Day 7: Reporting, Logs, and Cybersecurity Career Guide

From Hacker to Professional: Logs, Reports, and Career Roadmap

Effective penetration testing extends beyond identifying vulnerabilities; it requires meticulous documentation, professional reporting, and adherence to ethical and legal standards. On Day 7 of this 7-day Parrot OS learning series, we focus on the critical aspects of concluding a penetration test and transitioning into a professional cybersecurity career. This article covers logging findings using tools like Leafpad, CherryTree, and Markdown, crafting a professional penetration testing report, understanding ethics, laws, and responsible disclosure, and outlining a cybersecurity career roadmap with certifications like Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), bug bounty programs, and Capture The Flag (CTF) practice. Additional tools like Dradis and career paths such as red teaming and blue teaming are included to provide a comprehensive guide. By mastering these skills, you will be prepared to document findings professionally and pursue a rewarding career in cybersecurity.

Logging Findings

Accurate and organized logging of findings during a penetration test is essential for tracking vulnerabilities, exploits, and observations. Parrot OS provides several tools for this purpose, including Leafpad, CherryTree, and Markdown editors like Visual Studio Code.

Using Leafpad

Leafpad is a lightweight text editor included in Parrot OS, suitable for quick notes and logs.

1. Launch Leafpad:

   leafpad

   Open Leafpad from the terminal or Parrot menu.
2. Log Findings: Document details such as:
   • Tool used (e.g., Nmap, sqlmap).
   • Target (e.g., IP address, URL).
   • Results (e.g., open ports, vulnerabilities).
   • Timestamps and commands executed.
3. Save Logs: Save the file (e.g., pentest_log.txt) in a dedicated directory like ~/pentest/logs.

Using CherryTree

CherryTree is a hierarchical note-taking application that supports rich text and structured organization, ideal for complex pentests.

1. Launch CherryTree:

   cherrytree

2. Create a New Node: Organize findings by creating nodes for each phase (e.g., Reconnaissance, Exploitation).
3. Add Details: Include screenshots (using Flameshot), command outputs, and notes.
4. Export: Save as a .ctb file or export to PDF/HTML for sharing.

Using Markdown

Markdown is a lightweight markup language for structured documentation, editable in tools like Visual Studio Code (installed on Day 2).

1. Create a Markdown File:

   code pentest_log.md

2. Structure Content: Use Markdown syntax for headings, lists, and code blocks:

   # Penetration Test Log
   ## Reconnaissance
   - **Tool**: Nmap
   - **Command**: `nmap -sS 192.168.1.100`
   - **Findings**: Open ports 22, 80, 443
   ## Exploitation
   - **Tool**: sqlmap
   - **Command**: `sqlmap -u http://localhost/dvwa/vulnerabilities/sqli/?id=1`
   - **Findings**: Database `dvwa` dumped
   

3. Preview and Export: Use VS Code’s Markdown preview or convert to PDF with tools like Pandoc.

Outcome: You can effectively log penetration testing findings using multiple tools.

Writing a Penetration Testing Report

A professional penetration testing report communicates findings clearly to stakeholders, providing actionable recommendations. A well-structured report includes several key sections.

Components of a Pentest Report

1. Executive Summary:
   • Overview of the test scope, objectives, and key findings.
   • Written for non-technical stakeholders (e.g., management).
   • Example: “The test identified critical SQL injection vulnerabilities in the login form, posing a risk of unauthorized data access.”
2. Scope and Methodology:
   • Details the tested systems (e.g., 192.168.1.100, http://localhost/dvwa).
   • Describes tools and techniques used (e.g., Nmap, sqlmap, manual testing).
3. Findings:
   • Lists vulnerabilities with details:
     • Vulnerability: SQL Injection.
     • Severity: Critical (CVSS score: 9.0).
     • Description: Unsanitized input in login form allows database access.
     • Evidence: Screenshots, command outputs.
     • Impact: Data theft, privilege escalation.
4. Recommendations:
   • Actionable steps to mitigate vulnerabilities (e.g., “Implement input validation and parameterized queries”).
5. Conclusion: Summarizes the test and emphasizes the importance of remediation.

Using Dradis for Reporting

Dradis is a collaboration and reporting tool for penetration testers, available in Parrot OS.

1. Launch Dradis:

   dradis

   Access the web interface at http://localhost:3000.
2. Create a Project: Add a new project and import findings (e.g., Nmap XML output).
3. Generate a Report: Use templates to export findings in PDF or Word format.

Outcome: You can craft professional pentest reports and use Dradis for streamlined reporting.

Ethics, Laws, and Responsible Disclosure

Ethical hacking requires strict adherence to legal and ethical standards to protect individuals and organizations. Understanding these principles is crucial for a professional cybersecurity career.

