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Cyber Security

The Importance of a Penetration Test for Banks

by William
written by William

The evolution of technology has ushered in a new era in the banking sector. However, as banks increasingly move their operations online, they also become a lucrative target for cybercriminals. In this digital age, the importance of cybersecurity in banking cannot be overstated. One critical tool in the cybersecurity arsenal is the penetration test. Particularly, the penetration test for banks plays a significant role in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, enhancing overall security, and ensuring compliance with various regulations.

Understanding the Penetration Test

A penetration test, or ‘pen test’, is a simulated cyber attack on a system to identify potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious hackers. It involves using a range of techniques and tools to mimic real-world attack scenarios, providing banks with a comprehensive overview of their security status. By identifying and addressing these potential security weak points, a penetration test effectively fortifies the bank’s digital defences.

The Rising Importance of Penetration Testing in Banks

Financial institutions, particularly banks, manage large volumes of sensitive customer data, making them prime targets for cybercriminals. A security breach can have devastating consequences, including financial loss, damage to reputation, and loss of customer trust. Thus, it is imperative for banks to maintain a robust security posture.

Penetration testing is a proactive approach to cybersecurity. It enables banks to identify potential vulnerabilities and address them before they can be exploited by malicious actors. This not only helps in mitigating cyber threats but also prevents potential data breaches, thereby protecting the bank’s reputation.

Banks are also obligated to comply with a multitude of regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU and the UK, and the Payment Services Directive 2 (PSD2). Regular penetration testing ensures banks maintain compliance with these regulatory requirements, as it verifies that their cybersecurity measures are up to the required standards.

Implementing Penetration Test for Banks: The Process

A standard penetration test for banks involves a detailed, structured procedure:

  1. Planning: The first step involves defining the scope and objectives of the test. This includes determining the systems to be tested, the testing methods to be used, and the potential vulnerabilities to be evaluated.
  2. Scanning: The selected systems are then thoroughly scanned to understand their structure and functionality. This analysis aids in identifying potential points of exploitation.
  3. Gaining Access: Using the information gathered from scanning, attempts are made to exploit the vulnerabilities and gain access to the system. This is done to understand the potential impact of an actual cyber attack.
  4. Maintaining Access: The next step involves attempting to remain within the system undetected, mimicking the activities of persistent cyber attackers who aim to maintain long-term access to the system for malicious purposes.
  5. Analysis: Finally, a comprehensive analysis is performed to understand the vulnerabilities found, the successfulness of the attacks, and the amount of data that was potentially exposed during the
  6. Reporting: A detailed report is prepared, outlining the vulnerabilities discovered, their potential impact, and recommended mitigation strategies. The report provides the bank with actionable insights that they can use to strengthen their security measures.

The Numerous Benefits of Pen Testing for Banks

The implementation of regular penetration testing offers numerous benefits to banks:

  • Enhanced Security: Penetration tests provide a deep understanding of potential security loopholes and the ways in which they can be exploited. By addressing these vulnerabilities, banks can significantly improve their overall security posture.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Regular penetration tests demonstrate a bank’s commitment to cybersecurity, providing evidence of compliance with various regulations. This can be particularly beneficial during audits.
  • Prevention of Financial Loss: By identifying and addressing security flaws before they can be exploited, penetration tests can help banks avoid the financial losses associated with data breaches and cyber attacks.
  • Protection of Reputation: By proactively addressing potential security flaws, banks can mitigate the risk of data breaches that could tarnish their reputation and erode customer trust.

Conclusion

In today’s digital world, where cyber threats are constantly evolving, a penetration test for banks is more than just a necessity – it is an absolute imperative. It empowers banks to adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity, allowing them to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. By regularly identifying and addressing potential vulnerabilities, banks can protect sensitive customer data, maintain regulatory compliance, and safeguard their reputation. With so much at stake, penetration testing should be an integral part of every bank’s cybersecurity strategy.

If you’re interested in learning more about our services, or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our contact form. We look forward to assisting you with all your banking security needs.

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Cyber Security

Ethical Hacking Costs in the UK

by William
written by William

In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity is not optional but a necessity for businesses of all sizes. Ethical hacking, also known as penetration testing, plays a vital role in identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious hackers. Understanding the costs associated with this essential service is critical for businesses in the UK. This article aims to demystify the costs related to ethical hacking, helping potential clients make informed decisions.

The Importance of Ethical Hacking

Before delving into the costs, it’s crucial to comprehend the value ethical hacking and a secure code review brings to your business. A proactive approach, it uncovers potential vulnerabilities in your system before they can be exploited, thereby saving your business significant potential damage in terms of financial losses and reputational harm.

Factors Influencing Ethical Hacking Costs

Ethical hacking and/or secure code review costs can vary depending on several factors:

  • Scope of the Project: The size and complexity of your network and the depth of the test can greatly influence the cost.
  • Type of Testing: Different types of penetration tests, such as network testing, web application testing, and social engineering testing, require different skill sets, tools, and time commitments, impacting the cost.
  • Tester’s Expertise: The skill and experience of the ethical hacker or the penetration testing team will directly affect the cost. More experienced testers might charge more, but they also tend to deliver more thorough and insightful results.
  • Remediation Support: Some ethical hacking services include the cost of remediation support in their pricing, where they help fix the vulnerabilities they uncover. If this is not included, you may need to budget for remediation separately.

Ethical Hacking Costs in the UK

Given the factors mentioned above, ethical hacking costs can range widely. As of my last update in September 2021, a small to medium-sized business could expect to pay anywhere from £3,000 to £40,000 for a professional penetration test, depending on the complexity and scope of the project.

