DISA Project Report - Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT)
Introduction
In today's digital environment, businesses face increasing cybersecurity threats. Vulnerability Assessment and
Penetration Testing (VAPT) are essential methodologies to identify, assess, and mitigate security risks in an
organization's IT infrastructure. This project explores VAPT techniques, tools, and implementation in a real-world
business environment.
Objectives of the Project
- To understand the methodology and importance of VAPT.
- To identify vulnerabilities in the IT infrastructure of an organization.
- To assess risk levels and provide recommendations for mitigation.
- To understand the legal and ethical framework surrounding VAPT activities.
Scope of the Project
- Assessment of a sample organization's web application and internal network.
- Identification of vulnerabilities using automated tools and manual testing.
- Suggesting appropriate remediation measures.
- Coverage limited to OWASP Top 10 and critical network vulnerabilities.
Methodology
- Planning and Scope Definition
- Information Gathering
- Vulnerability Assessment
- Penetration Testing
- Risk Analysis
DISA Project Report - Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT)
- Reporting
Tools Used
- Nmap - Network discovery and port scanning
- Nessus - Vulnerability scanning
- OpenVAS - Open-source vulnerability assessment
- Metasploit Framework - Exploitation tool
- Burp Suite - Web application penetration testing
- Nikto - Web server vulnerability scanner
Observations and Findings
1. Open SSH Port (22) - Medium Risk - Restrict SSH access using firewall rules
2. SQL Injection - High Risk - Implement input validation
3. Outdated Apache Server - High Risk - Update to latest version
4. XSS - Medium Risk - Sanitize and encode input
5. Weak Password Policy - High Risk - Enforce strong password policy
Risk Assessment Matrix
- High: SQLi, Weak Passwords, Outdated Software
- Medium: SSH Port, XSS
- Low: N/A
Recommendations
- Patch management policy to be enforced
DISA Project Report - Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT)
- Conduct regular VAPT exercises
- Train developers on secure coding practices
- Enforce strong authentication
- Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF)
Benefits to the Client
- Improved security posture
- Mitigation of high-risk vulnerabilities
- Compliance with cybersecurity standards
- Awareness of internal and external threats
Limitations of the Project
- Limited time frame
- Partial internal system testing
- Social engineering and physical testing excluded
Conclusion
This VAPT project highlighted the importance of proactive vulnerability management. The findings indicate that
organizations must integrate security in all phases of the IT lifecycle to prevent breaches and maintain data integrity.
References
- OWASP Top 10: https://owasp.org
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework
- Tool Documentation: Nessus, Metasploit, Burp Suite
DISA Project Report - Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT)
Annexures
- Annexure A: Tool Screenshots
- Annexure B: Vulnerability Report
- Annexure C: Management Sign-off
