Penetration Testing Report Template

๐Ÿ“‹ What is Penetration Testing Report?

Penetration Testing Report is the final deliverable that documents the findings, analysis, and recommendations from a penetration testing engagement. It provides a comprehensive overview of the security assessment, including vulnerabilities discovered, their impact, and remediation guidance.

Purpose of Penetration Testing Report

  • Documentation: Record all findings and evidence from testing
  • Risk Assessment: Evaluate and prioritize security risks
  • Remediation Guidance: Provide actionable recommendations
  • Compliance: Meet regulatory and industry requirements
  • Decision Support: Help management make informed security decisions
  • Knowledge Transfer: Share findings with technical teams

Key Components

  • Executive Summary: High-level overview for management
  • Technical Findings: Detailed technical analysis
  • Risk Assessment: Risk evaluation and prioritization
  • Remediation Recommendations: Actionable remediation steps
  • Evidence: Supporting evidence and proof of concept
  • Appendices: Additional technical details and references

When to Use

  • At the conclusion of any penetration testing engagement
  • For compliance reporting requirements
  • When presenting findings to stakeholders
  • For tracking remediation progress
  • As a reference for future security improvements

๐Ÿ“„ Penetration Testing Report Template

PENETRATION TESTING REPORT

Report Information:

  • Report Version: [VERSION]
  • Report Date: [DATE]
  • Client: [CLIENT COMPANY NAME]
  • Project: [PROJECT NAME]
  • Testing Period: [START DATE] - [END DATE]
  • Prepared By: [TESTING TEAM NAME]

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.1 Project Overview

This report presents the findings of the penetration testing engagement conducted for [CLIENT COMPANY NAME] from [START DATE] to [END DATE]. The assessment focused on [TARGET SYSTEMS] and identified [NUMBER] vulnerabilities across [NUMBER] systems.

1.2 Key Findings

  • Critical Vulnerabilities: [NUMBER] critical vulnerabilities identified
  • High-Risk Vulnerabilities: [NUMBER] high-risk vulnerabilities identified
  • Medium-Risk Vulnerabilities: [NUMBER] medium-risk vulnerabilities identified
  • Low-Risk Vulnerabilities: [NUMBER] low-risk vulnerabilities identified
  • Informational Findings: [NUMBER] informational findings identified

1.3 Risk Summary

  • Overall Risk Level: [LOW/MEDIUM/HIGH/CRITICAL]
  • Primary Risk Areas: [RISK AREAS]
  • Immediate Actions Required: [IMMEDIATE ACTIONS]
  • Long-term Recommendations: [LONG-TERM RECOMMENDATIONS]

1.4 Business Impact

  • Financial Impact: [ESTIMATED FINANCIAL IMPACT]
  • Operational Impact: [OPERATIONAL IMPACT]
  • Reputation Impact: [REPUTATION IMPACT]
  • Compliance Impact: [COMPLIANCE IMPACT]

2. METHODOLOGY

2.1 Testing Approach

The penetration testing was conducted using a systematic approach based on industry standards:

  • OWASP Testing Guide: Web application security testing
  • NIST SP 800-115: Technical guide for information security testing
  • PTES: Penetration Testing Execution Standard
  • OSSTMM: Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual

2.2 Testing Phases

  1. Reconnaissance: Information gathering and target identification
  2. Vulnerability Assessment: Automated and manual vulnerability identification
  3. Exploitation: Attempted exploitation of identified vulnerabilities
  4. Post-Exploitation: Assessment of potential impact and lateral movement
  5. Reporting: Documentation and analysis of findings

2.3 Tools and Techniques

  • Network Scanners: Nmap, Masscan, Zmap
  • Vulnerability Scanners: Nessus, OpenVAS, Qualys
  • Web Application Scanners: Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, Acunetix
  • Exploitation Frameworks: Metasploit, Cobalt Strike, Empire
  • Custom Scripts: [CUSTOM TOOLS AND SCRIPTS]

2.4 Scope and Limitations

  • In-Scope Systems: [SYSTEM LIST]
  • Out-of-Scope Systems: [EXCLUDED SYSTEMS]
  • Testing Constraints: [CONSTRAINTS AND LIMITATIONS]
  • Time Restrictions: [TIME LIMITATIONS]

3. VULNERABILITY FINDINGS

3.1 Critical Vulnerabilities

3.1.1 [VULNERABILITY NAME]