Why Ethical Hacking is a Worthy Investment

While the costs associated with ethical hacking might seem substantial, it’s important to view them in the context of potential costs that could arise from a serious data breach. The average cost of a data breach globally, as per the 2021 IBM Security report, was £3.38 million – an all-time high. Therefore, investing in ethical hacking can provide substantial returns by safeguarding your business against such costly incidents.

Choosing an Ethical Hacking Service

When considering ethical hacking services, don’t just focus on the cost. It’s equally important to look at the value the service provides. A reputable service should not only identify vulnerabilities but also provide clear and actionable recommendations to address them. Look for ethical hackers with recognised certifications like CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker), OSCP (Offensive Security Certified Professional), or CREST, which are well-regarded in the UK.

Customised Ethical Hacking Solutions

Ethical hacking is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each business has unique needs based on the nature of their operations, the data they handle, and their existing cybersecurity measures. Therefore, it’s advisable to work with a service provider that offers customised solutions tailored to your business, which will ensure you get the most value from your investment.

Conclusion

While the costs of ethical hacking services in the UK can vary, they should be viewed as a strategic investment towards your business’s long-term security and prosperity. By working with a skilled and experienced team of ethical hackers, you can proactively identify and address vulnerabilities, thereby strengthening your cybersecurity posture and building trust with your customers.

Contact Us

If you’re interested in learning more about ethical hacking costs in the UK or require a customised quote, don’t hesitate to get in touch via our contact form. Our team of experienced and certified ethical hackers will be more than happy to assist you.

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Cyber Security

Difference Between CSRF and SSRF

by Tashina
written by Tashina

Both Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) and Server-side Request Forgery (SSRF) are malicious attacks on web applications that exploit weaknesses in how a web server handles URLs. Despite sharing similarities, CSRF and SSRF differ in their primary targets and purposes. Understanding the difference between CSRF and SSRF is essential to effectively protect your web applications from these threats.

CSRF, also known as XSRF, is an attack where an attacker tricks a user into unknowingly submitting a request to a web application on which the user is authenticated. This can lead to unauthorised actions being performed on the application, such as changing account details or initiating transactions. The attacker exploits the trust that the application has in the user’s browser, and the attack typically occurs on the client-side, hence it is often referred to as client-side request forgery.

SSRF, on the other hand, is an attack where an attacker tricks the server into making requests to other servers or resources within the internal network. This can lead to unauthorised access to internal resources, data leakage, or even remote code execution. The attacker exploits the trust that the server has in itself or other internal systems.

The key difference in CSRF vs SSRF lies in their targets and attack vectors. CSRF targets the user’s browser and exploits the trust that the application has in the user, while SSRF targets the server and exploits the trust that the server has in itself or other internal systems. Both attacks can have severe consequences, and it is crucial to implement proper security measures to protect against both CSRF and SSRF attacks.

Target of Attack: A Crucial Difference Between CSRF and SSRF

While both CSRF and SSRF exploit web server vulnerabilities, their targets differ. SSRF primarily attacks the server itself, aiming to steal sensitive information stored there or exploit other vulnerabilities by bypassing input validation countermeasures. Although SSRF may indirectly impact service users, its main goal is server exploitation.

On the other hand, CSRF targets users by exploiting design flaws in web applications. The objective of a CSRF attack is to carry out legitimate but unauthorised actions on a user account with the web service, such as making changes to account settings without permission.

Purpose of Attack: Another Key Difference Between CSRF and SSRF

SSRF and CSRF attacks also serve different purposes. SSRF attacks focus on gaining access to critical information, either directly (by making the user send data to a malicious URL) or indirectly (by exploiting a vulnerability that helps steal data).

Conversely, CSRF attacks do not allow the attacker to access sensitive data directly. Instead, they make the user’s browser visit a targeted site, with the actual request and response occurring separately. In cases where the attacker sends sensitive data as a result of a malicious request, it goes to the user’s computer rather than the attacker’s. The primary goal of CSRF attacks is to force users to take actions according to the attacker’s wishes, such as changing their password to one known by the attacker.

How to Detect CSRF and SSRF Vulnerabilities: Safeguarding Your Web Applications

Both CSRF and SSRF vulnerabilities stem from a common issue: the server’s improper handling of URLs. To identify these vulnerabilities in a web application, it’s essential to examine the application’s URL usage, including format, destinations, and types of requests made.

For comprehensive penetration testing services for your web application, contact Aardwolf Security today and receive a free quote. Our expert team will help you identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities, ensuring the safety and security of your web applications and protecting your users and sensitive data from potential threats related to the difference between CSRF and SSRF.

Common Mitigation Techniques: Strengthening Your Web Application Security

Defending your web applications against CSRF and SSRF attacks requires different approaches tailored to the specific vulnerabilities. Implementing effective mitigation techniques is key to addressing the difference between CSRF and SSRF threats. Here are some common mitigation techniques for each attack type:

CSRF Mitigation Techniques

  1. Use anti-CSRF tokens: Implementing unique, unpredictable anti-CSRF tokens in your web application helps prevent attackers from forging requests. These tokens are tied to individual user sessions, ensuring that only legitimate requests are processed.
  2. SameSite cookies: Using SameSite cookies can prevent CSRF attacks by restricting the sending of cookies to only same-site requests. This means that cross-site requests won’t include cookies, which prevents CSRF attacks.
  3. Re-authentication: Requiring users to re-authenticate or provide additional verification, such as two-factor authentication, for sensitive actions can minimize the impact of CSRF attacks.

