The Vulnerability Assessment Analyst course aims to equip participants with the skills required to adeptly identify, assess, and mitigate vulnerabilities across computer systems, networks, and applications.

Engaging in immersive practical lab sessions, students will delve into hands-on activities aimed at analyzing security architectures, evaluating security controls, and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to safeguard critical assets and data.

Participants will develop advanced proficiency in penetration testing, vulnerability assessment, and compliance auditing of web applications, software applications, hosts, and networks.

Additionally, they will master the art of drafting comprehensive, industry-standard reports that effectively communicate findings, recommendations, and remediation strategies to stakeholders.

Upon completion of the Vulnerability Assessment Analyst course, participants will be equipped with a diverse skill set enabling them to:

• Develop the ability to define project scope and perform effective assessment activities within specified timeframes.
• Utilize standard automated tools for vulnerability assessment to identify and mitigate security risks.
• Identify and address security vulnerabilities on Windows and Linux systems through comprehensive assessments.
• Conduct network vulnerability assessments to secure organizational networks from potential cyber threats.
• Assess web applications for vulnerabilities using best practices in security testing and remediation.
• Analyze vulnerability assessment outcomes to prioritize risk management efforts and implement corrective measures.
• Utilize sophisticated scanning technologies and develop checklists for continuous system, network, and application security monitoring.

MCSI is one of the most respected and trusted names in cyber security education and training. Our certifications teach critical skills, knowledge and abilities needed to advance a career in cyber security. Our courses are comprehensive and up-to-date, and our instructors are experienced professionals who are dedicated to helping students learn. MCSI provides the real-world skills and knowledge you need to protect any organization from cyber threats.

• Lab Setup and Virtualization
• Automated Vulnerability Scanning

  Automated vulnerability scanning is essential for vulnerability assessment analysts because it enables efficient and comprehensive identification of security weaknesses across systems, networks, and applications. This approach saves time and resources by automating repetitive tasks, allowing analysts to focus on analyzing and addressing critical vulnerabilities promptly.

  OpenVAS

  OpenVAS is essential for MVAA professionals as it automates vulnerability scanning, allowing for comprehensive audits of networks and applications. It enables analysts to identify and prioritize vulnerabilities efficiently, supporting robust remediation efforts.

  OWASP ZAP

  OWASP ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy) plays a critical role in web application security testing for MVAA analysts. It automates vulnerability detection in web applications, enabling thorough security assessments and enhancing the overall security posture of applications.

  W4AF

  W4AF (Web Application Attack and Audit Framework) is a valuable tool for MVAA professionals, providing a framework to assess and exploit vulnerabilities in web applications. It supports automated scanning and manual testing, enhancing the accuracy and depth of vulnerability assessments.

  Nmap Scripting Engine

  The Nmap Scripting Engine (NSE) is indispensable for MVAA analysts due to its automation capabilities in vulnerability detection and exploitation. It empowers analysts to customize and extend Nmap's capabilities, enabling targeted assessments tailored to specific security requirements.

• Network Reconnaissance

  Network reconnaissance is crucial for cybersecurity professionals, including Vulnerability Assessment Analysts (MVAA), because it enables them to gather critical information about target networks, systems, and applications.

  By conducting network reconnaissance, analysts can identify potential vulnerabilities, map network architectures, and understand the security posture of an organization. This knowledge is essential for developing effective vulnerability assessment strategies and implementing robust security measures to safeguard against cyber threats. Additionally, network reconnaissance helps analysts assess the attack surface and prioritize security efforts, ensuring comprehensive protection against potential threats.

  theharvester

  Theharvester is a powerful tool used by Vulnerability Assessment Analysts (MVAA) to gather information about email addresses, subdomains, virtual hosts, and open ports. This information is essential for conducting reconnaissance and identifying potential attack vectors.

  Fierce

  Fierce is another tool employed by MVAA for DNS enumeration, assisting in the discovery of non-contiguous IP space, particularly for identifying target subdomains. This information aids in mapping the network infrastructure and identifying potential vulnerabilities.

