Software Testing - Penetration Testing
Software testing is an extensive process, and covers verification of the software security features. The software penetration testing is a practiced cyber attack done on our computer systems to determine, and resolve weak points in the software prior to real attackers who would exploit them.
What is Software Penetration Testing?
The software penetration testing is primarily focussed on the web based application security, where the testing team makes an attempt to penetrate APIs, servers etc to detect weaknesses like the code injection risks from raw inputs. The outcome is instrumental in adjusting the web application farewell(WAF) configurations, and resolving any issues that can improve the security of the software.
From the year 1965, the security problems increased as people thought that the interaction lines could be broken, and the attackers would be able to get hold of the information that is being transferred from one person to another. In the year 1967, many computer researchers discussed in an annual joint conference that it was feasible to penetrate through the communication channels.
During 1980, there was an increase in the use of computers, and the internet which led to the importance of testing network security. The concept of penetration testing became popular from 1990 along with the introduction of automation, and tools in this field. Gradually, with the increase of e-commerce, and business over the internet, web security picked up more demand.
Now-a-days, penetration testing forms a part of cyber security. Every organization irrespective of its size, is investing in it to determine, and fix weaknesses in their software. There are a lot of improvements happening every day to improve the penetration testing.
Stages in Software Penetration Testing
The stages in the software penetration testing are listed below −
Step 1 − Planning: It involves the planning, and defining the scope, and aim of the penetration testing. It includes which items such as networks, software etc will be part of testing, and what methods need to be adopted for that.
Step 2 − Scanning: A large number of tools and methodologies are utilized to get an idea of how the software reacts to intrusion efforts. The static analysis is done to determine the probable weaknesses in the code without actually executing it. The dynamic analysis is performed to evaluate how the software behaves to numerous inputs, and conditions by running it.
Step 3 − Getting Access: Once all the vulnerabilities in the software are identified post the scanning phase, those are exploited to get unauthorized access to the software by using methods such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting to get complete control of the system.
Step 4 − Maintaining Access: This stage is primarily focussed on getting a permanent presence in the software. It simulates the actual characteristics of the real hackers who like to have access to the software for an extended period of time. The procedures namely backdoor, acquiring privileges, and consistent presence are used to ensure that the access remains for a long time.
Step 5 − Test Result Analysis: As the penetration tests are executed, the reports are generated of all the weaknesses which are exploited, and the details of every sensitive data which can be accessed etc. The experts evaluate the reports to get an idea of how effective the security measures are in the software, and evaluate the measures to fix them.
Methods of Software Penetration Testing
The methods of software penetration testing are listed below −
External Testing
It is aimed at an organizations online resources namely websites, email, domain name servers(DNS) etc. The primary purpose is to penetrate and obtain sensitive information just like real attackers. It works towards mitigating the risks before they are actually used by actual hackers.
Internal Testing
It is performed by a tester who has full access to an organizations internal systems. He simulates attacks from inside such as hacking of an employee's account by a phishing email. It checks the efficiency of the internal security measures, identifies weaknesses in them, and works towards their improvements.
Blind Testing
It is performed by a tester who has knowledge of only the organizations name. He simulates an actual attack to expose how the organization responds, detects, and diminishes security breaches at that time.
Double Blind Testing
It is performed like a drill. The team who is in charge of security is unaware, and seems to be unprepared for this attack. It is done to evaluate the overall security, efficiency, tracking, detecting, and responses at such practical circumstances.
Targeted Testing
It is performed when both the tester and the security officials are aware of this testing, and they help each other. It is more like a training or controlled exercise where the security team gets feedback from the tester on the areas of improvement.
Types of Software Penetration Testing
The types of software penetration testing are listed below −
1. Black Box Penetration Testing
The attacker is unaware of the target when it simulates a real cyber attack. It is a time consuming process as the attacker does not have any knowledge on the system. It is done to detect existing weaknesses in a software and to simulate the limit to which an attacker can go inside a software without having any prior knowledge on the same.
2. White Box Penetration Testing
The attacker is aware of the source code of the software. The ethical hackers have full access to the code, and they can detect all probable threats occurring due to programming errors, improper settings, and absence of defense mechanisms.
3. Grey Box Penetration Testing
The attacker is provided with some more details on the target namely IP, subnets, network settings, low level credentials etc. He also has some fundamental knowledge on the software on which he is going to simulate an attack.
Web Application Firewalls Used in Software Penetration Testing
The different web application firewalls used at the time of software penetration testing are listed below −
- The software penetration testing utilizes WAF details like logs(not applicable to blind, and double blind tests) to detect, and utilize the software vulnerabilities.
- WAF administrators take into account the penetration test outcomes to modify configurations, and improve protection against weaknesses detected at the time of testing.
- The software penetration testing works as per the compliance requirements for security audits namely PCI DSS, and SOC2.
- The PCI-DSS 6.6 standards make it compulsory for a certified WAF. However, software penetration testing is very important for enhancing the WAF settings, and security.
Advantages of Software Penetration Testing
The advantages of the software penetration testing are listed below −
- The penetration testing exposes weaknesses in the software that have not been yet detected, or exploited.
- The penetration testing determines the risks associated with the weaknesses in the software.
- The penetration testing indicates the result of an attack, and its probability of occurrences.
- The penetration testing brings out the efficiency of the security measures in place.
- The penetration testing helps to prioritize the improvement efforts.
- The penetration testing improves, and validates the overall security of the software.
- The penetration testing trains individuals on risks of security lapses.
Disadvantages of Software Penetration Testing
The disadvantages of the software penetration testing are listed below −
- The penetration testing if done not properly results in exposure of sensitive information.
- The tester who is in charge of the penetration testing should be wholeheartedly trusted.
- It is not easy to find experienced, skillful, and knowledgeable penetration testers.
- The penetration testing is a costly process.
- The penetration testing can impact normal business.
- The penetration testing sometimes fails to determine all the vulnerabilities of the software.
- Sometimes the penetration testing gives false positives.
- Sometimes the penetration testing gives false negatives.
- The penetration test results are difficult to interpret.
Rules for Software Penetration Testing
The rules to be followed before the software penetration testing are listed below −
- There should be a non-disclosure agreement(signed by both parties) having the permission to hack.
- There should be a beginning, and ending date for the penetration testing.
- There should be the clear mention of the objectives, and methodologies taken up during penetration testing.
Tools used for Software Penetration Testing
The tools used for the software penetration testing are listed below −
- Nmap
- Burp Suite
- Wireshark
Conclusion
This concludes our comprehensive take on the tutorial on Software Penetration Testing. Weve started with describing what is software penetration testing, what are the different stages in the software penetration testing, what are the different methods of software penetration testing, what are the different types of software penetration testing, what are the different web application firewalls used at the time of software penetration testing, what are the advantages of software penetration testing, what are the disadvantages of software penetration testing, what are the rules to be followed before the software penetration testing, and what are the tools used for software penetration testing. This equips you with in-depth knowledge of Software Performance Testing. It is wise to keep practicing what youve learned and exploring others relevant to Software Testing to deepen your understanding and expand your horizons.