Descubra como escrever um relatório de pentest do zero

3 min read 4 months ago
Published on Aug 14, 2024 This response is partially generated with the help of AI. It may contain inaccuracies.

Table of Contents

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of writing a penetration test report from scratch, as taught by Alan Lacerda from Desec Security. A well-structured report is crucial for communicating findings and recommendations to stakeholders after conducting a pentest. This guide will break down the key components and steps involved in creating an effective report.

Step 1: Understand the Purpose of the Report

Before you start writing, clarify the report's objectives:

  • Identify the Audience: Determine who will read the report (e.g., technical team, management).
  • Define Goals: Establish what you aim to achieve with the report (e.g., outline vulnerabilities, suggest fixes).
  • Gather Background Information: Include context about the pentest, such as the scope and methodology.

Step 2: Outline the Report Structure

A well-organized report enhances readability. Here’s a standard structure:

  1. Executive Summary

    • Provide a high-level overview of findings and recommendations.
    • Keep it concise and jargon-free for non-technical readers.
  2. Introduction

    • State the purpose of the pentest.
    • Include details about the scope and objectives.
  3. Methodology

    • Describe the testing methods used (e.g., automated tools, manual testing).
    • Explain the framework or standards followed (e.g., OWASP).
  4. Findings

    • List vulnerabilities discovered, categorized by severity.
    • Include technical details such as affected systems or data.
  5. Recommendations

    • Provide actionable remediation steps for each finding.
    • Prioritize recommendations based on risk.
  6. Appendices

    • Attach additional information, such as raw data or logs.
    • Include any relevant charts or diagrams.

Step 3: Write the Executive Summary

The executive summary should encapsulate the most critical points of your findings:

  • Summarize key vulnerabilities.
  • Highlight the potential impact of these vulnerabilities.
  • Present a brief overview of recommendations.

Step 4: Detail the Methodology

In this section, explain how the pentest was conducted:

  • Specify the tools and techniques used.
  • Mention any frameworks or standards adhered to.
  • Discuss the testing environment (e.g., production, staging).

Step 5: Document Findings

Clearly articulate each vulnerability discovered during the test:

  • Use a consistent format for each finding:
    • Title: Brief description of the vulnerability.
    • Description: Detailed explanation of the issue.
    • Impact: Potential consequences if not mitigated.
    • Evidence: Screenshots, logs, or code snippets as proof.

Example Format:

### Title: SQL Injection Vulnerability
- **Description**: The application is vulnerable to SQL injection due to improper input validation.
- **Impact**: An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive data.
- **Evidence**: Screenshot of the exploit.

Step 6: Provide Clear Recommendations

For each finding, suggest concrete remediation steps:

  • Use clear, actionable language.
  • Prioritize based on the severity of the vulnerabilities.
  • Include any relevant references or resources for further reading.

Step 7: Review and Edit the Report

Ensure the report is polished and professional:

  • Check for clarity and coherence.
  • Proofread for grammatical errors.
  • Confirm that technical details are accurate and well-explained.

Conclusion

Writing a penetration test report requires careful planning and structuring. By following this step-by-step guide, you can create a comprehensive document that effectively communicates your findings and recommendations. Remember to tailor the report to your audience and ensure that it is both informative and actionable. As a next step, consider reviewing sample reports or templates to refine your writing style.