Rules of Engagement: Crucial Part of a Pen-Testing Project

The rules of engagement (RoE) in penetration testing are the guidelines and limitations set by the client or organization that define the scope and objectives of the penetration test, and how the testing should be conducted. Some common elements of rules of engagement include:

• Scope: The specific systems, applications, and network segments that are authorized for testing

• Objectives: The specific goals of the penetration test, such as identifying security vulnerabilities or testing the effectiveness of security controls

• Prohibited actions: Activities that are not allowed, such as causing harm to systems or data, or accessing unauthorized data

• Reporting: Requirements for documenting and reporting findings, including the level of detail and the format of the report

• Timing: The schedule for conducting the penetration test, including start and end dates, and the maximum time allowed for testing

It's important for the penetration tester to understand and adhere to the rules of engagement, as violation of these rules can lead to legal or professional consequences.

Whether to exploit vulnerabilities found during a penetration test is typically part of the rules of engagement. The client or organization may specify whether the tester is allowed to actively exploit vulnerabilities to demonstrate their impact, or whether the focus should be solely on identification and reporting. It's important to note that exploitation of vulnerabilities can potentially cause harm to systems and data, so it's important for the rules of engagement to clearly specify the extent to which exploitation is allowed. Additionally, exploiting vulnerabilities without authorization may be illegal in some jurisdictions, so it's important to follow the rules of engagement to avoid legal consequences.

The RoE in a penetration test are usually decided prior to the start of the testing process. They are typically established through communication and negotiation between the client or organization, who is commissioning the test, and the penetration testing team. The rules of engagement should be agreed upon and documented before the start of the testing process to ensure that everyone involved has a clear understanding of the objectives and limitations of the test. This helps to ensure that the testing is conducted in a professional and ethical manner, and that the results of the test are meaningful and useful to the client. In some cases, the rules of engagement may be specified in a contract or service level agreement between the client and the testing team, or they may be established through informal communication and agreement. Regardless of how they are established, it's important for the rules of engagement to be clearly defined and agreed upon before the testing begins.