SSRF Mitigation Techniques

  1. Input validation: Validate user input to ensure that it conforms to expected formats and values. This helps prevent attackers from injecting malicious payloads.
  2. Allowlist domains and IP addresses: Restrict outbound requests to a predefined set of trusted domains and IP addresses. This prevents attackers from making unauthorized requests to arbitrary domains.
  3. Network segmentation: Segregate your application’s internal network from other parts of your infrastructure. This limits an attacker’s ability to access sensitive systems in the event of an SSRF attack.
  4. Monitor and log requests: Keep a close eye on server logs and implement monitoring to detect unusual or suspicious requests, which could indicate an SSRF attack.

Choose Aardwolf Security for Penetration Testing Services

At Aardwolf Security, we understand the importance of safeguarding your web applications from CSRF and SSRF attacks. Our expert team of penetration testers uses industry-leading techniques to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities related to the difference between CSRF and SSRF, ensuring the safety and security of your applications, users, and sensitive data.

By choosing Aardwolf Security, you can expect:

  • Comprehensive assessments of your web applications and infrastructure
  • Customized testing plans tailored to your specific needs
  • Clear, actionable recommendations for addressing identified vulnerabilities
  • Timely and responsive support from our dedicated team of security experts

Don’t leave your web applications exposed to CSRF and SSRF attacks. Contact Aardwolf Security today for a web application penetration testing quote and let us help protect your valuable digital assets.

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Cyber Security

Planning for a Penetration Test: A Guide for Prospective Clients

by William
written by William

In today’s digital landscape, businesses of all sizes are facing increasing cybersecurity threats. Conducting a penetration test (or pen test) is an essential measure to assess and improve your organisation’s security posture. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide for planning a penetration test, ensuring you achieve the best results to protect your valuable data and infrastructure.

1. Establish Clear Objectives

The first step in planning for a penetration test is to establish clear objectives. These objectives should align with your organisation’s security goals and business needs. Some common objectives include:

  • Identifying vulnerabilities and weaknesses in your network, applications, or systems
  • Ensuring compliance with industry regulations and standards
  • Assessing the effectiveness of existing security controls
  • Gaining insights into potential attack vectors and threats
  • Demonstrating due diligence in protecting sensitive data

2. Define the Scope of the Test

The scope of a penetration test refers to the specific systems, networks, or applications that will be assessed. Defining the scope is crucial to avoid unwanted disruptions or unintended consequences. Consider factors such as:

  • Which assets are most critical to your business operations?
  • What types of data do you store and process?
  • Are there any specific compliance requirements you need to meet?
  • What is the overall size and complexity of your IT infrastructure?

Documenting the scope helps ensure that both your organisation and the pen testing provider understand the boundaries of the test.

3. Choose the Right Type of Penetration Test

There are various types of penetration tests, each focusing on different aspects of your security. Some common types include:

  • Network Penetration Testing: Targets your internal and external network infrastructure, such as firewalls, routers, and switches.
  • Web Application Penetration Testing: Focuses on vulnerabilities within web applications, including input validation, authentication, and authorisation issues.
  • Mobile Application Penetration Testing: Assesses the security of mobile apps, including data storage, communication, and access control.
  • Wireless Penetration Testing: Evaluates the security of wireless networks, including encryption, authentication, and access points.
  • Social Engineering Penetration Testing: Tests the effectiveness of your organisation’s security awareness by simulating phishing attacks, pretext calling, or physical intrusions.

Select the type of test that best aligns with your objectives and the scope you’ve defined.

4. Select a Qualified Penetration Testing Provider

When choosing a penetration testing provider, consider the following factors:

  • Experience and expertise: Look for a provider with a strong track record in conducting penetration tests for organisations similar to yours.
  • Certifications: Seek providers with certified penetration testers, such as Certified Ethical Hackers (CEH) or Offensive Security Certified Professionals (OSCP).
  • Methodology: A reputable provider should follow a well-defined methodology, such as the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) or the OWASP Testing Guide.
  • Communication and reporting: Ensure the provider offers clear communication and comprehensive reporting, including actionable recommendations for remediation.

5. Prepare for the Penetration Test

Before the test begins, make sure you have:

  • Obtained necessary approvals: Inform relevant stakeholders and obtain any required permissions.
  • Scheduled the test: Coordinate with the provider to schedule the test at a time that minimises potential disruptions.
  • Established communication channels: Set up channels for communication between your team and the provider during the test, such as a dedicated chat room or email thread.

6. Review and Act on the Results

After the penetration test is complete, the provider should deliver a detailed report that includes:

  • An executive summary for non-technical stakeholders
  • A list of identified vulnerabilities, ranked by severity
  • Technical details of each vulnerability and how it was exploited
  • Recommendations for remediation and risk mitigation

It’s crucial to review the report with your internal team and prioritise the remediation efforts based on the severity and potential impact of the vulnerabilities. Collaborate with the pen testing provider to clarify any findings or recommendations and ensure a thorough understanding of the results.

7. Conduct Regular Penetration Tests

Cybersecurity threats are continually evolving, and your organisation’s security posture should be regularly reviewed and improved. Plan to conduct penetration tests at least annually or whenever significant changes are made to your IT infrastructure. Regular testing helps to maintain your organisation’s security and compliance over time.

Conclusion

Planning for a penetration test is a critical component of maintaining a strong cybersecurity posture. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a successful penetration test that provides valuable insights into your organisation’s security and helps protect your valuable assets from potential threats.

Finding a reliable penetration provider  is an investment in your organisation’s security and can help prevent costly data breaches or attacks.

Here at Aardwolf Security, our team of trusted CREST accredited penetration testers have decades of experience performing web application security testing, and website security testing. Get in touch today to find out how we can help protect your business assets.