  • CVSS Score: [SCORE]
  • Risk Level: Critical
  • Affected Systems: [SYSTEM LIST]
  • Description: [DETAILED DESCRIPTION]
  • Impact: [IMPACT ANALYSIS]
  • Proof of Concept: [PROOF OF CONCEPT]
  • Remediation: [REMEDIATION STEPS]
  • Timeline: [REMEDIATION TIMELINE]

3.1.2 [VULNERABILITY NAME]

  • CVSS Score: [SCORE]
  • Risk Level: Critical
  • Affected Systems: [SYSTEM LIST]
  • Description: [DETAILED DESCRIPTION]
  • Impact: [IMPACT ANALYSIS]
  • Proof of Concept: [PROOF OF CONCEPT]
  • Remediation: [REMEDIATION STEPS]
  • Timeline: [REMEDIATION TIMELINE]

3.2 High-Risk Vulnerabilities

3.2.1 [VULNERABILITY NAME]

  • CVSS Score: [SCORE]
  • Risk Level: High
  • Affected Systems: [SYSTEM LIST]
  • Description: [DETAILED DESCRIPTION]
  • Impact: [IMPACT ANALYSIS]
  • Proof of Concept: [PROOF OF CONCEPT]
  • Remediation: [REMEDIATION STEPS]
  • Timeline: [REMEDIATION TIMELINE]

3.2.2 [VULNERABILITY NAME]

  • CVSS Score: [SCORE]
  • Risk Level: High
  • Affected Systems: [SYSTEM LIST]
  • Description: [DETAILED DESCRIPTION]
  • Impact: [IMPACT ANALYSIS]
  • Proof of Concept: [PROOF OF CONCEPT]
  • Remediation: [REMEDIATION STEPS]
  • Timeline: [REMEDIATION TIMELINE]

3.3 Medium-Risk Vulnerabilities

3.3.1 [VULNERABILITY NAME]

  • CVSS Score: [SCORE]
  • Risk Level: Medium
  • Affected Systems: [SYSTEM LIST]
  • Description: [DETAILED DESCRIPTION]
  • Impact: [IMPACT ANALYSIS]
  • Proof of Concept: [PROOF OF CONCEPT]
  • Remediation: [REMEDIATION STEPS]
  • Timeline: [REMEDIATION TIMELINE]

3.3.2 [VULNERABILITY NAME]

  • CVSS Score: [SCORE]
  • Risk Level: Medium
  • Affected Systems: [SYSTEM LIST]
  • Description: [DETAILED DESCRIPTION]
  • Impact: [IMPACT ANALYSIS]
  • Proof of Concept: [PROOF OF CONCEPT]
  • Remediation: [REMEDIATION STEPS]
  • Timeline: [REMEDIATION TIMELINE]

3.4 Low-Risk Vulnerabilities

3.4.1 [VULNERABILITY NAME]

  • CVSS Score: [SCORE]
  • Risk Level: Low
  • Affected Systems: [SYSTEM LIST]
  • Description: [DETAILED DESCRIPTION]
  • Impact: [IMPACT ANALYSIS]
  • Proof of Concept: [PROOF OF CONCEPT]
  • Remediation: [REMEDIATION STEPS]
  • Timeline: [REMEDIATION TIMELINE]

3.4.2 [VULNERABILITY NAME]

  • CVSS Score: [SCORE]
  • Risk Level: Low
  • Affected Systems: [SYSTEM LIST]
  • Description: [DETAILED DESCRIPTION]
  • Impact: [IMPACT ANALYSIS]
  • Proof of Concept: [PROOF OF CONCEPT]
  • Remediation: [REMEDIATION STEPS]
  • Timeline: [REMEDIATION TIMELINE]

4. RISK ASSESSMENT

4.1 Risk Matrix

Vulnerability CVSS Score Risk Level Business Impact Likelihood Overall Risk
[VULN 1] [SCORE] [LEVEL] [IMPACT] [LIKELIHOOD] [RISK]
[VULN 2] [SCORE] [LEVEL] [IMPACT] [LIKELIHOOD] [RISK]
[VULN 3] [SCORE] [LEVEL] [IMPACT] [LIKELIHOOD] [RISK]

4.2 Risk Analysis

  • Critical Risks: [ANALYSIS]
  • High Risks: [ANALYSIS]
  • Medium Risks: [ANALYSIS]
  • Low Risks: [ANALYSIS]

