Re: Bypassing Firewalls

[sol () mail haveyoubeentested org]

Sparky and All:

If you truly want to become an expert, (and there aren't that many out there) 
you can't just read a few books and ask questions on a mailing list.  You need 
the fundamentals.  Here are some of the items I believe every Pentester should 
need.

1.  PC Repair and Troubleshooting:  You need to understand how PC's work at 
the machine level.
2.  Networking:  You need to understand TCP/IP and how individual packets and 
flags can be manipulated in order to cause wanted information to be returned.
3.  Operating Systems:  Pick one or two and become an expert in that.  Some 
like Windows, others like Linux or even AS400 and Routers.
4.  Apps:  Find tools that do the jobs you need to do and learn them well!  
Don't just download Nmap and run vanilla scans all over the place as it will 
cause you to become a script kiddie and it's even illegal in certain parts of 
the world.
5.  Take classes to fill in the gaps that you learn on your own.  Become 
certified in each area (not just paper certified but LEARN IT).  A+, CCNA, 
RHCE or MSCE, CISSP, CEH, OPSA, OPST.  These are all good certs that can help 
you attain the knowledge you need to become a good pentester.  If you want to 
become an expert add a good 5 to 10 years of experience in the mix.
6.  Join a local Security Organization (or more).  ISSA, Infragard, 2600, your 
local Defcon group.  This is a way you can get a grasp on the Industry, learn 
about the latest and greatest security products and network your way into 
positions that will assist you in reaching your goals.

Also,  Never call yourself an Expert.  It makes you appear arrogant.   Many 
people think Experts know everything and it's impossible to know completely 
everything about a general subject like Pentesting.

The most important thing about this industry:  Keep an OPEN mind!  When we 
close our minds to certain things, we form opinions that can offend others.  
You never know who your speaking with so don't jump to conclusions just 
because you "heard" it's bad.  Do the research and find out for yourself.

Hope this helps.

Sol Invictus



Quoting "09sparky () gmail com" <09sparky () gmail com>:

> Thank you all for the advice.  Bill, for clarification, I am just using a
> class B network as an example.  My question ( I should have stated more
> clearly) I am wondering about some of the preliminary steps involved (for a
> professional, which I am not at this point - but hope to be someday) to get
> past a firewall, while doing a pen test, so they can perform your
> assessments/reports. 
>
> I guess I understand, first you need to scan for any openings on the network
> (what is allowed through the firewall).  Then scan IP addresses on those
> ports for alive machines.  Once that is complete, try to gain root/admin
> privilege on one/many inside machines to launch your system(s), or I guess
> you could install your tools on the compromised host (if permitted) to
> further your scanning/testing.
>
> Please understand, I am very new to this and am looking to get as much advice
> as possible, so I can become an expert. 
>
> Does anyone have any recommended readings?  I currently have:
> Pentesters Open Source Toolkit
> Network Security Assessment
> Penetration Testing and Network Defense.
>
> Thank you all for the help,
> Sparky
>
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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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