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Cyber Security

Directory Brute Forcing With DirSmash

by William
written by William

Web directories are a crucial component of many websites, organising web content into categories and subcategories to help users navigate and locate information easily. However, hackers and security professionals also use web directories as a potential entry point to discover hidden content on a web server that are not intended to be publicly accessible. This technique is known as directory brute forcing and involves systematically trying a large number of possible directory and file names until a valid one is found. Aardwolf Security’s DirSmash is an open-source Python script that automates the directory brute forcing process. In this article, we will discuss how DirSmash works, its purpose, and how to run the code to help security professionals identify potential vulnerabilities in web applications and web servers.

What is a web directory?

Web directories are hierarchical structures that organise web content into categories and subcategories, making it easier for users to navigate and locate the information they need. Directories are distinct from search engines, which rely on algorithms to index web content and rank it based on relevance to search queries.

In a web directory, each category and subcategory has a unique URL or web address. For example, the URL for the “Sports” category on a hypothetical web directory might be https://www.example.com/directory/sports/. Within the Sports category, there may be subcategories such as “Basketball”, “Football”, and “Tennis”, each with its own unique URL.

What is directory brute forcing?

Directory brute forcing is a technique used by hackers and security professionals to discover hidden directories or files on a web server that are not intended to be publicly accessible. The brute forcing process involves systematically trying a large number of possible directory and file names until a valid one is found.

This technique is effective because many web applications use predictable naming conventions for their directories and files. For example, a web application may store all of its images in a directory called “images”, or it may use a consistent naming convention for product pages such as “product1.html”, “product2.html”, and so on.

What is the purpose of DirSmash?

DirSmash is an open source Python script developed by Aardwolf Security that automates the process of directory brute forcing. The script generates a list of possible directory and file names based on common naming conventions and then sends HTTP requests to the target server to see if any of the directories or files exist.

The purpose of DirSmash is to help security professionals identify potential vulnerabilities in web applications and web servers. By discovering hidden directories and files, security professionals can identify areas of the web application that may be vulnerable to attack and take steps to secure them.

How the code works

DirSmash is written in Python and uses the requests library to send HTTP requests to the target server. The script generates a list of possible directory and file names based on common naming conventions and then sends requests to the target server for each directory and file in the list.

If the server responds with a 200 status code, indicating that the directory or file exists, DirSmash will log the URL and status code to the console. If the server responds with a different status code, indicating that the directory or file does not exist or is not accessible, DirSmash will continue to the next directory or file in the list.

DirSmash also includes options for specifying the target URL, the wordlist file to use, and the number of threads to use for the brute forcing process.

How to run DirSmash

To run DirSmash, you will need to have Python and the requests library installed on your system. You can download the script from the Aardwolf Security GitHub repository at: https://github.com/aardwolfsecurityltd/DirSmash/blob/main/dirsmash.py.

Once you have downloaded the script, open a terminal window and navigate to the directory where the script is located. To run the script, enter the following command:

python dirsmash.py -u <target URL> -w <wordlist file> -t <number of threads>

Replace <target URL> with the URL of the target web application or server, <wordlist file> with the path to the wordlist file you want to use, and <number of threads> with the number of threads you want to use for the brute forcing process.

DirSmash will then begin sending HTTP requests to the target server for each directory and file in the wordlist file. The script will log any status codes indicating the existence of the directory or file. This information can then be used to further investigate potential vulnerabilities and secure the web application or server.

DirSmash is a valuable addition to any security professional’s toolkit, but it is important to use it ethically and responsibly. It is crucial to obtain proper authorization before using DirSmash or any other security tool to ensure that you are not violating any laws or policies.

In addition, it is important to keep in mind that the brute forcing process can be resource-intensive and may generate a significant amount of traffic to the target server. This can result in server overload, slow response times, or even cause the server to crash. It is crucial to use DirSmash with caution and to limit the number of requests sent at any given time.

In summary, DirSmash is a powerful tool that can be used to identify potential vulnerabilities in web applications and web servers through directory brute forcing. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can learn how to run the code and uncover hidden directories and files on your web server. However, it is important to use this tool ethically and responsibly and to obtain proper authorisation before using it. Always keep in mind the potential impact of the brute forcing process on the target server and use DirSmash with caution.

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Cyber Security

MetaSmash: A Powerful Metadata Extraction Tool

by William
written by William

In today’s digital world, the information we share through our devices is stored in more ways than we can imagine. Every file we create or share contains metadata, which is information about the file that is not necessarily visible to us. Metadata can contain a range of information about a file, including creation date, author, location, and even sensitive information such as GPS coordinates or user comments. This information can be extracted from different types of files, such as images, videos, and documents, and pose a significant risk to privacy and security if not handled properly.

The Importance of Sensitive Metadata Extraction

Metadata extraction is an essential process in identifying and managing the sensitive data in your files. It helps you discover hidden information that may be compromising your privacy or security. For instance, images captured from smartphones or cameras can contain GPS coordinates that reveal your location or even your home address. Similarly, some documents may contain confidential information that can be extracted from user comments or document properties. By extracting sensitive metadata, you can identify and remove this information before sharing or publishing the files.

Types of Sensitive Information in Metadata

Different types of files can contain various types of sensitive metadata. Some common types of sensitive metadata include:

  • GPS Coordinates: As mentioned earlier, images, videos, and other files that capture location information can reveal your whereabouts, which can be a significant privacy concern.
  • User Comments: Many files, especially images and videos, allow users to add comments, which can contain sensitive or personal information.
  • Author Information: Documents and other files often include author information, which may include name, email, or other identifying details.
  • Creation and Modification Dates: These dates can reveal when a file was created or last modified, which can have legal or privacy implications.
  • Document Properties: Documents, including PDFs, can contain sensitive information in their properties, such as the name of the company or the author of the document.

