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Network Security Assessment
Protecting Your Data, Systems, and Networks from Threats
Executive Summary
This case study explores how GRhombus implemented a comprehensive security solution to address vulnerabilities in its IT infrastructure. By deploying advanced encryption techniques and access control mechanisms, the client successfully mitigated security risks and safeguarded sensitive customer information. The implementation resulted in improved data protection, regulatory compliance, and enhanced customer trust.
Introduction
The Client is a Bitwise. Bitwise delivers technology solutions that leverage data to enable business insights. By deploying our breakthrough technology innovations we help our global clients maximize their competitive advantage. We are the industry’s most experienced and dedicated team of data professionals, optimizing value for our clients through our global delivery model and with our with proprietary technology tools that reduce the time, complexity and cost of data initiatives. Together, our people and technology provide the insights that our Fortune 500 clients need, to continue to lead their fields.
Problem Statement
Bitwise managed the different servers for their client, servers Domain server, Exchange servers etc..
To ensure that the existing security measures are effective enough to protect all the assets from unauthorized access, the Customer decided to evaluate the security level of the information system and the public network as well the private network; identify possible vulnerabilities and eliminate any revealed security issues
Therefore the Customer was looking for a reliable partner providing penetration testing services.
Objectives
To check the security state of the whole network while keeping within time and budget, a combined approach to testing was chosen:
- Gathering information about the Servers, public services, software versions.
- Potential vulnerabilities; cooperative discussion and selection of N vectors (e.g. IP addresses) for testing. At this stage, all the selected elements of the Customer’s network (reachable according to the attacker models) were included in the scope.
- Testing was carried out using the:
- As white box method: Client provide the list of IP addresses along with server names for conducting the Penetration testing.
- As black box method: Client provide the list of Public facing IP address along with the subnet for conducting external penetration testing.
Penetration Testing for Public Facing IP address (External Penetration testing):
- There were list of 8 IP address provided by the client as Target to perform he external (Black box) penetration testing from the public network, to identify the critical risk from the external network.
- Public web applications were included for testing, including the business website, the web portal for clients. Firewall Portals etc.
- During the penetration testing, it was assumed that the intruder had Internet access exclusively.
Penetrating Testing of the internal network perimeter:
- There were 12 targets were selected for this stage, including domain name servers (DNS) and exchange servers. Among the selected attacker models the following ones were used: intruder has access to the Internet and other.
- We are aimed to detect at least the following vulnerabilities:
- The possibility to gain control over several network devices using a special control protocol
- Access to the systems using the default admin account
- Possibility to get the administrative privileges and reading the database with sensitive data
- Systems susceptible to automated brute force
- Systems susceptible to Denial-of-service attacks
- Other less risky issues like spoofing, Exploitation of different service running on different port, traffics etc.
- The penetration testing revealed a number of vulnerabilities with different levels of risk for the company assets.
- Besides the revealed technical issues, the penetration testing helped evaluate the readiness of the company to recognize an attack and take prompt security measures to eliminate possible negative impact.
Objectives
To check the security state of the whole network while keeping within time and budget, a combined approach to testing was chosen:
- Gathering information about the Servers, public services, software versions.
- Potential vulnerabilities; cooperative discussion and selection of N vectors (e.g. IP addresses) for testing. At this stage, all the selected elements of the Customer’s network (reachable according to the attacker models) were included in the scope.
- Testing was carried out using the:
- As white box method: Client provide the list of IP addresses along with server names for conducting the Penetration testing.
- As black box method: Client provide the list of Public facing IP address along with the subnet for conducting external penetration testing.
Penetration Testing for Public Facing IP address (External Penetration testing):
- There were list of 8 IP address provided by the client as Target to perform he external (Black box) penetration testing from the public network, to identify the critical risk from the external network.
- Public web applications were included for testing, including the business website, the web portal for clients. Firewall Portals etc.
- During the penetration testing, it was assumed that the intruder had Internet access exclusively.
Penetrating Testing of the internal network perimeter:
- There were 12 targets were selected for this stage, including domain name servers (DNS) and exchange servers. Among the selected attacker models the following ones were used: intruder has access to the Internet and other.
- We are aimed to detect at least the following vulnerabilities:
- The possibility to gain control over several network devices using a special control protocol
- Access to the systems using the default admin account
- Possibility to get the administrative privileges and reading the database with sensitive data
- Systems susceptible to automated brute force
- Systems susceptible to Denial-of-service attacks
- Other less risky issues like spoofing, Exploitation of different service running on different port, traffics etc.
- The penetration testing revealed a number of vulnerabilities with different levels of risk for the company assets.
- Besides the revealed technical issues, the penetration testing helped evaluate the readiness of the company to recognize an attack and take prompt security measures to eliminate possible negative impact.
Methodology
We have conducted a thorough assessment of the IT Infrastructure and servers, we have identified all the possible vulnerability. For conducting penetration testing we have following the below methodology.
Web application penetration testing methodology typically involves the following steps
Pre-engagement Phase
- Define the scope, objectives, and constraints of the penetration test.
- Obtain necessary permissions and approvals from stakeholders.
- Gather information about the web application, its architecture, technologies used, and potential threats.
Pre-engagement Phase
- Define the scope, objectives, and constraints of the penetration test.