4.3 Business Impact Assessment

  • Financial Impact: [ASSESSMENT]
  • Operational Impact: [ASSESSMENT]
  • Reputation Impact: [ASSESSMENT]
  • Compliance Impact: [ASSESSMENT]

5. REMEDIATION RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Immediate Actions (0-30 days)

  1. Critical Vulnerability Remediation

    • [RECOMMENDATION 1]
    • [RECOMMENDATION 2]
    • [RECOMMENDATION 3]

  2. Security Controls Implementation

    • [RECOMMENDATION 1]
    • [RECOMMENDATION 2]
    • [RECOMMENDATION 3]

  3. Monitoring and Detection

    • [RECOMMENDATION 1]
    • [RECOMMENDATION 2]
    • [RECOMMENDATION 3]

5.2 Short-term Actions (30-90 days)

  1. High-Risk Vulnerability Remediation

    • [RECOMMENDATION 1]
    • [RECOMMENDATION 2]
    • [RECOMMENDATION 3]

  2. Security Architecture Improvements

    • [RECOMMENDATION 1]
    • [RECOMMENDATION 2]
    • [RECOMMENDATION 3]

  3. Process and Procedure Updates

    • [RECOMMENDATION 1]
    • [RECOMMENDATION 2]
    • [RECOMMENDATION 3]

5.3 Long-term Actions (90+ days)

  1. Security Program Enhancement

    • [RECOMMENDATION 1]
    • [RECOMMENDATION 2]
    • [RECOMMENDATION 3]

  2. Technology Upgrades

    • [RECOMMENDATION 1]
    • [RECOMMENDATION 2]
    • [RECOMMENDATION 3]

  3. Training and Awareness

    • [RECOMMENDATION 1]
    • [RECOMMENDATION 2]
    • [RECOMMENDATION 3]

6. TECHNICAL DETAILS

6.1 Network Architecture

  • Network Topology: [DESCRIPTION]
  • Security Controls: [CONTROLS LIST]
  • Network Segmentation: [SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS]
  • Access Controls: [ACCESS CONTROL ANALYSIS]

6.2 System Configuration

  • Operating Systems: [OS LIST AND VERSIONS]
  • Applications: [APPLICATION LIST AND VERSIONS]
  • Services: [SERVICE LIST AND CONFIGURATIONS]
  • Databases: [DATABASE LIST AND CONFIGURATIONS]

6.3 Security Controls

  • Firewall Rules: [RULE ANALYSIS]
  • Intrusion Detection: [IDS/IPS ANALYSIS]
  • Antivirus: [ANTIVIRUS ANALYSIS]
  • Logging: [LOGGING ANALYSIS]

7. EVIDENCE AND PROOF OF CONCEPT

7.1 Screenshots

  • Critical Vulnerabilities: [SCREENSHOT REFERENCES]
  • High-Risk Vulnerabilities: [SCREENSHOT REFERENCES]
  • Medium-Risk Vulnerabilities: [SCREENSHOT REFERENCES]
  • Low-Risk Vulnerabilities: [SCREENSHOT REFERENCES]

7.2 Log Files

  • Network Logs: [LOG FILE REFERENCES]
  • Application Logs: [LOG FILE REFERENCES]
  • System Logs: [LOG FILE REFERENCES]
  • Security Logs: [LOG FILE REFERENCES]

7.3 Code Samples

  • Vulnerable Code: [CODE SAMPLE REFERENCES]
  • Exploit Code: [EXPLOIT CODE REFERENCES]
  • Configuration Files: [CONFIG FILE REFERENCES]
  • Scripts: [SCRIPT REFERENCES]

8. COMPLIANCE ASSESSMENT

8.1 Regulatory Compliance

  • PCI DSS: [COMPLIANCE STATUS]
  • HIPAA: [COMPLIANCE STATUS]
  • SOX: [COMPLIANCE STATUS]
  • GDPR: [COMPLIANCE STATUS]

8.2 Industry Standards

  • ISO 27001: [COMPLIANCE STATUS]
  • NIST Framework: [COMPLIANCE STATUS]
  • CIS Controls: [COMPLIANCE STATUS]
  • OWASP Top 10: [COMPLIANCE STATUS]

8.3 Compliance Recommendations

  • Immediate Actions: [RECOMMENDATIONS]
  • Short-term Actions: [RECOMMENDATIONS]
  • Long-term Actions: [RECOMMENDATIONS]