The Tool for Extracting Sensitive Metadata

MetaSmash is an excellent tool for extracting sensitive metadata from different types of files. The script uses the Exiftool library to extract metadata and the Pillow library to format it in a more human-readable form. The script also uses the Magic library to identify the type of file, and if it is an image, PDF, video, or audio file, it extracts the metadata accordingly.

Using the tool is straightforward. You can run it from the command line by providing the path of the file you want to analyse. If the file is an image or contains GPS coordinates, you can add the “–gps” flag to extract the GPS metadata. The tool will output a formatted text that shows the sensitive metadata extracted from the file.

Installation

Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/aardwolfsecurityltd/MetaSmash.git

Usage

To run MetaSmash, navigate to the directory where the script is located and execute the following command:

python metasmash.py [file_path]

Replace [file_path] with the path to the file that you wish to test.

Conclusion

Sensitive metadata extraction is an important process that can help you protect your privacy and security. MetaSmash is a powerful tool that can help you extract and analyse metadata from different types of files. By identifying sensitive metadata pen testers and red teamer’s can gain valuable information about a target. Whether you are a privacy-conscious individual or a security professional, this tool is a valuable addition to your arsenal.

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Cyber Security

403 Bypass Tool For Bulk Urls

by William
written by William

In this article, we will explore a scenario where a client initially required a black box penetration test of over a hundred different web applications that were supposed to only be accessible from internal IP addresses and therefore provide a 403 forbidden error. Once it was confirmed that these pages were indeed providing the correct 403 error, it was then necessary to test for 403 bypass vulnerabilities.

What is a 403 Error?

A 403 error is a response status code that indicates that the server understands the client’s request but refuses to fulfil it. The most common cause of a 403 error is that the user does not have sufficient permissions to access the requested resource. This error can also occur if the server has been configured to restrict access to a particular resource or if the resource has been removed or moved to a different location.

History of 403 Bypass Techniques

The art of bypassing 403 errors is not a new phenomenon. Since the dawn of the internet era, hackers and security researchers have been intrigued by the challenge of gaining unauthorized access. A simple search for “403 bypass github” will reveal a rich history of bypass techniques, with repositories spanning from the early 2000s to the present day.

How to perform a 403 Bypass?

Bypassing a 403 can be achieved in several ways, such as manipulating HTTP headers, exploiting vulnerabilities in the server software, or using brute force attacks to guess valid authentication credentials. It’s essential to remember that attempting to bypass a 403 error without proper authorization is illegal and can result in severe consequences. Over the years, many techniques have been shared on GitHub, signaling the ongoing interest and research in this area.

The Client’s Brief

Recently, Aardwolf Security were approached by a client who required a penetration test of over a hundred different web applications. These applications were only supposed to be accessible from internal IP addresses, and therefore, they should have provided a 403 forbidden error when accessed from external IP addresses. The client wanted to ensure that these applications were secure and that no unauthorised access could be gained through these applications.

Once the Aardwolf Security team confirmed that these pages were indeed providing the correct 403 error, they then had to test whether the 403 could be bypassed. However, publicly available tools on GitHub only allowed for individual URLs to be assessed. It was not practical to test each URL individually as there were over a hundred different web applications to test. Therefore, the Aardwolf Security team had to create a tool that would allow for a user to input a list of URLs, which would then each be tested using well-known 403 bypass methods.

Creating a 403 Bypass Tool

To solve the problem of testing over a hundred different web applications for 403 bypass vulnerabilities, Aardwolf Security created a new tool that would allow for a user to input a list of URLs. This tool would then test each URL using well-known 403 bypass methods. The tool was designed to be user-friendly and ensure many URL’s could be assessed consecutively.

The tool created by Aardwolf Security was able to identify several vulnerabilities in the client’s web applications, including a bypass of one of the client URLs that allowed for sensitive data to be accessed. The vulnerabilities were reported to the client, who was able to take the necessary steps to address them and improve their security posture.

The tool can be found on our GitHub repository here: https://github.com/aardwolfsecurityltd/bulk_403_bypass

To run the tool use:

bash 403_bypass.sh [input file]

If you want to reduce verbose output to only include 200 responses use the following:

bash 403_bypass.sh [input file] | grep 200

Real-world Implications of 403 Bypass

The real-world implications of bypassing 403 errors can be devastating for businesses. Unauthorized access can lead to data breaches, exposing sensitive customer information, and potential financial losses. Understanding the methods showcased in “403 bypass github” repositories is vital, not for exploitation but for safeguarding assets.

Detailed Insights into 403 Bypass Techniques

While the objective of bypassing a 403 Forbidden error remains consistent, the techniques employed are manifold. Some of the commonly used methods are:

Path Traversal: This technique involves manipulating the URL to access directories or files that aren’t directly linked or should be restricted.
HTTP Verb Tampering: This method checks if other HTTP methods like PUT or DELETE can be used to bypass the restriction.
Header Manipulation: Attackers often manipulate headers like X-Forwarded-For or Referer to deceive the server into thinking the request is legitimate or originating from an allowed source.
Cookie Manipulation: In some cases, manipulating or removing cookies can grant access to forbidden resources.

Case Studies of Successful 403 Bypass Attacks

Over the years, there have been several high-profile cases where attackers successfully bypassed 403 errors, leading to data breaches. While the specifics of each case vary, the aftermath often involves significant reputational and financial damage to the targeted organization. Here are a few notable instances:

Tech Giant Breach: In 2018, a renowned tech company was compromised when hackers bypassed 403 errors to gain unauthorized access to user data. This breach exposed millions of user accounts and resulted in a severe financial penalty for the company.
E-Commerce Platform Attack: A popular online shopping platform fell victim to a 403 bypass in 2019. The attackers exploited a misconfigured server to access customer transaction details.

