Top 5 cybersecurity vulnerabilities uncovered during penetration testing

October 29, 2024
Author: Jana Korfhagen
Blog | Security

Even as Cybersecurity Awareness Month comes to an end, the need to secure our digital landscapes never ceases. One of the most effective ways to identify weaknesses in your organization’s security posture is through penetration testing. Often referred to as “pen testing,” this exercise simulates a cyber attack and helps uncover vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top five cybersecurity vulnerabilities often discovered during pen testing, as highlighted by John Bruggeman and Ryan Hamrick, who lead the security consulting team at CBTS.

Top 5 Cybersecurity vulnerabilities uncovered: CBTS Penetration Testing

Number 5: Lack of security headers for applications

A common vulnerability that surfaces during web application penetration testing is the absence of security headers. Security headers—such as HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS)—enforce secure connections between the user and the server, and others can help prevent attacks like cross-site scripting (XSS). Without these headers, attackers can exploit unprotected data transmissions and manipulate web pages.

Adding security headers is a simple yet powerful way to strengthen your website’s defenses and ensure that your application is more resistant to attacks uncovered during pen tests.

Number 4: Improper open ports

Penetration tests frequently reveal improperly configured open ports, such as Telnet and FTP, both known for their lack of security. These outdated protocols provide cyber criminals with easy access to sensitive information. Penetration tests exploit open ports to gain unauthorized access to networks.

Closing unused ports and securing necessary ones through measures like multi-factor authentication (MFA) or VPNs is critical. Regularly reviewing and addressing open ports can significantly reduce the risk of external penetration.

Number 3: SMB signing issues

SMB signing issues are a common vulnerability discovered through internal penetration testing. SMB (server message block) is a protocol used for file sharing across networks, and without proper signing, attackers can impersonate legitimate devices to intercept data through man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.

Enforcing SMB signing across your network mitigates these risks and ensures that file exchanges are authenticated and tamper resistant.

Number 2: SSL/TLS misconfigurations

Outdated or misconfigured SSL/TLS settings remain a major vulnerability identified by many penetration tests. Organizations often continue using deprecated protocols such as SSL 3.0 and TLS 1.0, leaving them open to downgrade attacks. Weak cipher suites can allow attackers to intercept and decrypt sensitive information, another example of an MITM attack that compromises data security.

Ensuring that only the latest SSL/TLS versions and strong encryption methods are in use is essential for protecting web traffic and sensitive information from potential breaches.

Number 1: Unsupported software

The most critical vulnerability frequently highlighted during penetration testing is the presence of unsupported software. Using outdated operating systems and applications that no longer receive security updates is a significant risk, as these systems often contain unpatched vulnerabilities.

To counter these opportunities for exploitation, organizations must regularly update their software and decommission outdated systems. Conducting routine audits of your software environment ensures that you are not using unsupported tools that could become easy targets for attackers.

Read more: Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Essential tips to stay secure with advanced AI solutions and beyond

This is a list you don’t want to be on

By addressing these top five vulnerabilities uncovered through penetration testing, organizations can take a proactive approach to cybersecurity. As Ryan and John emphasize, regular vulnerability scans and penetration testing are essential for identifying and mitigating potential security risks before they can be exploited.

While Cybersecurity Awareness Month is the perfect time to evaluate your organization’s security posture, it is always a good time to make necessary adjustments to protect your digital assets from evolving threats.

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