Ethics in Cybersecurity

Ethical hackers must operate with integrity, transparency, and respect for privacy.

• Authorization: Only test systems with explicit permission.
• Confidentiality: Protect sensitive data obtained during testing.
• Non-Destructive Testing: Avoid actions that could harm systems or networks.

Laws and Regulations

Cybersecurity professionals must comply with relevant laws, which vary by region.

• Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA, USA): Prohibits unauthorized access to systems.
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR, EU): Mandates data protection and breach reporting.
• Local Laws: Research laws in your jurisdiction (e.g., India’s Information Technology Act).

Responsible Disclosure

Responsible disclosure involves reporting vulnerabilities to system owners in a way that minimizes harm.

• Steps:
  • Identify the vulnerability and document it thoroughly.
  • Contact the organization privately (e.g., via a bug bounty program or security contact).
  • Provide clear details and allow time for remediation (e.g., 90 days).
  • Disclose publicly only after the issue is resolved or with mutual agreement.
• Example: Reporting a SQL injection vulnerability to a website’s security team via their bug bounty program.

Outcome: You understand the ethical and legal frameworks for conducting penetration tests and reporting vulnerabilities.

Cybersecurity Career Roadmap

A career in cybersecurity offers diverse opportunities, from penetration testing to incident response. This roadmap outlines certifications, bug bounties, CTFs, and career paths to guide your professional journey.

Certifications

• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH):
  • Provider: EC-Council.
  • Focus: Fundamentals of ethical hacking, including reconnaissance, scanning, and exploitation.
  • Suitable For: Beginners seeking a broad introduction to cybersecurity.
  • Preparation: Study networking, Linux, and tools like Nmap and Metasploit.
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP):
  • Provider: Offensive Security.
  • Focus: Hands-on penetration testing, requiring practical exploitation skills.
  • Suitable For: Intermediate professionals with experience in Linux and scripting.
  • Preparation: Practice with labs like Hack The Box or TryHackMe.
• Other Certifications:
  • CompTIA Security+: Entry-level certification for general cybersecurity knowledge.
  • Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Advanced certification for management roles.

Bug Bounty Programs

Bug bounty programs reward researchers for finding vulnerabilities in live systems.

• Platforms: HackerOne, Bugcrowd, Synack.
• Process:
  • Join a platform and select a program (e.g., a company’s public bug bounty).
  • Test within the program’s scope and report findings responsibly.
  • Earn rewards based on vulnerability severity.
• Example: Finding an XSS vulnerability in a company’s web application and reporting it via HackerOne.

Capture The Flag (CTF) Practice

CTFs are cybersecurity competitions that hone practical skills through challenges in hacking, forensics, and cryptography.

• Platforms: Hack The Box, TryHackMe, OverTheWire, CTFtime.
• Benefits:
  • Develop hands-on skills with real-world scenarios.
  • Build problem-solving and teamwork abilities.
• Example: Solving a TryHackMe challenge to exploit a vulnerable web server.

Career Paths

• Red Teaming: Simulating real-world attacks to test an organization’s defenses.
• Blue Teaming: Defending systems through monitoring, incident response, and log analysis.
• Security Analyst: Analyzing threats and implementing security controls.
• Penetration Tester: Conducting authorized tests to identify vulnerabilities.

Steps to Start:

• Build a home lab (e.g., VirtualBox with Parrot OS, Metasploitable).
• Contribute to open-source cybersecurity projects.
• Network with professionals on platforms like X or LinkedIn.

Outcome: You have a clear roadmap to pursue a cybersecurity career through certifications, bug bounties, and CTFs.

Practical Exercise

1. Log findings from a DVWA SQL injection test (Day 5) using Leafpad, CherryTree, and Markdown.
2. Write a sample pentest report for DVWA, including an executive summary and recommendations, and import it into Dradis.
3. Draft a responsible disclosure email for a hypothetical vulnerability.
4. Complete a beginner CTF challenge on TryHackMe and document the process.
5. Create a 6-month cybersecurity career plan targeting a certification or bug bounty participation.

Conclusion

Day 7 concludes this 7-day Parrot OS learning series, equipping you with the skills to document findings, write professional reports, adhere to ethical and legal standards, and pursue a cybersecurity career. By mastering tools like Leafpad, CherryTree, Markdown, and Dradis, you can effectively log and report vulnerabilities. Understanding ethics and responsible disclosure ensures you operate within legal boundaries. The career roadmap, including CEH, OSCP, bug bounties, and CTFs, provides a clear path to professional success. Continue practicing in controlled environments and engage with the cybersecurity community to advance your skills.

Next Steps:

• Refine your reporting skills with advanced Dradis templates.
• Join a bug bounty program and submit a responsible disclosure report.
• Participate in CTF events and network with professionals on platforms like X.