Training and Awareness: The First Line of Defense

It’s crucial for organizations to train their development and IT teams about potential vulnerabilities. Regular training sessions, workshops, and seminars can help in building a culture of security awareness. Tools and repositories, like the ones found when searching for “403 bypass github”, can serve as practical resources for these training sessions. When teams are aware of potential threats, they are better positioned to prevent them.

Community Feedback and the Role of Ethical Hackers

The role of ethical hackers in today’s cybersecurity landscape cannot be overstated. By leveraging platforms like GitHub, they share their findings, tools, and techniques with the broader community. This collective knowledge serves as a foundation for many organizations to strengthen their security measures. Feedback from the community, especially regarding tools like Aardwolf Security’s, is invaluable. It helps in identifying gaps, refining methodologies, and developing more robust defense mechanisms.

Conclusion

In this scenario, Aardwolf Security was able to create a tool that allowed for the efficient testing of over a hundred different web applications for 403 bypass vulnerabilities. By identifying these vulnerabilities, the client was able to take the necessary steps to improve their security posture and protect their sensitive data.

Aardwolf security have been helping protect and secure SMEs against cybercriminals since 2015. With an exclusive focus on penetration testing from CREST qualified penetration testers, Aardwolf Security has the expertise you need to improve your cybersecurity posture and prevent you from becoming a victim of cybercrime.

Our penetration testing services can be tailored to your specific needs, and our team of experts are here to provide impartial information and advice every step of the way.

Get in touch today to speak with one of our Senior Consultants, or fill out our 5-minute online quote form for a bespoke quote today.

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Secure Code Review Checklist
Cyber Security

Importance of Code Review and its Best Practices

by William
written by William

In a code review, programmers check each other’s code for mistakes and provide recommendations. Regardless of the methods a team chooses for code reviews, there are many important benefits that can be achieved by reviewing and examining code.

Importance of Code Review

The key benefit of code review is mentorship. Every individual in the team possesses some bits of knowledge that the others don’t have. By showing code to others, one can learn new tips and tricks of the coding process. It can also expose one to different approaches of solving a problem and helps expand the ways to tackle similar issues in the future.

The most important reason to seek out code reviews is for finding defects early on in the development process. It’s better to have two sets of eyes than one. With an extra pair of eyes to review the code, it is more likely to have lesser defects in the code before it is pushed into the repository.

How to Review Code

Code reviews are all about collaboration, not about competition.

Follow these five best practices for conducting successful code reviews.

  1. Look for Key Things in a Review

These include style, structure, performance, logic, design, functionality, readability, and test coverage. Some of these can be checked through automation, such as structure, but others such as functionality need a human to review.

  1. Build and test before the review

Before conducting a manual review, it is important to build and test. Doing automated test helps cut down errors and saves time.

  1. Review code for a maximum of one hour at one time

Going beyond this timeline tends to reduce attention-to-detail and performance. It is advisable to conduct frequent reviews with shorter intervals instead. By taking a break, the brain gets a chance to reset and helps perform better reviews.

  1. Check 400 lines of code at the most

Again, reviewing too many lines of code can result in lesser probability to find defects. Each review should be kept for 400 lines or lesser. This limit is significant for the same reasons as setting time limits.

  1. Give constructive feedback

Instead of being critical in feedback, a better approach is to be constructive. Point out the issues and suggest ways of improvement. Ask questions instead of making statements, and praise alongside the feedback.

If you are looking for a code review quote, Aardwolf security can help fulfil your requirement with one of our experienced pen testers. Get in touch today to find out more or use our interactive pen test quote form.

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network assessment checklist
Cyber Security

Network Assessment Checklist

by Tashina
written by Tashina

At Aardwolf Security, our primary goal is to help businesses identify and address vulnerabilities in their IT networks. By conducting a comprehensive network assessment, we can provide valuable insights and recommendations to improve your organisation’s security posture. In this article, we will outline the key components of a network assessment and explain why they are crucial for maintaining a secure and functional network.

1. Assessing Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Policies

Many businesses have adopted BYOD policies, allowing employees to use their personal devices for work purposes. While this approach offers flexibility and convenience, it also introduces potential security risks. At Aardwolf Security, we will evaluate your organisation’s BYOD policy and identify any areas that could expose your network to threats.

2. Evaluating Network Security Vulnerabilities

An essential part of a network assessment is identifying potential security vulnerabilities within your organisation’s network. These vulnerabilities can exist in hardware, software, or even the physical environment. As a team of penetration testers, we will examine your network for weaknesses, such as outdated security patches, poor password management practices, and other common issues that could be exploited by hackers.

3. Assessing Network Infrastructure

A thorough network assessment includes evaluating both the software and hardware components of your organisation’s infrastructure. This involves examining applications, firewalls, operating systems, access points, switches, and cables. At Aardwolf Security, we will assess the health of your infrastructure, identify potential issues, and suggest necessary updates and patches.

4. Reviewing Network Files and Data Security

Data security is a critical aspect of overall network security. At Aardwolf Security, we will review how your organisation gathers, stores, accesses, and distributes confidential information. Poorly secured data can quickly become a vulnerability, potentially exposing your business to regulatory issues and data breaches. We will also evaluate your access control measures to ensure that only authorised personnel have access to sensitive information.

5. Examining Wireless Network Security

Wireless networks are an integral part of modern business operations, but they can also introduce security risks if not properly secured. At Aardwolf Security, we will evaluate your wireless network configurations, including encryption protocols, authentication methods, and access point settings. We will identify potential vulnerabilities and provide recommendations for improving the security of your wireless network.

