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CGRC · Question #579

Penetration testing (also called pen testing) is the practice of testing a computer system, network, or Web application to find vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit. Which of the following a

The correct answer is A. Race conditions B. Social engineering D. Buffer overflows E. Kernel flaws F. Trojan horses G. File and directory permissions. Penetration testing aims to uncover and exploit a wide range of vulnerabilities across different layers of an information system, including technical flaws, human elements, and configuration errors. Exploitable areas encompass software bugs, system design weaknesses, and operatio

Assessment/Audit of Security and Privacy Controls

Question

Penetration testing (also called pen testing) is the practice of testing a computer system, network, or Web application to find vulnerabilities that an attacker could exploit. Which of the following areas can be exploited in a penetration test? Each correct answer represents a complete solution. Choose all that apply. Response:

Options

  • ARace conditions
  • BSocial engineering
  • CInformation system architectures
  • DBuffer overflows
  • EKernel flaws
  • FTrojan horses
  • GFile and directory permissions

How the community answered

(37 responses)
  • A
    89% (33)
  • C
    11% (4)

Why each option

Penetration testing aims to uncover and exploit a wide range of vulnerabilities across different layers of an information system, including technical flaws, human elements, and configuration errors. Exploitable areas encompass software bugs, system design weaknesses, and operational security gaps.

ARace conditionsCorrect

Race conditions in applications or systems can lead to security vulnerabilities if not handled correctly, allowing attackers to manipulate system state.

BSocial engineeringCorrect

Social engineering attacks exploit human psychology and behavior to gain unauthorized access or information, and are a common target in penetration testing.

CInformation system architectures

Information system architectures themselves are not directly 'exploited' in a penetration test; rather, flaws or vulnerabilities within the architecture (e.g., misconfigurations, weak design choices) are what lead to exploitable weaknesses.

DBuffer overflowsCorrect

Buffer overflows are classic software vulnerabilities that can allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code or crash a system.

EKernel flawsCorrect

Kernel flaws represent critical vulnerabilities within the operating system's core, offering high-impact exploitation opportunities.

FTrojan horsesCorrect

Trojan horses are malicious software disguised as legitimate programs, which penetration testers might attempt to plant or simulate to test an organization's defenses.

GFile and directory permissionsCorrect

Improper file and directory permissions can expose sensitive information or allow unauthorized modification, making them a common target for exploitation.

Concept tested: Penetration testing targets and attack vectors

Source: https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/Legacy/SP/nistspecialpublication800-115.pdf

Topics

#Penetration Testing#Vulnerability Exploitation#Attack Vectors#Social Engineering

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