During infrastructure penetration testing, the focus is on assessing the security of an organization’s IT infrastructure, including networks, servers, operating systems, and other infrastructure components. The objective is to identify vulnerabilities and potential weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers. Here are the key steps involved in the Infrastructure Penetration Testing phase:

1. Scope Definition:
   • Define the scope and boundaries of the infrastructure penetration test, including specific networks, systems, and components to be tested.
   • Obtain proper authorization and clarify any legal and compliance requirements.
2. Reconnaissance:
   • Gather information about the target infrastructure through passive techniques like open-source intelligence (OSINT) and active techniques like network scanning and enumeration.
   • Identify IP ranges, subnets, open ports, services, and other critical information about the target infrastructure.
3. Vulnerability Scanning:
   • Conduct automated vulnerability scanning using tools like Nessus, OpenVAS, or Qualys to identify known vulnerabilities in the target systems.
   • Analyze the results of the vulnerability scan to prioritize and plan further testing activities.
4. Exploitation and Post-Exploitation:
   • Perform manual testing and exploitation of identified vulnerabilities to assess their real-world impact.
   • Exploit vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access, escalate privileges, pivot to other systems, or exfiltrate data.
   • Test the effectiveness of security controls, such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS), and access controls.
5. Password Cracking and Brute-Force Testing:
   • Attempt to crack passwords or perform brute-force attacks to assess the strength of user credentials and identify weak authentication mechanisms.
   • Utilize tools like John the Ripper, Hydra, or Hashcat to automate password cracking attempts.
6. Lateral Movement:
   • If applicable, attempt to move laterally within the network by exploiting vulnerable systems, weak configurations, or misconfigurations.
   • Assess the ability to pivot from compromised systems to other critical infrastructure components.
7. Privilege Escalation:
   • Test the effectiveness of access controls and privilege management by attempting to escalate privileges or abuse misconfigurations.
   • Assess the impact of successful privilege escalation on the overall security of the infrastructure.
8. Denial-of-Service (DoS) Testing:
   • Test the resilience of the network and systems against DoS attacks by generating high volumes of traffic or resource-intensive requests.
   • Evaluate the response and recovery capabilities of the infrastructure during and after a DoS attack.
9. Documentation and Reporting:
   • Document all findings, including vulnerabilities, exploited systems, and the potential impact on the infrastructure.
   • Provide detailed recommendations for remediation, including mitigation steps, configuration changes, and best practices.
   • Prioritize the vulnerabilities based on their severity and potential impact on the infrastructure’s security.
10. Debriefing and Knowledge Transfer:

• Conduct a debriefing session with the stakeholders, including IT administrators, system owners, and security personnel.
• Share the findings, recommendations, and insights gained during the infrastructure penetration testing engagement.
• Provide guidance on mitigating the identified vulnerabilities and improving the overall security of the infrastructure.

Regular communication with stakeholders throughout the infrastructure penetration testing process is essential to ensure a clear understanding of objectives, address any concerns, and facilitate effective remediation efforts.