9. TESTING LIMITATIONS

9.1 Scope Limitations

  • Excluded Systems: [EXCLUDED SYSTEMS]
  • Testing Constraints: [CONSTRAINTS]
  • Time Limitations: [TIME LIMITATIONS]
  • Resource Limitations: [RESOURCE LIMITATIONS]

9.2 Technical Limitations

  • Tool Limitations: [TOOL LIMITATIONS]
  • Access Limitations: [ACCESS LIMITATIONS]
  • Network Limitations: [NETWORK LIMITATIONS]
  • Data Limitations: [DATA LIMITATIONS]

9.3 Business Limitations

  • Operational Constraints: [CONSTRAINTS]
  • Legal Constraints: [CONSTRAINTS]
  • Regulatory Constraints: [CONSTRAINTS]
  • Budget Constraints: [CONSTRAINTS]

10. RECOMMENDATIONS SUMMARY

10.1 Priority Matrix

Priority Action Timeline Resources Impact
P1 [ACTION] [TIMELINE] [RESOURCES] [IMPACT]
P2 [ACTION] [TIMELINE] [RESOURCES] [IMPACT]
P3 [ACTION] [TIMELINE] [RESOURCES] [IMPACT]

10.2 Implementation Roadmap

  • Phase 1 (0-30 days): [PHASE 1 ACTIONS]
  • Phase 2 (30-90 days): [PHASE 2 ACTIONS]
  • Phase 3 (90+ days): [PHASE 3 ACTIONS]

10.3 Success Metrics

  • Security Metrics: [METRICS]
  • Compliance Metrics: [METRICS]
  • Business Metrics: [METRICS]
  • Technical Metrics: [METRICS]

11. APPENDICES

11.1 Appendix A: Detailed Technical Findings

  • Complete vulnerability list
  • Detailed technical analysis
  • Additional evidence
  • Tool output

11.2 Appendix B: Remediation Guides

  • Step-by-step remediation instructions
  • Configuration examples
  • Code samples
  • Best practices

11.3 Appendix C: Compliance Mapping

  • Regulatory requirement mapping
  • Control implementation guidance
  • Audit preparation
  • Documentation requirements

11.4 Appendix D: Glossary

  • Technical terms
  • Acronyms
  • Definitions
  • References

12. CONTACT INFORMATION

12.1 Testing Team

  • Project Manager: [NAME AND CONTACT]
  • Technical Lead: [NAME AND CONTACT]
  • Senior Tester: [NAME AND CONTACT]
  • Junior Tester: [NAME AND CONTACT]

12.2 Client Contacts

  • Project Sponsor: [NAME AND CONTACT]
  • Technical Contact: [NAME AND CONTACT]
  • Security Contact: [NAME AND CONTACT]
  • Management Contact: [NAME AND CONTACT]

๐Ÿ“ Template Usage Instructions

Step 1: Data Collection

  • Gather all testing findings and evidence
  • Organize findings by risk level
  • Collect supporting documentation
  • Prepare proof of concept materials

Step 2: Analysis and Assessment

  • Analyze each finding for impact and likelihood
  • Assess business impact of vulnerabilities
  • Prioritize findings based on risk
  • Develop remediation recommendations

Step 3: Report Writing

  • Write executive summary for management
  • Document technical findings in detail
  • Provide clear remediation guidance
  • Include supporting evidence

Step 4: Review and Validation

  • Review report for accuracy and completeness
  • Validate technical findings
  • Ensure recommendations are actionable
  • Obtain stakeholder feedback

Step 5: Finalization and Delivery

  • Finalize report formatting
  • Prepare presentation materials
  • Deliver report to stakeholders
  • Schedule follow-up meetings

โš ๏ธ Important Considerations

Accuracy

  • Technical Accuracy: Ensure all technical information is accurate
  • Evidence Quality: Provide high-quality supporting evidence
  • Reproducibility: Ensure findings can be reproduced
  • Validation: Validate all findings before reporting

Clarity

  • Clear Language: Use clear, understandable language
  • Structured Format: Use consistent, structured format
  • Visual Elements: Include charts, graphs, and screenshots
  • Executive Summary: Provide clear executive summary

Actionability

  • Specific Recommendations: Provide specific, actionable recommendations
  • Prioritization: Clearly prioritize recommendations
  • Timeline: Include realistic timelines
  • Resources: Specify required resources

This template is provided for informational purposes only and should be customized based on the specific requirements of each engagement and the findings discovered during testing.