LitePEN-IoT - Lightweight Framework for IoT Penetration Testing

LitePEN-IoT - Lightweight Framework for IoT Penetration Testing =============================================================== 1\. SUMMARY ----------- Developing a lightweight penetration testing framework within the field of computer security to audit the security (Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability) of an IoT system and its components. IoT pentesting work involves a systematic process of vulnerability identification, risk assessment, authorized exploitation of vulnerabilities, and mitigation recommendations, with the goal of protecting the devices and the data they handle. Keywords: vulnerability, attack, threat, white box, black box. 2\. Introduction ---------------- In the field of computer security, the growing adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) systems has posed significant challenges in terms of protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. As IoT devices become ubiquitous in our daily lives, ensuring their protection against potential vulnerabilities and cyber-attacks becomes crucial. In response to this issue, this work focuses on developing a lightweight penetration testing framework within the field of computer security, with the purpose of auditing the security of IoT systems and their components. The main objective of this framework is to carry out a systematic process that allows for the identification of vulnerabilities, evaluation of associated risks, authorized exploitation of those vulnerabilities, and ultimately, providing mitigation recommendations. The result is a set of countermeasure recommendations for stakeholders, enabling them to take actions to protect their system and ensure its security. The IoT penetration testing process requires a meticulous and comprehensive approach to identify potential weaknesses in the configuration, communication, and operation of IoT devices. By conducting authorized penetration tests, the aim is to simulate potential attacks in order to discover vulnerabilities and assess the security level of IoT systems. Throughout this work, the main methodologies and approaches used in IoT penetration testing will be explored. The most common vulnerabilities in this context will be analyzed, and mitigation recommendations will be presented to strengthen the security of systems and protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. 3\. Objective ------------- To develop a framework for identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in the components of a given IoT system, with an offensive or ethical hacking approach, in order to correct them before they are exploited by malicious attackers and thus reduce the probability of successful attacks. The following specific objectives are implied in achieving this goal: 1. Identify vulnerabilities: This is done to recognize inherent or residual weaknesses and security vulnerabilities in IoT systems and devices. 2. Evaluate the effectiveness of security measures: This is done to assess the effectiveness of security measures implemented in the system and the ability of IoT devices and systems to resist attacks. 3. Assess the level of risk: The methodology can help determine the level of risk a system faces and identify the most critical vulnerabilities that need to be addressed first. 4. Provide security recommendations: This is done to supply recommendations for improving the security of IoT devices and systems, which may include measures related to hardware, firmware, and software aspects. 4\. Scope --------- The methodology being designed aims to offer a lightweight, practical, and academic guide that serves as a reference for our peers and other professionals in the field of computer security in IoT. With this initially exploratory initiative, we intend to contribute knowledge in this field and help improve the security of IoT devices and systems. The methodology we are developing will include a series of steps and techniques that will allow for an evaluation of the security of IoT devices and systems, identification of potential vulnerabilities and security risks, controlled exploitation of vulnerabilities, and the establishment of measures and recommendations for mitigating them. Our methodology will be generic and focused on the IoT architecture, with the aim of helping peers identify and address information security aspects related to their IoT projects. The architectural model used to analyze the IoT system in question is the 3-tier architecture. This choice is due to the widespread usage of this architecture and the availability of a wide range of tools and resources. Additionally,