Service-Specific Assessment Techniques

Service-Specific Assessment Techniques

Web application assessment requires specialized techniques beyond general vulnerability scanning. Input validation testing across all parameters identifies injection vulnerabilities. Authentication mechanism analysis reveals bypass opportunities. Session management evaluation uncovers fixation or prediction vulnerabilities. File upload functionality assessment targets unrestricted upload leading to code execution. Each application component requires systematic testing adapted to its functionality.

Database service assessment focuses on authentication weaknesses and post-authentication capabilities. Default credentials, weak passwords, and authentication bypasses provide initial access. Post-authentication enumeration reveals database contents, file system access, and command execution possibilities. Understanding database-specific functionality like xp_cmdshell, LOAD_FILE, or PL/SQL capabilities transforms database access into system compromise.

File sharing service assessment targets permissions, accessible content, and protocol weaknesses. SMB, FTP, NFS, and other sharing protocols each present unique vulnerabilities. Writable shares enable payload delivery, readable shares might contain credentials, and protocol vulnerabilities allow authentication bypass. Systematic share content analysis frequently reveals passwords, keys, or source code accelerating compromise.

Remote access service assessment examines VPN, RDP, SSH, and similar services for authentication weaknesses and protocol vulnerabilities. Timing attacks against SSH might reveal valid usernames. RDP vulnerabilities could enable unauthenticated access. VPN misconfigurations might expose internal networks. These high-value services warrant thorough investigation given their direct system access nature.