The document discusses how the Department of Homeland Security conducts penetration tests to identify vulnerabilities in networks. It provides examples of common methods used by adversaries like phishing and using default or reused credentials. The penetration tests help organizations identify issues, implement mitigations, and make risk-based security decisions. The services provided by DHS through NCATS include vulnerability scanning, incident response, and risk assessments to help secure systems and protect against cyber threats.

1. SESSION ID:
#RSAC
Robert Karas
BREAKING AND ENTERING: HOW AND
WHY DHS CONDUCTS PENETRATION
TESTS
TV-R04
National Cybersecurity Assessments and Technical Services (NCATS)

2. #RSAC
NCCIC | National Cybersecurity and
Communications Integration Center
2
• Act as Adversary
• Common Paths to Success
• Phishing – Click rate 12%
• Credentials
• Default
• Re-Used
Penetration Tests

3. #RSAC
NCCIC | National Cybersecurity and
Communications Integration Center
3
Issue Impact Mitigation
Stakeholder believed they had 800 hosts, scan revealed over Flat network, person in region 1 can access all
region 8
Segment network with router or firewall
Discovered over 200 security cameras accessible with default
credentials
Physical security, theft, watching key strokes of users Change default credentials and add network
filters
SQL Injection- successfully crafted and input a data string
enumerated web application usernames and passwords.
credentials to log into web application and other devices
Unauthorized user access was achieved from the Sanitize all input provided by an untrusted
Implement server-side controls of white-listed
character sets. Encrypt data stored on the
Discovered WAP buried underneath paper/trash/debris and
into the Local Area Network
Security controls implemented to connected to the
bypassed. Anyone at Starbucks next door could have
Monitor network for rogue devices, conduct
walk-throughs to identify rogue devices
Phishing email sent to a limited number of employees. One
forward to the entire agency
All machines were potentially compromised or had to
cleaned. IT resources allocated to mitigation and clean
Train users to identify malicious email,
technical controls.
Password reset function allowed the reset password to be
any email address
Anyone could reset an account and log into the
This logic flaw impacted Confidentiality, Availability
Integrity
Ensure passwords can only be reset by the
account owner and sent to the email address
record for the account owner

4. #RSAC
NCCIC | National Cybersecurity and
Communications Integration Center
4
Domain Controller
Network ApplianceSQL Server
SQL QA
DHS
<Initial Attack Vector>
Local Account
Hash Dump
Pivot to user
computers
User User
User Admin
Domain Controller is
accessed
DHS User Domain
admin created
Admin
What Happens Next?

5. #RSAC
NCCIC | National Cybersecurity and
Communications Integration Center
Why DHS offers these services
• Make informed, risk-based decisions
• Eliminate remote attack paths
• Promote data-driven decisions

6. #RSAC
NCCIC | National Cybersecurity and
Communications Integration Center
CYBER.DHS.GOV SERVICES
15-01 Critical Vulnerability Mitigation
_____________________
16-01- Security High Value Assets
_____________________
16-01 - Threat to Network
Infrastructure Devices
_____________________
16-03 – 2016 Agency
Cybersecurity Reporting Requirements
_____________________
17-01 – Removal of
Kaspersky Products
_____________________
18-01 – Enhance Email
and Web Security
Vulnerability Scanning
_____________________
Incident Response
_____________________
Automated Indicator Sharing
_____________________
Architecture Review
_____________________
Hunt
_____________________
Self Assessments
_____________________
Risk and Vulnerability Assessments
How DHS is helping

7. #RSAC
NCCIC | National Cybersecurity and
Communications Integration Center
Questions?
NCATS_INFO@HQ.DHS.GOV