.g., Nmap) to identify live hosts.
- Gather network services information (e.g., port scanning).
- Identify operating systems and applications running on identified hosts.
- Collect information about network topology and security controls.
3. Vulnerability Scanning
- Conduct automated vulnerability scans using tools like Nessus, OpenVAS, etc.
- Ensure scans cover all devices within scope.
- Review and validate scan results to eliminate false positives.
4. Manual Vulnerability Assessment
- Perform manual testing for identified vulnerabilities.
- Check for missing patches and outdated software.
- Test for weak passwords and default credentials.
- Examine configuration files for insecure settings.
5. Exploitation (If Permitted)
- Attempt to exploit identified vulnerabilities to confirm their impact.
- Use tools like Metasploit for controlled exploitation.
- Ensure proper logging and reporting of exploitation attempts.
6. Post-Exploitation (If Permitted)
- Document potential impacts such as data exfiltration, privilege escalation, etc.
- Verify the extent of access gained through exploitation.
7. Reporting
- Document findings with detailed descriptions of vulnerabilities.
- Provide risk ratings and potential impacts.
- Recommend mitigation steps for each identified issue.
8. Mitigation and Remediation
- Apply security patches and updates.
- Strengthen configurations and remove default credentials.
- Implement stronger password policies and multifactor authentication.
- Isolate and segment critical systems.
9. Retesting
- Conduct follow-up tests to verify the effectiveness of mitigations.
- Ensure no new vulnerabilities were introduced during remediation.
External Network Vulnerability Attack Testing Checklist
1. Pre-Assessment Preparation
- Define scope and objectives.
- Obtain necessary approvals and permissions.
- Identify public-facing assets and entry points.
- Determine potential targets (e.g., web servers, mail servers).
2. Information Gathering
- Perform WHOIS lookups to gather domain information.
- Conduct DNS enumeration and footprinting.
- Use tools like Shodan to identify exposed services and devices.
- Map the network perimeter (e.g., Nmap for port scanning).
3. Vulnerability Scanning
- Conduct automated vulnerability scans on external IP addresses and domains.
- Identify open ports, services, and potential vulnerabilities.
- Validate scan results and prioritize based on risk.
4. Manual Vulnerability Assessment
- Perform manual testing on web applications (e.g., OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities).
- Test for common misconfigurations and outdated software.
- Check for SSL/TLS vulnerabilities and weak ciphers.
- Examine firewall and intrusion detection system (IDS) configurations.
5. Exploitation (If Permitted)
- Attempt to exploit identified vulnerabilities in a controlled manner.
- Use tools like Metasploit to simulate attacks.
- Ensure proper documentation of all exploitation attempts.
6. Post-Exploitation (If Permitted)
- Assess the potential impact of successful exploitation.
- Document findings related to data access, service disruption, etc.
7. Reporting
- Create a detailed report of findings, including risk ratings.
- Provide descriptions of each vulnerability and potential impact.
- Recommend mitigation steps for identified issues.
8. Mitigation and Remediation
- Apply patches and updates to affected systems.
- Harden configurations and disable unnecessary services.
- Implement Web Application Firewalls (WAF) and other security controls.
- Conduct regular external scans to detect new vulnerabilities.
9. Retesting
- Verify the effectiveness of mitigation efforts through follow-up testing.
- Ensure all identified vulnerabilities have been addressed.
Mitigation Strategies
1. Patching and Updates
- Regularly update software, firmware, and operating systems.
- Prioritize patches based on criticality and exposure.
2. Configuration Management
- Follow security best practices for system and application configurations.
- Disable unnecessary services and features.
3. Network Segmentation
- Implement network segmentation to isolate critical systems.
- Use VLANs and firewalls to control traffic flow.
4. Access Controls
- Enforce strong password policies and multifactor authentication.
- Implement role-based access control (RBAC) and least privilege principles.
5. Security Monitoring
- Deploy intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS).
- Regularly review logs and alerts for suspicious activity.
6. Security Awareness Training
- Educate employees on security best practices and phishing awareness.
- Conduct regular security training sessions and drills.
7. Incident Response Planning
- Develop and regularly update an incident response plan.
- Conduct regular tabletop exercises to test response capabilities.
By following these checklists and implementing the suggested mitigation strategies,
organizations can improve their security posture and reduce the risk of successful
attacks on their internal and external networks.
