How can you discover and report new network security vulnerabilities?

1 Scan for vulnerabilities

The first step to discover new network security vulnerabilities is to scan your target system or network for potential vulnerabilities using various tools and techniques. Nmap is a network mapping and port scanning tool that can identify open ports, services, operating systems, and vulnerabilities on a network. Nessus is a vulnerability scanner that can perform automated scans and generate reports on a wide range of vulnerabilities. Metasploit is a penetration testing framework that can exploit vulnerabilities and deliver payloads to gain access to a system or network. Burp Suite is a web application security testing tool that can intercept, analyze, and manipulate web traffic, and identify vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and broken authentication. While these tools can help you discover known or common vulnerabilities, they may not reveal new or unknown vulnerabilities that have not been documented or patched yet. To find such vulnerabilities, you need to use more advanced techniques, such as fuzzing, reverse engineering, and code analysis.

2 Fuzz for vulnerabilities

Fuzzing is a technique used to send random or malformed inputs to a system or network to trigger unexpected behaviors, errors, or crashes. This can be done manually or through automated tools such as AFL, Peach, and Radamsa. By fuzzing, you can uncover new vulnerabilities that may not be detected by regular scanning tools, such as buffer overflows, memory leaks, denial-of-service, or remote code execution. However, fuzzing can take a long time and require a lot of resources. To make the most of it, you need to carefully select your target, scope, and inputs and monitor your results and feedback.

3 Reverse engineer for vulnerabilities

Reverse engineering is a technique that involves analyzing the structure, functionality, and behavior of a system or network without having access to its source code or documentation. This technique can help uncover hidden or obfuscated vulnerabilities, such as backdoors, logic flaws, or cryptographic weaknesses. To do so, you can use tools like Ghidra, IDA Pro, and Wireshark. Reverse engineering can be a difficult and complicated process to discover new vulnerabilities, but it can also be rewarding and enlightening. Consequently, you need to have an in-depth comprehension of the target system or network, its structure, its logic, and its code.

4 Analyze code for vulnerabilities

Code analysis is a technique that involves examining the source code or the executable code of a system or network to identify vulnerabilities, errors, or bugs. It can help detect new vulnerabilities that may be caused by poor coding practices, design flaws, or human mistakes. Code analysis can be done using various tools, such as SonarQube, Veracode, and Binwalk. While code analysis can be an efficient way to uncover new vulnerabilities, it is also limited by the availability and quality of the code. To use code analysis effectively, you must have access to the code or be able to extract it from the target system or network and be able to interpret it.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?