Pentesting according to PTES: Execution Standard

Overview and Practical Assessment from a Pentest Perspective

The Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) describes a structured methodology for conducting penetration tests. The standard defines typical project phases ranging from preparation and technical analysis to the documentation of results. Although PTES is frequently referenced as a standard for the structure of a penetration test, in practice it is rarely the sole methodological foundation. The standard originally emerged around 2010 and has only seen limited development since then.

PTES deliberately describes the process of a penetration test on a conceptual level. The individual phases define the methodological framework, but provide only limited technical depth for specific testing. In addition, parts of the technical descriptions are now outdated. For example, Windows XP and Windows 7 are referenced as example systems for Windows-specific tools. In practical engagements, additional technical guides, project-specific methodologies and the experience of the penetration testers are therefore required.

The recognition of PTES within the industry is also influenced by the fact that the project website pentest-standard.org has achieved strong search engine rankings for many years. As a result, PTES is often perceived as a reference framework, even though many penetration testing teams rely more heavily on other technical guides and their own methodologies in practical engagements.

The testing methodology used by binsec incorporates all meaningful phases and aspects described in PTES. At the same time, our internal methodology is significantly more comprehensive. It is based on a testing approach developed over many years, taking into account modern IT architectures, current attack techniques, and practical project experience across a wide range of infrastructure and application environments.

PTES divides a penetration test into several consecutive project phases.

• Pre-Engagement Interactions
  At the beginning of a project, the objectives, scope and organizational framework of the engagement are defined. This includes the alignment of testing methodology, communication channels during the test, as well as potential limitations or particularly sensitive systems. The goal of this phase is a clear and well-defined testing scope.

• Intelligence Gathering
  During this phase, structured information gathering about the target environment takes place. This may include publicly available information, technical metadata, domains, network ranges and technologies in use. These findings form the basis for the subsequent analysis.

• Threat Modeling
  Based on the collected information, realistic attack scenarios are evaluated. Potential entry points, attack paths and particularly critical systems are identified. The objective is to focus the technical analysis on relevant attack scenarios.

• Vulnerability Analysis
  In this phase, potential vulnerabilities are identified. Testing tools may be used to support the process. However, the actual analysis, verification and assessment of vulnerabilities is performed through structured manual testing.

• Exploitation
  Identified vulnerabilities are exploited in a controlled manner to demonstrate their practical security impact. The goal is to provide a technically verifiable proof of the actual risk.

• Post-Exploitation
  Following a successful compromise, the potential further impact is analyzed. This may include privilege escalation, lateral movement within a network, or access to sensitive data.

• Reporting
  The results of the penetration test are documented in a structured report. The report describes identified vulnerabilities, their technical causes, their practical exploitability and their potential impact on the organization. Concrete remediation recommendations are also provided.

PTES therefore primarily defines the methodological framework for a penetration test. The actual quality of a test, however, depends on the technical depth of the analysis, the experience of the testers, and a structured manual assessment of the target systems.