At CortexTrace, our offensive penetration testing for web applications examines every layer of an application—its source code, hosting environment, and overall design—to identify potential weaknesses before attackers can exploit them. We go beyond automated scans, conducting thorough manual reviews to detect issues like injection flaws (SQL or XML), cross-site scripting (XSS), and broken authentication. By evaluating session management, privilege escalation paths, and logical workflows, we uncover any opportunity for data breaches or account takeovers. This hands-on, holistic approach is grounded in CortexTrace’s commitment to delivering clear, actionable recommendations. The result is a more secure coding environment

Testing Standards and Frameworks

• OWASP Top 10: Focuses on common vulnerabilities like injection flaws, XSS, and broken authentication.
• NIST SP 800-115: Provides guidelines for technical security assessments.
• PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard): A comprehensive framework for penetration testing.
• ISO/IEC 27001: Ensures alignment with information security management best practices.

Methodology

• Reconnaissance: Gather information about the application, its architecture, and technologies used.
• Vulnerability Identification: Use automated tools (e.g., Burp Suite, Nessus) and manual testing to uncover flaws.
• Exploitation: Simulate attacks to validate vulnerabilities (e.g., SQL injection, XSS).
• Post-Exploitation: Assess the impact of exploited vulnerabilities (e.g., data exfiltration,  privilege escalation).
• Reporting: Document findings and provide actionable remediation steps.

Outcomes

• Detailed report on vulnerabilities, including risk ratings (e.g., CVSS scores).
• Proof-of-concept (PoC) for critical vulnerabilities.
• Recommendations for secure coding practices and configuration improvements.
• Retesting after remediation to confirm fixes.

The Importance of Penetration Testing Your Web Application

Web applications are often the most exposed part of an organisation’s infrastructure. Penetration testing ensures that vulnerabilities are identified and mitigated before attackers can exploit them, protecting sensitive data, maintaining user trust, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. enhanced security controls, and sustained resilience against web-based threats.

At CortexTrace, our offensive penetration testing for external infrastructure is designed to expose potential threats from an adversary’s outside-in perspective. By analysing public-facing assets, cloud environments, and network perimeters, our security experts uncover vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and exploitable pathways before attackers can exploit them. The outcome is a detailed assessment of your external security posture, along with clear, prioritised recommendations to safeguard your business against external cyber threats and attacks.

Testing Standards and Frameworks

• MITRE ATT&CK Framework: Focuses on adversary tactics like reconnaissance, initial access, and exploitation of public-facing assets.
• NIST SP 800-115: Guides technical assessments of external systems and networks.
• PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard): Provides a structured methodology for external network testing.
• OWASP Top 10: Addresses vulnerabilities in web applications (e.g., injection flaws, misconfigurations).
• ISO/IEC 27001: Ensures alignment with information security management standards.
• PCI DSS: Relevant for organizations handling payment card data (e.g., external payment gateways).

Methodology

1. Reconnaissance & Footprinting:
   • Gather intelligence on public-facing assets (e.g., domains, IP ranges, DNS records).
   • Use tools like Shodan, Censys, or WHOIS to identify exposed services (web servers, VPNs, APIs).
2. Vulnerability Scanning:
   • Scan for misconfigurations, outdated software, and weak encryption (e.g., SSL/TLS vulnerabilities).
   • Tools: Nessus, Qualys, OpenVAS, or Nmap scripts.
3. Exploitation of Public-Facing Services:
   • Test for vulnerabilities like unpatched CVEs (e.g., Log4j, ProxyShell).
   • Attempt brute-force attacks on login portals (SSH, RDP, VPNs).
   • Exploit web application flaws (SQLi, XSS, insecure file uploads).
4. Phishing Simulation (Optional):
   • Test human vulnerabilities via mock phishing campaigns targeting external-facing employees.
5. Network Perimeter Testing:
   • Evaluate firewall rules, IDS/IPS evasion techniques, and exposed administrative interfaces.
   • Test for DNS misconfigurations (e.g., zone transfers, SPF/DKIM/DMARC flaws).
6. Cloud & Third-Party Services:
   • Assess misconfigured cloud buckets (S3, Azure Blob Storage), APIs, or SaaS platforms.
   • Verify third-party integrations (e.g., payment gateways) for security gaps.
7. Post-Exploitation Analysis:
   • Determine the impact of compromised external assets (e.g., data leakage, lateral movement into internal networks).
   • Validate detection capabilities (e.g., SIEM alerts for brute-force attempts).

Outcomes

• Detailed Report:
  • Prioritized vulnerabilities (CVSS scores, exploitability, business impact).
  • Proof-of-concept (PoC) evidence (e.g., screenshots, command outputs).
  • Attack chain visualizations (e.g., how a compromised VPN could lead to internal breaches).
• Remediation Guidance:
  • Patch management recommendations for outdated software.
  • Hardening steps for firewalls, web servers, and encryption protocols.
  • Mitigation for web app flaws (e.g., WAF rules, code fixes).
  • Best practices for cloud and third-party service configurations.
• Retesting:
  • Follow-up validation to ensure vulnerabilities are resolved.

The Importance of Penetration Testing Your External Infrastructure 

• First Line of Defense: External infrastructure (e.g., websites, VPNs, APIs) is the most exposed to attackers. Testing identifies weaknesses before adversaries exploit them.
• Prevent Data Breaches: Compromised public-facing assets often lead to ransomware, data theft, or reputational damage (e.g., leaked customer databases).
• Compliance: Regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS require securing external systems that process sensitive data.
• Threat Actor Deterrence: Proactive testing disrupts common attack vectors (e.g., credential stuffing, exploit kits) used by hackers.
• Optimize Security Investments: Prioritize fixes for high-risk vulnerabilities, ensuring resources are allocated effectively (e.g., patching critical CVEs first).

At CortexTrace, our offensive penetration testing for internal infrastructure is designed to emulate real world attack scenarios from the inside out. By scrutinising every layer of your network from endpoint protections to privilege pathways our seasoned security experts help you pinpoint hidden vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and gaps in defensive controls. The result? A clear, actionable roadmap to fortify your IT environment, ensuring you’re well prepared against threats lurking within your organisation and beyond.

Testing Standards and Frameworks

• MITRE ATT&CK Framework: Maps adversary tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) for lateral movement, privilege escalation, and persistence.
• NIST SP 800-115: Guides technical security assessments for internal systems.
• PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard): Provides a structured methodology for internal network testing.
• CIS Critical Security Controls: Focuses on hardening internal systems (e.g., servers, endpoints).
• ISO/IEC 27001: Ensures alignment with information security management best practices.

Methodology

1. Network Discovery:
   • Map internal subnets, devices, and services (e.g., Active Directory, file shares, databases).
   • Identify legacy systems, unpatched servers, and misconfigured network devices.
2. Vulnerability Scanning:
   • Use tools like Nessus, OpenVAS, or Qualys to detect missing patches, weak configurations, and exposed services.
   • Prioritize vulnerabilities based on exploitability and business impact.
3. Credential-Based Testing:
   • Simulate attacks using compromised credentials (e.g., phishing, password spraying).
   • Test for weak password policies and credential reuse across systems.
4. Privilege Escalation & Lateral Movement:
   • Exploit misconfigured permissions (e.g., excessive user privileges).
   • Simulate lateral movement using tools like Mimikatz, BloodHound, or CrackMapExec.
5. Active Directory Assessment:
   • Identify insecure Group Policy Objects (GPOs), stale accounts, and Kerberoasting opportunities.
   • Test for AD certificate abuse, Golden Ticket attacks, and DCShadow techniques.
6. Post-Exploitation Analysis:
   • Evaluate the impact of compromised systems (e.g., data exfiltration, ransomware deployment).
   • Test detection capabilities of internal security controls (e.g., SIEM, EDR).

Outcomes

• Comprehensive Report:
  • Prioritized list of vulnerabilities (e.g., CVSS scores, exploitability).
  • Evidence of exploitation (screenshots, logs).
  • Attack path visualizations (e.g., BloodHound maps).
• Remediation Guidance:
  • Step-by-step fixes for misconfigurations (e.g., GPO hardening, patch management).
  • Recommendations for network segmentation and zero-trust architecture.
  • Active Directory hygiene best practices (e.g., disabling legacy protocols like NTLM).
• Retesting:
  • Validation of remediation efforts to ensure vulnerabilities are resolved.

The Importance of Penetration Testing Your Internal Infrastructure 

• Prevent Lateral Movement: Attackers who breach perimeter defences often pivot to critical internal systems. Testing identifies gaps in segmentation and access controls.
• Mitigate Insider Threats: Weak internal security allows malicious insiders or compromised accounts to escalate privileges undetected.
• Compliance Requirements: Regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS mandate securing internal systems handling sensitive data.
• Reduce Business Impact: Proactively addressing vulnerabilities in internal infrastructure minimizes the risk of operational disruption, data theft, and ransomware.
• Strengthen Defense-in-Depth: Testing validates the effectiveness of layered security controls (e.g., firewalls, EDR, SIEM) against real-world attack scenarios.

Cortextrace’s mobile application penetration testing tackles the distinctive security risks of smartphones and tablets. We scrutinise data storage, session handling, and communication channels to uncover weaknesses stemming from insecure coding practices, weak encryption, or flawed platform implementations. We also simulate real-world conditions—such as rooted or jailbroken devices—to test how an app performs under heightened threat scenarios. Ultimately, our aim is to equip developers with prioritised remediation steps that bolster data protection, minimise the risk of breaches, and preserve user trust and brand reputation.

Testing Standards and Frameworks

• OWASP Mobile Top 10: Focuses on mobile-specific risks like insecure data storage and weak server-side controls.
• MASVS (Mobile Application Security Verification Standard): Provides security requirements for mobile apps.
• PTES: Guides the penetration testing process.
• NIST SP 800-163: Addresses mobile application security.

Methodology

• Static Analysis: Review source code for insecure coding practices.
• Dynamic Analysis: Test the app in runtime for vulnerabilities like insecure API calls.
• Network Analysis: Evaluate data transmission for weak encryption or improper TLS implementation.

• Device-Specific Testing: Simulate attacks on rooted/jailbroken devices or outdated OS versions.

Outcomes

• Report detailing vulnerabilities (e.g., insecure data storage, weak encryption).
• Remediation guidance for developers.
• Retesting to verify fixes.
• Best practices for secure mobile app development.

The Importance of Penetration Testing Your Mobile applications

Mobile apps often handle sensitive user data and are exposed to unique threats like device tampering. Penetration testing ensures robust data protection, minimises breach risks, and maintains user trust and brand reputation.

At CortexTrace, we do more than just scan for wireless vulnerabilities—we simulate real-world attack scenarios to uncover hidden risks across your Wi-Fi infrastructure. Our thorough methodology assesses encryption protocols, network segmentation, and access controls, pinpointing weaknesses before adversaries exploit them. The result? A clear, practical action plan to reinforce your wireless environment, protecting both data integrity and user connectivity.

Testing Standards and Frameworks

• NIST SP 800-97: Provides guidelines for wireless network security.
• OWASP Wireless Top 10: Focuses on wireless-specific vulnerabilities.
• PTES: Standardizes the penetration testing process.
• ISO/IEC 27001: Ensures alignment with security management standards.

Methodology

• Reconnaissance: Identify wireless networks and access points.
• Encryption Testing: Evaluate WEP, WPA, and WPA2 configurations.
• Rogue Access Point Testing: Simulate rogue AP attacks.
• Packet Capture Analysis: Assess data transmitted over the network.
• Deauthentication Attacks: Test the resilience of wireless networks.

Outcomes

• Report detailing wireless vulnerabilities (e.g., weak encryption, rogue APs).
• Recommendations for strengthening encryption and isolating guest/corporate networks.
• Retesting to confirm fixes.

The Importance of Penetration Testing Your Wireless Network 

Wireless networks are often targeted due to their accessibility. Penetration testing ensures that encryption is robust, access points are secure, and malicious activity is detected, maintaining a stable and secure wireless environment.

At CortexTrace, we take API penetration testing beyond mere scans, simulating genuine attacks to uncover hidden vulnerabilities in your application interfaces. Our rigorous approach scrutinises  authentication, access controls, data validation, and business logic to identify risks at every level. The result is a clear, actionable plan to strengthen your APIs, ensuring they remain a secure conduit for data exchange in an ever-evolving threat landscape.

Testing Standards and Frameworks

• OWASP API Security Top 10: Focuses on API-specific risks (e.g., broken object-level authorization, excessive data exposure).
• PTES (Penetration Testing Execution Standard): Guides structured API testing methodology.
• NIST SP 800-115: Provides technical assessment guidelines for APIs.
• MITRE ATT&CK Framework: Maps adversary tactics like credential theft, API abuse, and data exfiltration.
• ISO/IEC 27001: Aligns with information security management practices.
• GDPR/PCI DSS: Ensures compliance for APIs handling sensitive data (e.g., PII, payment information).

Methodology

1. Reconnaissance:
   • Identify API endpoints (via documentation, Swagger/OpenAPI specs, or network traffic analysis).
   • Map authentication mechanisms (OAuth, JWT, API keys) and data flow.
2. Authentication & Authorisation Testing:
   • Test for broken authentication (e.g., weak token validation, missing rate limiting).
   • Validate role-based access controls (RBAC) and privilege escalation risks.
   • Exploit misconfigured OAuth flows (e.g., token leakage, insecure redirects).
3. Input Validation & Injection Testing:
   • Test for SQLi, NoSQLi, and command injection via API parameters.
   • Fuzz API inputs (headers, query strings, JSON/XML payloads) for vulnerabilities.
4. Business Logic Abuse:
   • Manipulate API workflows (e.g., bypassing checkout processes, altering price parameters).
   • Test for mass assignment vulnerabilities (e.g., overwriting user roles via POST requests).
5. Data Exposure & Privacy Testing:
   • Check for excessive data leakage in API responses (e.g., exposing internal system details).
   • Validate encryption for data in transit (TLS) and at rest (e.g., sensitive fields in databases).
6. Rate Limiting & Denial-of-Service (DoS):
   • Test for missing rate limits that allow brute-force attacks or API abuse.
   • Simulate DoS conditions (e.g., overwhelming endpoints with high-volume requests).
7. Third-Party Integrations:
   • Assess security of third-party APIs (e.g., payment gateways, cloud services).
   • Test webhooks for insecure configurations (e.g., callback URL tampering).

Outcomes

• Comprehensive Report:
  • List of vulnerabilities (e.g., broken authentication, insecure direct object references).
  • Proof-of-concept (PoC) examples (e.g., cURL commands, exploit scripts).
  • Risk ratings (CVSS scores) and business impact analysis.
• Remediation Guidance:
  • Code fixes for insecure endpoints (e.g., input sanitation, proper RBAC implementation).
  • Configuration hardening (e.g., rate limiting, TLS settings).
  • Recommendations for API gateway security (e.g., WAF rules, token revocation policies).
• Retesting:
  • Validation of remediation efforts to confirm vulnerabilities are resolved.

The Importance of Penetration Testing Your APIs 

• Critical Attack Surface: APIs are increasingly targeted due to their role in connecting systems and exposing data. Testing prevents exploitation of vulnerabilities like broken authentication or insecure endpoints.
• Data Protection: APIs often handle sensitive data (e.g., user credentials, financial info). Testing ensures compliance with regulations like GDPR and PCI DSS.
• Prevent Business Logic Abuse: Flaws in API workflows can lead to fraud (e.g., fake accounts, unauthorised transactions). Testing identifies logic gaps before attackers exploit them.
• Mitigate Third-Party Risks: APIs integrated with external services can introduce vulnerabilities. Testing ensures secure interactions with partners and vendors.
• Maintain Availability: Testing for rate limiting and DoS resilience ensures APIs remain operational under attack, preserving user trust and business continuity.