6. Evaluating Incident Response and Disaster Recovery Plans

A well-prepared organisation needs to have robust incident response and disaster recovery plans in place. At Aardwolf Security, we will assess your organisation’s existing plans to ensure they are up-to-date and effective. We will provide guidance on best practices for responding to security incidents and recovering from network disruptions or data loss events.

7. Identifying Compliance Requirements

Depending on your industry and location, your organisation may be subject to various regulatory and compliance requirements. Aardwolf Security will help you identify the relevant regulations and ensure that your network assessment covers all necessary aspects. We will also provide recommendations for meeting and maintaining compliance with these requirements.

8. Performing Penetration Testing

As part of our comprehensive network assessment, Aardwolf Security will perform network penetration testing to simulate real-world attacks on your network. This will help identify exploitable vulnerabilities and provide insights into how an attacker could potentially breach your network. Our findings will inform our recommendations for strengthening your organisation’s security posture.

9. Providing a Detailed Report and Action Plan

Following the network assessment, Aardwolf Security will provide a detailed report outlining our findings and recommendations. This report will include a prioritised action plan to address identified vulnerabilities and improve your network’s security and performance. Our team will work with you to ensure you understand the report and are equipped to implement the recommended changes.

A thorough network assessment conducted by Aardwolf Security’s experienced penetration testers can help you identify and address vulnerabilities, improve your organisation’s security posture, and ensure the continued functionality and performance of your IT network. Contact Aardwolf Security today to discuss your network assessment needs and learn how we can assist your business in achieving optimal security and performance.

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Secure Code Review Checklist
Cyber Security

Secure Code Review Checklist

by Tashina
written by Tashina

A code review is an essential pillar of quality software development, helping to ensure that the final product not only performs correctly but does so safely and securely.

As a software developer, understanding the intricacies of a secure code review, the common security vulnerabilities, and how to incorporate such a review into your development process is a vital skill.

The ability to spot and rectify systemic weaknesses before they evolve into security issues cannot be overstated. This article aims to establish a secure code review checklist, discuss the best practices in code reviewing, and provide insights on useful tools and strategies that ensure code quality and security.

Stay tuned, as we unravel the art of secure coding and testing, to create secure, reliable software.

Understanding Common Security Vulnerabilities

Getting familiar with common security vulnerabilities forms the bedrock of designing a reliable secure code review checklist. These vulnerabilities often represent the loopholes that crafty cyber criminals exploit. It’s a no-brainer that an informed software developer is a secure software developer.

A quick glance at security issues, such as the OWASP top 10, encourages developers to be thorough in their approach to secure coding. OWASP, a comprehensive source of tools and knowledge for improving security, does a great job of laying out potentially glaring threats.

Paying attention to OWASP’s guidelines is an excellent first step for thorough input validation and admirable session management practices. The backbone of quality code is a practiced coding standard. This standard ensures a level of uniformity and readability across the entire codebase.

It’s not all about the aesthetic appeal, a coding standard simplifies debugging, making it easier to identify and rectify security flaws. Lastly, never underestimate the power of rigorous application security testing. Armed with a robust code review tool, developers unleash an army of unit tests on the source code.

This process, synonymous with scanning for vulnerabilities or SAST, keeps code quality in check, boosting user data protection and overall software security.

 

Methods to Detect Systematic Security Weaknesses

a developer using an advanced code review tool to analyze potential security issues in a codebase.

Detecting systematic security weaknesses demands more than just a keen eye; it requires a comprehensive strategy underpinned by a well-stacked toolbox. But where does one start?

The answer echoes from every corner of the software industry: follow a high-quality secure code review checklist. Reviewing the codebase is a crucial part of the development process.

Using an advanced code review tool, developers can sift through the code, picking out potential security issues that might otherwise remain hidden. Analyzing this data helps in improving overall code quality and facilitating ongoing software security.

Keeping user data safe remains at the heart of every coding practice, one of the crucial markers of quality code. To safeguard from inadvertent exposure, adhering to user input standards is key. Remember, user input is both a strength and a weakness in any system; therefore, it is important to apply rigorous input validation protocols.

An important part of the review is identifying and rectifying security flaws. This step heavily leans on the utilization of session management best practices. Conducting security vulnerability assessments is not just about locating potential security trenches but also extends to implementing fortified fixes that secure the entire system.

 

Secure Code Review: A Basic Checklist

A basic secure code review checklist serves as a roadmap to navigate the often intricate landscape of software development. It offers the software developer a structured process to scan for potential defects or vulnerabilities.

After all, overlooking a single line of code could become an open gate to harmful actions.

The first item on any efficient secure code review checklist should be verifying the code’s alignment with a recognised coding standard. This practice is crucial for maintaining both the readability and resilience of the source code. It also reinforces the extensibility, maintenance, and overall health of the codebase.

Don’t forget to conduct unit tests throughout the review process. This straightforward, yet beneficial practice, confirms that every isolated portion of the source code executes correctly and efficiently. Unit tests act as the software’s first line of defence, identifying potential issues even before they show as symptoms or bugs.

User data is a cornerstone in the digital world. Ensuring that it remains secure and uncompromised during all interactions with the system is vital. To guarantee such safety, the checklist should include the review of user input handling and session management routines for any signs of weakness that could be exploited.

Parse this, scrutinise that, and leave no stone unturned!

 

Advanced Secure Code Review Checklist

several developers sitting around a table, poring over code printouts and discussing different aspects of software security.

Elevating from a basic secure code review checklist to an advanced one brings forth a more comprehensive approach in ensuring software security. This increased rigour helps developers feel more confident when deploying their applications.

