# The Ultimate Penetration Testing Methodology (2025 Edition)

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## 0. Physical Access Attacks: The First Gate <a href="#id-8e27" id="id-8e27"></a>

If you’re fortunate (or allowed) to touch the physical environment, you’ve already bypassed many security walls. Techniques range from booting into live Linux distros to extracting data from unattended systems. USB-based payloads, BIOS password resets, and GUI session hijacks are your arsenal. Don’t forget the power of rubber duckies and HID attacks.

## 1. Discovery Phase: Locating Digital Assets <a href="#id-00ce" id="id-00ce"></a>

**Internal Test**: Start by identifying live hosts within the network using tools like `netdiscover`, `arp-scan`, or even `ping sweeps`. Use `Nmap` for an in-depth scan of detected IPs.

**External Test**: Conduct OSINT. Use tools like `Amass`, `theHarvester`, and `Shodan` to enumerate the digital footprint of your target. Domain enumeration and subdomain brute-forcing (via `Sublist3r` or `Assetfinder`) are essential.

> *🔁 Once internal access is gained during an external assessment, **re-initiate this entire methodology** within the new scope.*

{% embed url="<https://osintteam.blog/waybackurls-the-ultimate-tool-for-recon-in-bug-bounty-hunting-3465a1786162?source=post_page-----40f3b92ad443--------------------------------------->" %}

## 2. Network Reconnaissance (Internal Only) <a href="#id-540c" id="id-540c"></a>

Before interacting directly with any machine, gather intelligence by monitoring network traffic to uncover valuable information.

**Passive Reconnaissance:**\
Use tools like **Wireshark** or **tcpdump** to silently capture network packets. This can reveal sensitive data such as plaintext credentials, session tokens, or unencrypted communications — all without alerting users or security systems.

**Active Reconnaissance:**\
Take a more aggressive approach by launching Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks. Tools such as **Ettercap**, **Bettercap**, or ARP poisoning techniques let you intercept and manipulate network traffic between devices, enabling you to capture credentials, inject payloads, or redirect traffic.

**Additional Targets to Explore:**

* **SMB Shares:** Discover accessible shared folders that might contain sensitive files.
* **NetBIOS Name Resolution:** Identify hosts and services using legacy naming protocols.
* **Rogue LLMNR/NBT-NS Responses:** Exploit these local name resolution protocols to perform spoofing attacks and capture authentication hashes.

## 3. Port Scanning & Service Discovery <a href="#id-2ec5" id="id-2ec5"></a>

Classic and mandatory.

```
nmap -sS -sV -T4 -p- target
```

Focus on open ports and running services. Tools: `Nmap`, `Rustscan`, `Masscan` for speed.

> *Identify OS fingerprinting (`-O`) and version detection (`-sV`) for better exploit mapping.*

{% embed url="<https://systemweakness.com/nmap-cheat-sheet-essential-commands-and-advanced-techniques-for-scanning-2274e21654e0?source=post_page-----40f3b92ad443--------------------------------------->" %}

## 4. Search for Known Vulnerabilities <a href="#b0f9" id="b0f9"></a>

Now that you know the services and their versions:

* Search ExploitDB, NVD, and Rapid7.
* Use `searchsploit` locally for quick matches.
* Use `Vulners` or `Nuclei` for automated CVE hunting.

Sometimes you’ll find a pre-auth RCE and can skip many steps!

## 5. Manual Service Exploitation <a href="#id-1b6e" id="id-1b6e"></a>

Start poking at known misconfigurations:

* FTP: Anonymous login, directory traversal
* SMB: Null sessions, EternalBlue
* RDP/SSH: Weak credentials, misconfigs

> *Don’t miss the **web application layer**. Use `Burp Suite`, `ffuf`, and `Nikto` to probe HTTP surfaces. SQLi, XSS, SSRF, and IDOR are low-hanging fruit.*

### 5.1 Automated Scanning Tools <a href="#id-00f9" id="id-00f9"></a>

Use `Legion`, `Nessus`, or `OpenVAS` for wide sweeps. Always verify manually.

