Attack Vector Visualization via Critical Path Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current penetration testing systems face challenges in effectively presenting complex, non-linear attack vectors to users, making it difficult to comprehend the essence of the attack, especially when the vectors are long or have multiple starting points, leading to ineffective defense strategies against network compromises.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves identifying and emphasizing the critical path of an attack vector, while de-emphasizing auxiliary paths, to present a clear, ordered sequence of network nodes and attacker steps that compromise the system, thereby simplifying the understanding of the attack method and enhancing defense planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the complete attack vector including all network nodes and paths is displayed, then the comprehensive information about the attack is provided, but the complexity of understanding the attack increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complete attack vector into two distinct components: critical path (the essential sequence of attacks leading to system compromise) and auxiliary paths (supporting or alternative attack routes). This segmentation allows the system to display only the critical path by default, reducing display complexity while preserving the essential attack information. Users can optionally view auxiliary paths if needed for comprehensive analysis.
2Loss of information
If all attack paths are presented equally, then complete attack coverage is achieved, but the key critical steps become difficult to identify
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the visual presentation of critical path versus auxiliary paths. The critical path is displayed with prominent visualization (e.g., highlighted nodes, continuous lines) to emphasize its importance, while auxiliary paths are displayed with reduced visual weight (e.g., dimmed nodes, dashed lines). This differential presentation allows users to easily identify key critical steps while still having access to complete attack coverage when needed.
3Productivity
If automated penetration testing is implemented, then testing efficiency increases, but the ability to comprehend complex non-linear attack vectors decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer between the automated penetration testing system and the user interface. This intermediary automatically analyzes the raw penetration test results, identifies the critical path through algorithmic processing, and presents it in a simplified visual format. This mediator handles the complexity of non-linear attack vectors automatically, maintaining high testing efficiency while delivering comprehensible results to users without requiring them to understand complex attack methodologies.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for displaying an attack vector available to an attacker of a networked system including a plurality of network nodes. One or more penetration tests of the networked system are carried out, by a penetration testing system. Based on results of the penetration tests, the attack vector available to an attacker of the networked system is identified. A critical path of the attack vector is determined, and is displayed by displaying the network nodes included in the critical path as a continuous ordered sequence of network nodes. In some embodiments, one or more auxiliary paths of the attack vector may be determined, and may be displayed.