At the heart of this process is a meticulous analysis of the codebase and a careful assessment of potential security risks.

An advanced secure code review checklist delves deeper by looking beyond the traditional aspects of coding practices and security vulnerabilities. It takes into consideration the complexity of the code, validating the logic, the design, and the architecture.

It scrutinizes every function, every method and every variable, helping to ensure stability while preserving the integrity of user data.

Integrating a trusted static application security testing (SAST) tool forms an integral part of the advanced checklist. These tools automate the process to quickly scan the codebase for common security issues.

Yet, it’s crucial to remember, the responsibility of maintaining a high level of code quality is not solely on the SAST tool. Developers still need to actively participate in the review and debugging process.

Lastly, the advanced checklist focuses on a thorough assessment of overall software security, including a precise evaluation of session management routines and careful scrutiny of user inputs.

Like pieces of a puzzle, fitting the various aspects of secure code review together forms the final, gleaming image of a sound and robust application.

 

Practical Guide to Finding Security Flaws

A practical guide to finding security flaws begins with understanding what you’re looking for. No journey into the wild should commence without a map, and finding security flaws is essentially a trek across the terrain of your codebase. Your secure code review checklist serves as this map, guiding your quest to locate and neutralize potential transgressors.

Automation becomes an instant ally in this exploratory venture. Numerous tools, such as a high-quality static application security testing tool (SAST), work tirelessly, sifting through the codebase for potential threats. These automated apostles offer an efficient, yet meticulous, security vulnerability examination.

Yet, no tool, no matter how sophisticated and cutting-edge, can fully replace a developer’s detailed manual code review. It’s during these human-computer partnering processes that a developer’s skills and intuition truly shine. Diligent manual review ensures identification of hidden or subtle security flaws that a machine might overlook.

Lastly, the practical guide stresses on documenting all detected flaws, their impact, and their solutions within a structured table of contents to facilitate easy future reference. Only by recording our triumphs and setbacks can we truly leverage this knowledge bank for stronger future code. This documentation ultimately assists in refining coding practices and propelling software security to the next level.”

 

Utilising Saved Searches for Faster Results

Saved searches serve as a speedy, go-to solution for recurrently needed information. They expedite the process and lend software developers a noticeable boost in efficiency.

Imagine having a custom filter, tailored to your unique needs, that unearths the crucial data you need at the push of a button.

When utilizing a high-quality code review tool, incorporating saved searches can transform a developer’s approach to bug spotting. They can create searches specialized in detecting common code quality issues or specific security vulnerabilities.

With these customized searches in place, the hunt for potential threats becomes more of a guided tour than blind exploration.

What’s more, these saved searches are not limited to merely identifying potential security vulnerabilities. They can also help track adherence to coding standards or monitor changes that have been made to sensitive parts of the codebase.

Such visibility enables developers to stay ahead of any potential issues that may deter the smooth running of their application.

Never underestimate the power of a sharp tool in skilled hands. Customizable searches in a code review tool help cast a more discriminating eye over the codebase, speed up the code review process, and foster the development of more secure, reliable applications.

By leveraging this feature, developers can ensure that the quality of their code stays uncompromised as they stride towards their coding goals.

 

Understanding Encryption and Cryptography

a developer analyzing encryption and cryptography methods on a computer screen.

Learning the ropes of encryption and cryptography often feels like decoding a cryptic message. However, understanding these concepts is fundamental to effective software security.

When developers think in cryptographic terms, they evolve into digital gatekeepers, safeguarding the integrity, privacy, and authenticity of the user data. Encryption, by scrambling plain text into an unreadable form, offers robust defense against prying eyes.

Data encryption isn’t just an attractive plus; it’s a necessary part of the security code review checklist. To fully audit a codebase for software security, one needs to analyze and validate the encryption methods being used.

Checking for secure encryption and cryptography is not a one-size-fits-all process. Developers need to adapt to different encryption techniques for different needs.

Using a secure and suitably tested cryptographic library, familiarizing themselves with the best practices in cryptography, and continually updating their knowledge are pivotal steps in the security code review checklist.

This cryptographic vigilance forges a stronger shield around our digital treasures, ensuring the protection and the smooth operation of the software. While the code may be tough to crack, the benefits are easy to appreciate.

Effective Strategies for Reducing Attack Surface

Reducing the attack surface is a proven strategy for bolstering software security. The goal is to limit the number of points on the system that could give an attacker access. It’s all about reducing the surface area vulnerable to exploit.

One effective strategy lies in running code review with secure code review checklist drawn from the OWASP guidelines. This checklist equips developers with the knowledge to locate and close potential breach points before they become a problem. By keeping the software practices in line with industry best practices, it sets a high bar of system security.

A different yet equally effective approach is to integrate security into the software development process from the early stages. By considering security at the initial design and architecture phase, developers can create systems resilient to potential attacks. This reduces the attack surface from the get-go.

Last but not least, using trusted application security testing tools, developers can further consolidate their attack surface reduction efforts. These tools give a quick yet thorough scan of the codebase for security vulnerabilities and help developers build software that’s not only functional but also firm against potential threats. Exploring strategies such as these puts software security front and center in the development process.

Conclusion

Focused on security from the get-go, a Secure Code Review Checklist empowers developers to construct applications that stand firm against potential threats.

It serves as a guide, allowing developers to navigate through the complex landscape of coding, encryption, user data protection, and more. In the quest to locate and fix flaws, a robust checklist makes the process faster, systematic and more effective.

By integrating it into the development process, we lay the groundwork for increased software reliability, user trust, and overall success in the cyber-secured world.

There is no doubt that a Secure Code Review Checklist is a guardian angel every developer should ardently embrace.

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