Ethical Hacking & Penetration Testing Projects
Penetration testing projects covering web application security, network testing, vulnerability assessment, exploit development, and ethical hacking methodologies.
Web application penetration test
Conduct a comprehensive penetration test of a web application following OWASP methodology, identify vulnerabilities, and provide remediation recommendations.
Deliverables
- Penetration test report
- Vulnerability assessment
- Proof-of-concept exploits
- Remediation roadmap
Technologies
Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, SQLMap, Custom scripts
Network penetration testing
Perform network penetration testing including reconnaissance, vulnerability scanning, exploitation, and post-exploitation activities.
Deliverables
- Network assessment report
- Vulnerability scan results
- Exploitation documentation
- Security recommendations
Technologies
Nmap, Metasploit, Nessus, Wireshark, Custom exploits
API security assessment
Test REST and GraphQL APIs for security vulnerabilities including authentication bypass, authorisation flaws, and injection attacks.
Deliverables
- API security report
- Vulnerability findings
- Testing methodology
- Remediation guide
Technologies
Burp Suite, Postman, GraphQL tools, Custom scripts
Mobile application security testing
Assess iOS and Android applications for security vulnerabilities including insecure data storage, weak cryptography, and improper session management.
Deliverables
- Mobile app security report
- Static and dynamic analysis
- Vulnerability findings
- Remediation recommendations
Technologies
MobSF, Frida, APKTool, iOS security tools
Cloud infrastructure security assessment
Assess cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP) for misconfigurations, exposed services, and insecure access controls.
Deliverables
- Cloud security assessment
- Misconfiguration report
- IAM analysis
- Hardening recommendations
Technologies
CloudSploit, Scout Suite, Pacu, Cloud-specific tools
Social engineering campaign simulation
Design and execute a social engineering campaign (with proper authorisation) to test organisational security awareness and response.
Deliverables
- Campaign plan
- Execution report
- Phishing analysis
- Training recommendations
Technologies
SET, Gophish, Email platforms, Social media tools
Wireless network security assessment
Assess wireless network security including WPA/WPA2 vulnerabilities, rogue access points, and encryption weaknesses.
Deliverables
- Wireless security report
- Attack documentation
- Vulnerability findings
- Hardening guide
Technologies
Aircrack-ng, Wireshark, Kismet, Wireless attack tools
Privilege escalation and lateral movement
Demonstrate privilege escalation techniques and lateral movement in a controlled environment, documenting attack paths and defences.
Deliverables
- Attack path documentation
- Exploitation techniques
- Defence recommendations
- Detection strategies
Technologies
Metasploit, PowerShell Empire, BloodHound, AD attack tools
Vulnerability assessment and management
Conduct vulnerability assessments using automated scanners and manual testing, prioritise findings, and develop remediation plans.
Deliverables
- Vulnerability assessment report
- Risk prioritisation
- Remediation plan
- Tracking dashboard
Technologies
Nessus, OpenVAS, Qualys, Manual testing tools
Exploit development and proof-of-concept
Develop custom exploits for identified vulnerabilities, create proof-of-concept code, and document exploitation techniques.
Deliverables
- Exploit code
- Proof-of-concept
- Documentation
- Mitigation strategies
Technologies
Python, C/C++, Assembly, Exploit frameworks
Red team engagement simulation
Plan and execute a red team engagement simulating an advanced persistent threat (APT) attack scenario with multiple attack vectors.
Deliverables
- Red team report
- Attack timeline
- TTP documentation
- Blue team recommendations
Technologies
Cobalt Strike, Empire, Custom C2 frameworks, Evasion techniques
Container and Kubernetes security assessment
Assess containerised applications and Kubernetes clusters for security misconfigurations, vulnerabilities, and insecure deployments.
Deliverables
- Container security report
- Kubernetes assessment
- Vulnerability findings
- Hardening guide
Technologies
Trivy, Clair, kube-hunter, Container security tools
IoT device security testing
Assess Internet of Things (IoT) devices for security vulnerabilities including firmware analysis, network security, and authentication flaws.
Deliverables
- IoT security report
- Firmware analysis
- Vulnerability findings
- Security recommendations
Technologies
Firmware analysis tools, Hardware hacking tools, Network analysis
Bug bounty program participation
Participate in bug bounty programs, document findings, and develop responsible disclosure practices and reporting skills.
Deliverables
- Bug reports
- Vulnerability submissions
- Disclosure timeline
- Lessons learned
Technologies
HackerOne, Bugcrowd, Burp Suite, Testing methodologies
Security assessment report writing
Create a professional penetration test report following industry standards (PTES, OWASP) with executive summary, technical findings, and remediation guidance.
Deliverables
- Executive summary
- Technical report
- Vulnerability database
- Remediation roadmap
Technologies
Report templates, Documentation tools, CVSS scoring