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Vulnerability Testing, also known as Vulnerability Assessment, is a process used to evaluate the security risks of software systems to reduce the probability of threats. The aim of vulnerability testing is to reduce the chances of intruders or hackers gaining unauthorized access to systems. This process is based on the mechanism of Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) or VAPT testing. VAPT testing is an important part of any security system, as it helps to identify and address any potential weaknesses before they can be exploited.

Any mistake or weakness in the security procedures, design, implementation, or internal controls of a system that could lead to its security policy being violated constitutes a vulnerability.

Why do Vulnerability Assessments?

It is important for the organization’s security. The process of locating and reporting vulnerabilities helps detect and resolve security problems by ranking them before someone or something exploits them.

In this process, Operating Systems, Application Software, and Networks are scanned for vulnerabilities, including inappropriate software design, insecure authentication, etc.

 Vulnerability Assessment Process

A step-by-step process for identifying system vulnerabilities is provided below.

Goals & Objectives: –

Define the goals and objectives of Vulnerability Analysis.

Scope: –

Assessing and testing should be done with a clear understanding of the scope of the assignment.

The following are the three possible scopes that exist:

Black Box Testing: – Running the test from an external network with no prior knowledge of the internal network and systems.

Grey Box Testing: – Testing from either external or internal networks with knowledge of the internal network and system is known as grey box testing. This is a combination of both Black Box and White Box Testing.

White Box Testing: – The process of testing within an internal network with knowledge of the internal network and system, also known as internal testing.

Information Gathering: –

Obtaining as much information about the IT environment is essential for all three types of scopes when it comes to testing. This includes networks, IP addresses, operating system versions, and more. Having this information is necessary for black box testing, grey box testing, and white box testing as it allows testers to properly assess the system and identify potential vulnerabilities. Having accurate and up-to-date information is key in all types of testing and should not be overlooked.

Vulnerability Detection: –

This process involves scanning the IT environment for vulnerabilities with vulnerability scanners.

Information Analysis and Planning: –

Based on identified vulnerabilities, a plan will be devised for compromising the network and systems. 

Types of a vulnerability scanner

Host Based

Identifies the issues in the host or the system.

By performing a host-based scan and diagnosing vulnerabilities, the process is carried out.

A mediator software will be loaded onto the target system; it will trace the event and report it to a security analyst.

Network-Based

The program will detect open ports and identify unknown services running on them. Then it will disclose possible vulnerabilities associated with these services.

This process is done by using Network-based Scanners.

Database-Based

The security exposure in the database systems can be identified using tools and techniques to prevent SQL Injections. SQL Injections are malicious attempts to inject SQL statements into the database, which can be used to read sensitive data or update the data in the database. By using the appropriate tools and techniques, the security exposure of the database systems can be identified and prevented.