Automated Penetration Testing for Faster Vulnerability Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing penetration testing methods are manual, time-constrained, and prone to errors, missing potential vulnerabilities in computer systems and networks.
Innovation Solution
A network-based system and method using a penetration testing computer device that automatically receives scan data, searches for vulnerabilities, determines attack vectors, generates exploits, and executes them on target devices to rapidly identify and address vulnerabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual penetration testing is used, then the tester can perform comprehensive analysis, but the testing process is time-consuming and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs penetration testing automatically without requiring manual intervention. The automated tester executes vulnerability scans, analyzes scan data, determines attack vectors, generates exploits, and executes them on target devices autonomously, eliminating human errors and time constraints while maintaining comprehensive testing coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing processes with an automated computer-based system. The processor automatically executes all testing operations including vulnerability detection, attack vector determination, exploit generation, and exploitation execution, substituting human analysts with an automated electronic system
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual penetration testing is performed, then the tester can adapt to specific targets, but the testing process is limited by human skill and experience
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adapts to different target devices by dynamically adjusting testing parameters based on scan data. The processor analyzes vulnerability information and automatically modifies attack vectors and exploits to match the specific characteristics of each target, enabling flexible adaptation without manual reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The automated tester independently analyzes target devices and adjusts its testing approach based on discovered vulnerabilities. The system self-adapts by automatically determining attack vectors and generating tailored exploits for each target, eliminating the need for human testers to manually adapt their methodologies
3Measurement precision
If penetration testing is performed at specific time points, then the tester can focus on specific vulnerabilities, but potential vulnerabilities may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs continuous vulnerability scanning and monitoring rather than periodic manual testing. The automated tester continuously monitors target devices for new vulnerabilities and executes exploits in real-time, ensuring no vulnerabilities are missed and providing ongoing security assurance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces periodic manual testing with continuous automated monitoring and testing. The processor continuously executes vulnerability scans and analyzes scan data in real-time, automatically detecting and responding to vulnerabilities as they occur rather than relying on scheduled manual assessments
Data Source
AI summary
A system for analyzing computer systems and networks for potential vulnerabilities to cyber-attacks configured to (i) receive scan data from a scan of a target computer device; (ii) search for one or more vulnerabilities based on the scan data; (iii) determine at least one attack vector based on the one or more vulnerabilities; (iv) generate one or more exploits based on the one or more attack vectors and the one or more vulnerabilities; and (v) execute the one or more exploits on the target computer device.