- Obtain necessary permissions and approvals from stakeholders.
- Gather information about the web application, its architecture, technologies used, and potential threats.
Information Gathering
- Conduct reconnaissance to gather information about the target web application, including URL structures, subdomains, technologies, and possible entry points.
- Use tools like web crawlers, search engines, and public databases to collect relevant information.
Information Gathering
- Conduct reconnaissance to gather information about the target web application, including URL structures, subdomains, technologies, and possible entry points.
- Use tools like web crawlers, search engines, and public databases to collect relevant information.
Vulnerability Analysis
- Analyze the web application for common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), insecure authentication mechanisms, and misconfigurations.
- Use automated vulnerability scanners and manual testing techniques to identify security flaws.
Vulnerability Analysis
- Analyze the web application for common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), insecure authentication mechanisms, and misconfigurations.
- Use automated vulnerability scanners and manual testing techniques to identify security flaws.
Exploitation
- Attempt to exploit identified vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or escalate privileges within the web application.
- Use penetration testing tools and techniques to validate the severity and impact of vulnerabilities.
Exploitation
- Attempt to exploit identified vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or escalate privileges within the web application.
- Use penetration testing tools and techniques to validate the severity and impact of vulnerabilities.
Post-Exploitation
- Assess the extent of compromise and potential impact on the web application, sensitive data, and underlying systems.
- Document the steps taken during the exploitation phase and any successful compromises achieved.
Post-Exploitation
- Assess the extent of compromise and potential impact on the web application, sensitive data, and underlying systems.
- Document the steps taken during the exploitation phase and any successful compromises achieved.
Reporting
- Compile a comprehensive penetration testing report detailing the findings, including identified vulnerabilities, their severity levels, and recommendations for remediation.
- Prioritize vulnerabilities based on their risk level and potential impact on the web application's security.
- Provide actionable recommendations and best practices for improving the security posture of the web application.
Reporting
- Compile a comprehensive penetration testing report detailing the findings, including identified vulnerabilities, their severity levels, and recommendations for remediation.
- Prioritize vulnerabilities based on their risk level and potential impact on the web application's security.
- Provide actionable recommendations and best practices for improving the security posture of the web application.
Post-Testing Activities
- Collaborate with stakeholders to address and remediate identified vulnerabilities.
- Conduct follow-up assessments to verify the effectiveness of remediation efforts and ensure that security controls have been adequately implemented.
- Provide ongoing support and guidance to enhance the overall security awareness and resilience of the web application.
Post-Testing Activities
- Collaborate with stakeholders to address and remediate identified vulnerabilities.
- Conduct follow-up assessments to verify the effectiveness of remediation efforts and ensure that security controls have been adequately implemented.
- Provide ongoing support and guidance to enhance the overall security awareness and resilience of the web application.
Our Bese
Solution
Initial Network Scoping
A comprehensive scoping of the network was conducted to identify and map the current network infrastructure, sensitive assets, access points, and existing security mechanisms.
Exploit Tests Conducted
Various exploit tests, including mail relay and DNS zone transfer, were carried out to identify potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses within the network.
Detailed Technical Assessment and Recommendations
A detailed and technical list of issues discovered during the penetration testing was compiled, along with recommendations on mitigating risks, prioritized based on severity, with a focus on addressing the most critical vulnerabilities first.
Penetration Testing on Network Devices and Systems
Penetration testing activities were performed on network devices and systems to assess their vulnerability to potential security breaches.
Utilization of Known Vulnerabilities
Consultants leveraged known vulnerabilities to further penetrate the Client’s network and assess the true impact of these vulnerabilities on the overall security posture.
Solution
Our consultants completed Penetration Testing Process. Key highlights of the audit are listed below:
A comprehensive scoping of the network was conducted to identify and map the current network infrastructure, sensitive assets, access points, and existing security mechanisms.
- Penetration testing activities were performed on network devices and systems to assess their vulnerability to potential security breaches.
- Various exploit tests, including mail relay and DNS zone transfer, were carried out to identify potential vulnerabilities and weaknesses within the network.
Consultants leveraged known vulnerabilities to further penetrate the Client’s network and assess the true impact of these vulnerabilities on the overall security posture.
A detailed and technical list of issues discovered during the penetration testing was compiled, along with recommendations on mitigating risks, prioritized based on severity, with a focus on addressing the most critical vulnerabilities first.
Results
As a result, we have provide the detailed report and remediation details were customized to according with the Client’s operational environment and development framework.
The following reports were submitted to the client:
Discussion
The implementation of advanced security measures has positioned by us for our client. By proactively addressing security risks and ensuring compliance with regulations, we have recommended security measure that will help our client to strengthen the web application security and its reputation.
Conclusion
Our Penetration Test enabled the client to uncover potential threats and vulnerabilities that could have harmed their network and systems. We also helped them understand the potential impact of successful attacks on their business and operations. Moreover, the Client experienced the following benefits:
Risk Reduction: We lowered security risks by identifying vulnerabilities in the customer’s infrastructure and offering proven solutions to enhance security.
Cost-Efficiency: We proposed budget-friendly measures to mitigate risks based on the customer’s business needs, ensuring security and business continuity
