Cloud Penetration Testing

NIST SP 800-144 provides guidelines for cloud computing security, including:

• Cloud Security Architecture: Understand the architecture of the cloud environment.
• Risk Management: Assess and manage risks specific to cloud environments.
• Data Security: Evaluate data protection measures and encryption practices.
• Access Controls: Review access controls and IAM configurations.
• Compliance: Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards.

The CSA Cloud Controls Matrix provides a framework for evaluating cloud security controls:

• Control Domains: Includes controls for application security, encryption, data protection, and more.
• Assessment Criteria: Provides criteria for assessing the effectiveness of cloud security controls.
• Mapping to Standards: Maps to other standards and frameworks, such as ISO/IEC 27001.

The Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) can be adapted for cloud environments:

• Pre-Engagement: Define scope, objectives, and rules of engagement specific to cloud environments.
• Information Gathering: Collect information about cloud infrastructure, services, and configurations.
• Threat Modeling: Identify and assess threats specific to cloud environments.
• Vulnerability Assessment: Conduct assessments to identify vulnerabilities in cloud services and configurations.
• Exploitation: Test vulnerabilities to determine if they can be exploited.
• Post-Exploitation: Evaluate the impact of successful exploits and potential for maintaining access.

The Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual (OSSTMM) can be used for cloud environments:

• Data Collection: Gather information about cloud infrastructure and services.
• Testing: Conduct tests to identify vulnerabilities and assess security controls.
• Analysis: Analyze test results and evaluate the impact of identified vulnerabilities.
• Reporting: Document findings and provide actionable recommendations.

ISO/IEC 27001 and 27002 provide standards for information security management, which are applicable to cloud environments:

• Risk Management: Identify and manage risks associated with cloud services.
• Information Security Policies: Establish policies for managing cloud security.
• Security Controls: Implement security controls and regularly review their effectiveness.

Conducting cloud penetration testing ethically and legally involves:

• Authorization: Obtain explicit permission from cloud service providers and stakeholders.
• Compliance: Adhere to legal and regulatory requirements specific to cloud environments.
• Confidentiality: Protect sensitive information obtained during testing.