### 5.2 Brute Forcing Services <a href="#f581" id="f581"></a>

Hydra, Medusa, and Patator are your allies. Pair with `rockyou.txt`, `SecLists`, or custom wordlists.

```
hydra -l admin -P rockyou.txt ftp://target
```

## 6. Phishing: The Social Vector <a href="#b040" id="b040"></a>

If technical vectors fail, go social. Clone login portals, craft payloads using `Gophish`, and harvest credentials. Link tracking + sandbox detection = higher success.

> *Include macro-based Office payloads, HTA files, and rogue Wi-Fi portals.*

{% embed url="<https://www.verylazytech.com/resources/top-20-phishing-tools-to-use-in-2024?source=post_page-----40f3b92ad443--------------------------------------->" %}

## 7. Shell Acquisition: Your Beachhead <a href="#id-2f75" id="id-2f75"></a>

Once code execution is yours:

* Use `nc`, `bash -i`, or PowerShell to spawn reverse shells
* Obfuscate payloads to bypass AVs (e.g., `msfvenom`, `Donut`, `Veil`)
* Drop payloads through lateral movement tools

For AV evasion in Windows, research `Defender exclusion abuses`, and `Living Off The Land Binaries (LOLBins)`.

## 8. Post-Exploitation Footing <a href="#id-61eb" id="id-61eb"></a>

You’re in. Now:

* Linux: `whoami`, `uname -a`, `sudo -l`, check cron jobs
* Windows: `whoami`, `systeminfo`, `net user`, PowerView for AD enumeration

> *Check PowerShell history and browser autofill.*

## 9. Exfiltration & Infiltration <a href="#f09a" id="f09a"></a>

To move data out:

* Use `scp`, `ftp`, or covert channels (e.g., DNS tunneling)
* Drop in privesc scripts like `LinPEAS`, `WinPEAS`
* Use HTTPS to evade perimeter detection

{% embed url="<https://www.verylazytech.com/post-exploitation/file-transfer-cheatsheet-windows-and-linux?source=post_page-----40f3b92ad443--------------------------------------->" %}

## 10. Privilege Escalation: From Foot Soldier to King <a href="#id-3788" id="id-3788"></a>

### 10.1 Local Escalation <a href="#id-932a" id="id-932a"></a>

Check for misconfigured services, scheduled tasks, writable binaries. Use `LinEnum`, `Linux Exploit Suggester`, `WinPEAS`, `Seatbelt`.

Review:

* UAC bypasses
* Token impersonation (Windows)
* SUID/SGID binaries (Linux)

### 10.2 Domain Escalation (AD) <a href="#id-6de3" id="id-6de3"></a>

Use `BloodHound` and `SharpHound` to map relationships.

* Exploit misconfigured ACLs
* Abuse Kerberoasting
* Dump secrets with `mimikatz`

Don’t overlook:

* LAPS extraction
* DCSync attacks
* GPP Passwords in SYSVOL

{% embed url="<https://www.verylazytech.com/windows/images-and-media?source=post_page-----40f3b92ad443--------------------------------------->" %}

## 11. Post-Exploitation: Loot & Persistence <a href="#id-6ce3" id="id-6ce3"></a>

### 11.1 Looting Credentials <a href="#a202" id="a202"></a>

Search for:

* Saved credentials in browsers
* Passwords in scripts and config files
* SAM & SYSTEM hive extraction

Use tools like `LaZagne`, `mimikatz`, and `Credential Roaming` abuse.

### 11.2 Persistence Mechanisms <a href="#id-999a" id="id-999a"></a>

* Scheduled tasks
* Registry run keys
* DLL hijacking
* Golden/Silver tickets (AD-specific)

Use at least two persistence vectors for resiliency.

## 12. Pivoting: The Red Web Expands <a href="#id-306b" id="id-306b"></a>

Time to branch into new networks:

* Use `proxychains`, `Chisel`, or `SSH tunnels`
* Reinitiate asset discovery in new subnet
* Map routes and establish new footholds

Check:

* AD trust relationships
* NTLM relaying techniques
* Pass-the-Hash and Pass-the-Ticket options

> *🧠 Bonus: Combine BloodHound maps with credentials for max lateral movement efficiency.*

Penetration testing isn’t about scripts — it’s about strategy, improvisation, and understanding your terrain. Adapt this methodology to your environment. Always obtain written permission. Log everything. Learn from each engagement.

***

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