Vulnerability Scanning vs. Penetration Testing: The Key Differences

Successful protection of software and its assets requires a multifaceted approach, including (but not limited to) vulnerability scanning and penetration testing. These terms are often confused within the IT industry, and for a good reason.

Penetration tests and vulnerability scans are confused for each other.Vulnerability assessments and scans search systems and profiles for what you would expect: vulnerabilities. Penetration testing is used to test for active threats that are trying to weaken a system. A critical difference between the two is that vulnerability scanning can be automated, where a penetration test requires various levels of expertise.

All networks, regardless of scale, are potentially at risk to threats. By thoroughly monitoring and testing your network for security issues, you can eliminate threats and reduce overall risk. Believing your network is safe based on assumptions rather than data-driven testing will always provide a false sense of security and could lead to disastrous results.

What is Vulnerability Scanning?

Vulnerability scanning is a term for software designed to assess other software, network operations, or applications. This vulnerability testing software scans for possible weaknesses in code and structure. The vulnerability test is similar to how a manufacturing engineer checks the structural integrity of his/her products. It looks for weak points and poor construction. There are two types: authenticated and non-authenticated. The authenticated scans are able to access the network directly using remote protocols like secure shell (SSH), or remote desktop protocol(RDP). Unauthenticated scans can only examine publicly visible data and cannot provide detailed information on assets. This type of scan is typically used by security analysts attempting to determine the security posture of a network.

Modern scanning software is often available as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) by specific providers that build web-based interface applications. These applications have the capabilities to scan installed software, open ports, validate certificates, and much more.

Scanners rely on published and regularly updated lists of known vulnerabilities, which are available for widely used software. The list of vulnerabilities is only updated when a fix has been made (which may make zero-day attacks difficult). A patch is automatically delivered when the software detects a problem. The software is designed to detect issues by querying the software for version information and observing the responses the software provides to specific requests.Vulnerabilities are classified by priority. The severity of a vulnerability is determined by the likelihood that an attacker will exploit it and cause damage.

What is penetration testing?

Penetration testing, also known as “pen tests”, is a simulated attack on a computer designed to evaluate system security. Testing is done to find weaknesses (vulnerabilities), like the ability to access a system’s data or features. It also compiles a risk assessment of the entire system.

A penetration test can aid in determining whether a system is vulnerable to an attack, if the current defense systems are sufficient, and if not, which defenses were defeated.

Penetration tests can target either known vulnerabilities in applications or common patterns that occur across many applications. It can find not only software defects but weaknesses in an application and network configuration.

There are typically five stages of penetration testing: Center for Internet Security (CIS) Reconnaissance

– Gathering information on the system to be targeted.

Scanning

– Penetration testing tools used to further the attacker’s knowledge of the system.

Gaining Access

– Using previously collected data, the attacker can target an exploit in the system.

1. Maintaining Access – Taking steps to remain within the target environment to collect as much data as possible.
2. Covering Tracks – The attacker must wipe all trace of the attack from the system including any type of data collected, or events logged, to remain anonymous.
3. “Fuzzed” packets are a popular technique. The attacker sends legitimate requests with some characters changed randomly. As with vulnerability scanning, tests can be authenticated or not. An authenticated test runs as a registered and logged-in user on the internal network, whereas unauthenticated would be from an external source with no network privileges.In some cases, testing goes beyond sending and receiving data and examines an organization’s business processes. Testers may use phishing emails to see if users can detect fraudulent requests. They may even try to sneak into the facilities to test physical security.
4. Security experts classify pen tests as “white box” or “black box.” A white box test makes use of as much information as possible about the target system. The source code, network architecture and software running on the system are all included. A black box test uses only publicly available information.A white box test should, in principle, find more problems, since it has more information to go on. It’s easy to rely on what a penetration test knows about the system, and not use imagination. Black box testers begin in the same place as an external attacker and must find vulnerabilities without assistance. They can come up with approaches that white-box testers would never think of. Pen tests are part of a complete security audit, not as a standalone security solution. For example, to remain PCI-Compliant, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard requires regularly scheduled security penetration testing, and especially after system changes.
5. Understanding Security Testing ReportsThe deliverable for both types of testing is a detailed report on any problems found. The vulnerability reports are lengthy but easy to understand. The report includes a description of the issue, its source, its severity rating and any remedial actions. Installing a patch is the typical solution. The software may need to be replaced if it has flaws and the publisher is no longer maintaining it. The InfoSec team must perform detailed triage of the list and eliminate or defer action when the vulnerability is not a risk. The report will explain the attack method, which can be ambiguous. The potential effects will be explained. It could be as simple as limiting access. A strong report will put the results into context and provide detailed recommendations for remediation. A strong report will put the results into context and provide detailed recommendations for remediation.

Difference between penetration testing and vulnerability scanning process

Running a penetration test is considered to be more challenging or at least involved than a vulnerability scan.

A penetration test attempts to break into a security system. Alarms will sound if the system is adequately protected. Though administrators need to know the difference between a test and a real threat, they can’t let their guard down against credible attacks that could be happening at the same time.

Ideally, a penetration test should be run once a year, whereas vulnerability testing should be run continuously.

A penetration test requires more creativity than a vulnerability scan since it is looking for ways to exploit the ordinary course of business. A CEO, for example, could use the same password used to access their internal LDAP system in order to transmit his password. To come up with fresh strategies in testing, you’ll want to work with people who are creative but also technically capable of executing the attack.

Vulnerability scanning is an essential process of maintaining information and network security. A vulnerability scan should be run on every new piece of software or equipment that’s deployed, and then within one month. Establishing a baseline for essential equipment, which is regularly updated and maintained, is essential. Any open ports or changes found after a scan should be investigated and considered severe.

Vulnerability Scanning & Penetration Tests Are Essential

To ensure a detailed and well-protected level of security for a network, there must be detailed steps taken to conduct both vulnerability scans and penetration tests. When scanning for vulnerabilities, it is possible to find unpatched or poorly maintained software. This forces IT staff to upgrade any software that is causing problems or has potential weaknesses. If that’s not possible, the team needs to find a workaround or replace the software.

Scanning won’t find all the problems. It is best to test a system to see if it is secure. That will find not just software defects but insecure connections, configuration weaknesses, and exposed data.

Together, vulnerability scanning and penetration testing are powerful network security tools used to monitor and improve information security programs.