ISC2 CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)Security Assessment and TestingEasy
A security analyst is reviewing a recent penetration test report. The report highlights several vulnerabilities that were successfully exploited, but the client's internal security team was unaware of these weaknesses. The analyst notes that the penetration test was conducted without any prior knowledge provided to the internal security team. Which type of penetration testing methodology was most likely employed?
- AWhite Box Testing
- BCrystal Box Testing
- CBlack Box Testing
- DGray Box Testing
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Black Box Testing
Black box testing simulates an external attacker with no prior knowledge of the target system. This aligns with the scenario where the internal security team was unaware of the testing and the vulnerabilities exploited.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. White box testing involves full knowledge of the system's internal structure and code.
- B. Crystal box testing is not a standard, widely recognized penetration testing methodology term.
- D. Gray box testing involves partial knowledge of the system, often user-level access.
Black Box Testing
A penetration testing methodology where the tester has no prior knowledge of the internal workings of the system being tested, simulating an external attacker.
- Simulates an external attacker
- No internal system knowledge provided to tester
- Focuses on externally exploitable vulnerabilities
Memory trick: Boxes of knowledge, from dark to light.