How is security testing performed and what algorithm is used in this process?

Security testing is performed to identify vulnerabilities in applications and infrastructure.

The process includes the following stages:

1. Planning and information gathering. Testing objectives are defined, scope of work (systems, applications), and information about target objects is collected (OSINT, port scanning).
2. Vulnerability analysis. Architecture, configurations, and source code are analyzed for known vulnerabilities (CVE) and potential weak points.
3. Exploitation of vulnerabilities. The possibility of real exploitation of identified vulnerabilities is tested using various techniques (injection, authentication bypass, code execution).
4. Post-assessment. If exploitation is successful, further attack development possibilities are explored (privilege escalation, lateral movement).
5. Reporting. A report is generated describing the found vulnerabilities, their criticality, proof of exploitation, and recommendations for mitigation.

Various testing types are used:

• Penetration Testing: Active simulation of an attacker’s attack.
• Vulnerability Scanning: Automated search for known vulnerabilities.
• Static Application Security Testing (SAST): Automated detection of vulnerabilities in source code.
• Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST): Testing a running application for vulnerabilities.
• API security testing: Checking the security of APIs.

Examples of tools:

# Vulnerability scanner
nmap -sV <ip_address>

# Exploitation tool
msfconsole

# SAST tool (example)
semgrep --config auto .

Results are documented and used for prioritizing vulnerability mitigation.