Manual Vulnerability Identification

Manual Vulnerability Identification

Manual vulnerability assessment develops critical thinking skills essential for discovering unique weaknesses missed by scanners. Version-based analysis compares discovered service versions against vulnerability databases like CVE Details, Exploit-DB, and vendor advisories. This research-driven approach requires understanding version numbering schemes, patch levels, and configuration-dependent vulnerabilities. OSCP labs frequently include services vulnerable only in specific configurations, rewarding careful analysis over assumption.

Banner analysis extends beyond version identification to reveal configuration weaknesses and information disclosures. Error messages, verbose headers, and debug information provide insights into application behaviors and potential vulnerabilities. Custom error pages might reveal web root paths, while SMTP banners could expose internal hostnames. This attention to detail separates thorough penetration testers from those who skim surfaces seeking obvious vulnerabilities.

Default configuration assessment targets common misconfigurations across various services. Default credentials, unnecessary services, and permissive access controls plague many deployments. Building mental catalogs of service-specific default configurations accelerates identification during time-constrained assessments. OSCP machines often include realistic misconfigurations reflecting real-world administrative oversights rather than artificially planted vulnerabilities.

Logic vulnerability identification requires understanding application purposes and identifying flaws in business logic implementation. Authentication bypasses, privilege escalation through parameter manipulation, and race conditions represent logic flaws invisible to automated scanners. Developing intuition for logic vulnerabilities through practice distinguishes advanced penetration testers capable of finding novel vulnerabilities.