Pen testing for a product company

At QatSol, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional software solutions on demand. Here, we showcase our collaboration with a US-based product company, highlighting our team, process, and the successful results of our meticulous approach to cybersecurity consulting.

Services Used

Cybersecurity consulting

Industry

Professional services

[ ABOUT THE CLIENT ]

Customer

A small, innovative product company based in the USA specializing in digital solutions for niche markets. They sought to ensure the security and integrity of their single web application, which supports three distinct user roles, and their external network infrastructure.

[ ensuring security ]

Challenge

The company tasked QatSol with conducting a comprehensive penetration test to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities within their web application and external network. The goal was to enhance their overall security posture and safeguard sensitive data against potential cyber threats.

[ Team ]

To tackle this challenge, we assembled a specialized team of 8 cybersecurity experts

1

Project Manager

Coordinated the project, ensuring all milestones were met and communication with the client was seamless

1

Lead Security Consultant

Led the penetration testing efforts, bringing deep expertise in cybersecurity methodologies

1

System Analysts

Analyzed the system architecture to understand potential vulnerabilities

3

Penetration Testers

Conducted rigorous testing on the web application and external network using advanced tools and techniques

1

Network Security Engineer

Focused on assessing and securing the network infrastructure

1

Report Specialist

Compiled detailed reports, translating technical findings into actionable insights for the client

[WE HIRE THE BEST TALENT]

Industry-leading tech stack

With over 500 developers, expert engineers, and cutting-edge tools, QatSol is fully equipped to help you design scalable architectures, implement robust development pipelines, create custom automation solutions, and achieve your technology goals.

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Angular

Python

PHP

Next.js

Laravel

PostgreSQL

Redis

Google Cloud BigTable

Web3.js

Chainlink

Microsoft Bot Framework

[ gray box testing ]

Solution

QatSol employed a Gray Box testing model, combining both external and internal perspectives, to thoroughly assess the security of the client’s web application and network.

By leveraging industry-standard methodologies such as PTES, OWASP, OSSTMM, and NIST SP 800-115, we ensured a meticulous and detailed evaluation. The testing engagement lasted eight working days, during which our team collaborated closely with the client to address identified vulnerabilities and recommend effective remediation strategies.

Client Collaboration:

Presented findings to the client with detailed explanations.
Facilitated discussions on identified issues and potential impacts.
Maintained open communication throughout the engagement to ensure clarity and mutual understanding.

The penetration testing engagement successfully uncovered critical vulnerabilities within the web application and external network. By adhering to industry-standard methodologies and leveraging a Gray Box model, the assessment provided actionable insights for improving the client’s overall security posture.

The positive client feedback and the commitment to swift remediation underscore the value of a comprehensive and collaborative approach to penetration testing.

[ HOW WE DEVELOP ]

Process

01

Discovery and Planning

Our team initiated the project by engaging in in-depth consultations with the client to grasp their specific needs and security challenges. We gathered comprehensive insights, defined precise project objectives, and developed a strategic plan that aligned with the client’s vision and requirements.

02

Technology Selection

To ensure a robust and thorough evaluation, we selected industry-standard tools and methodologies. We utilized Nmap, OpenVAS, Nessus, Metasploit Framework, Wireshark, and Burp Suite for the testing process, adhering to PTES, OWASP, OSSTMM, and NIST SP 800-115 standards. This combination allowed for a meticulous assessment of the client’s web application and network.

03

Penetration Testing

Our penetration testing team employed a Gray Box testing model to assess the security from both external and internal perspectives. The process involved network testing, authentication testing, and web application testing.

04

Reporting

Upon completing the testing, we provided the client with comprehensive documentation with an overview of vulnerabilities, exploitation steps, and remediation recommendations.

[ a comprehensive security service ]

Features

Network Testing

External Network Assessment:
- Focused on 20 external IP addresses.
- Identified services with default credentials.
- Discovered vulnerable or outdated services.
Authentication Testing:
- Detected services with no authentication mechanisms.
- Emphasized the critical need to secure exposed services.

Web Application Testing

Vulnerability Identification:
- Utilized OWASP TOP 10 and NIST CVSS classifications.
- Identified XSS, SSRF, and logical vulnerabilities.
- Exploited privilege escalation within the web application.
User Roles Assessment:
- Analyzed security controls for three user roles.
- Detected misconfigurations and logical issues affecting user roles.
- Emphasized the importance of robust role-based access controls.

Report Deliverables

Full Detailed Report:
- Comprehensive documentation of vulnerabilities, exploitation steps, and recommendations for remediation.
Executive Summary Document:
- High-level overview tailored for non-technical stakeholders.
Raw Export Results:
- Tools’ raw outputs for transparency and additional insights.

[ value-driven ]

Results

The penetration testing engagement successfully uncovered critical vulnerabilities within the client’s web application and external network. The results of our efforts were transformative: