Re: Vulnerability Assessment vs. PenTest

[Arkem Paul <bob () mornmist com>]

I think that a Vulnerability Assessment and a Penetration Test have 
different goals in mind.

A Penetration Test in my mind is aimed at testing the response and 
detection level of a network as well as demonstrating that there is an 
exploitable way in to the network. I see a Penetration Test as being 
less useful in auditing the security of the network in terms of specific 
vulnerabilities as a Penetration Test is unlikely to penetrate the 
network in all the possible ways, seeking only the easiest or most 
effective methods. I imagine Penetration Tests demonstrating to a client 
that their network is vulnerable and that their response procedures and 
detection mechanisms are not up to scratch. I don't see the Penetration 
Test providing comprehensive recommendations on securing the entire 
network beyond the very general recommendations or those specific to the 
compromises used. I feel that a Penetration Test will often recommend 
that a Vulnerability Assessment be conducted.

A Vulnerability Assessment should be a comprehensive look from policy 
and procedures to implementation of security in the network and should 
include such things as patch management, virus protection, user 
education, SOE hardening, infrastructure configuration, etc.

In short the penetration test demonstrates that a specific vulnerability 
exists and if the detection and response mechanisms were effective while 
a Vulnerability Assessment is a comprehensive look at security procedure 
and policy from inside the network.

Are they the same? No.
Are they related? Yes.
Can they be offered as part of the same service? Yes but it is rarely 
done properly.

-Arkem

----- Original Message -----
> > From: James Harless [mailto:jharless () kidwellcompanies com]
> > To: pen-test () securityfocus com
> > Subject: Vulnerability Assessment vs. PenTest
> >
> >
> > > Where is the line between a Vulnerability Assessment and a 
> > PenTest?  In
> > > other words, which tests do you run which identifies your 
> > assessment as
> > > a pentest rather than a VA?
> > >
> > > And, related, do VAs still have value?  Do you feel that a PenTest
> > > includes everything that a VA would (and more)?
> > >
> > > My thoughts are that a VA is just an effort to document all the
> > > identified and potential vulnerabilities on a network.  A PenTest 
> > is an
> > > attempt to identify those vulnerabilities and then exploit some of 
> > them
> > > to verify their weakness.
> > >
> > >
> > > James
> > >
> > > 
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------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This List Sponsored by: Cenzic

Concerned about Web Application Security? 
Why not go with the #1 solution - Cenzic, the only one to win the Analyst's 
Choice Award from eWeek. As attacks through web applications continue to rise, 
you need to proactively protect your applications from hackers. Cenzic has the 
most comprehensive solutions to meet your application security penetration 
testing and vulnerability management needs. You have an option to go with a 
managed service (Cenzic ClickToSecure) or an enterprise software 
(Cenzic Hailstorm). Download FREE whitepaper on how a managed service can 
help you: http://www.cenzic.com/news_events/wpappsec.php 
And, now for a limited time we can do a FREE audit for you to confirm your 
results from other product. Contact us at request () cenzic com for details.
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