  Shodan.IO

  Shodan.IO is a search engine that allows MVAA to explore and discover devices connected to the internet. This tool provides insights into exposed services, including those with potential security risks, aiding in vulnerability assessment and risk management.

  Passively Mapping and Enumerating Subdomains

  Passively mapping and enumerating subdomains is a critical activity for MVAA, involving methods to identify and map subdomains without directly interacting with the target organization's systems. This passive reconnaissance approach provides valuable insights into the attack surface and potential vulnerabilities.

• System Exploitation and Penetration Testing

  System Exploitation and penetration testing are crucial for Vulnerability Assessment Analysts (MVAA) because they simulate real-world attack scenarios to identify and validate vulnerabilities. By conducting these tests, MVAA can assess the actual impact of vulnerabilities and provide actionable recommendations for remediation, enhancing overall cybersecurity posture and mitigating potential risks.

  Writing PowerShell Scripts to Detect Windows Vulnerabilities

  Writing PowerShell scripts to detect Windows vulnerabilities is crucial for MVAA, allowing for automated scanning and identification of security weaknesses within Windows environments. This automation enhances efficiency and accuracy in vulnerability assessment processes.

  Exploiting Numerous Linux Vulnerabilities (Privilege Escalation, etc.)

  Exploiting numerous Linux vulnerabilities, including privilege escalation, is important for MVAA to gain insights into common security weaknesses in Linux systems. This knowledge helps in effectively assessing and mitigating vulnerabilities across diverse environments.

  Exploiting Systems Using Metasploit (such as Pivoting, SMB, etc.)

  Exploiting systems using Metasploit, including techniques like pivoting and SMB exploitation, is essential for MVAA to simulate realistic attack scenarios and evaluate defensive measures. This hands-on experience enhances the ability to identify and remediate critical vulnerabilities.

  Exploiting Stack Overflow Exploits

  Exploiting stack overflow exploits is important for MVAA to understand memory vulnerabilities and how attackers can leverage them to gain unauthorized access. This knowledge aids in developing effective countermeasures and securing systems against such attacks.

  Bypassing DEP Protection on Windows

  Bypassing DEP (Data Execution Prevention) protection on Windows systems is relevant for MVAA to assess and address memory protection mechanisms that can be circumvented by sophisticated attacks. Understanding these techniques strengthens the ability to defend against advanced threats.

• Web Exploitation and Penetration Testing

  Web exploitation and penetration testing are crucial for MVAA to assess the security of web applications, identifying vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. By conducting these tests, MVAA can proactively address weaknesses in web systems, preventing potential cyber threats and securing critical assets.

  Exploiting Web Applications via File Uploads

  Exploiting web applications through file uploads is essential for MVAA, allowing identification and remediation of vulnerabilities related to insecure file handling and validation.

  Exploiting Web Applications via Local/Remote File Inclusion

  Exploiting web applications via local or remote file inclusion techniques is critical for MVAA to assess and mitigate vulnerabilities related to improper input validation and access control mechanisms.

  Exploiting Web Applications via Command Injection

  Command injection exploitation is important for MVAA to identify and address vulnerabilities that allow malicious commands to be executed on web servers through user input.

  Exploiting Web Applications via Advanced SQL Injection

  Advanced SQL injection exploitation is crucial for MVAA to uncover vulnerabilities in database-driven web applications, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive data.

  Exploiting Web Applications via Server-Side Template Injection

  Server-side template injection exploitation is essential for MVAA to identify vulnerabilities in web applications that use server-side templating engines, potentially leading to remote code execution.

  Exploiting Web Applications via XPath Injection

  XPath injection exploitation is important for MVAA to assess vulnerabilities in web applications that use XPath queries, allowing attackers to manipulate XML-based data.

  Bypassing Web Application Protections

  Bypassing web application protections is critical for MVAA to understand the effectiveness of security controls and to identify weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers.

• Phishing and Spear-Phishing

  Phishing and spear-phishing are crucial for MVAA because they simulate real-world social engineering attacks, helping analysts assess human vulnerabilities and the effectiveness of security awareness training. By executing controlled campaigns, analysts can identify weaknesses in organizational defenses and improve overall security posture against targeted cyber threats.

  Performing Reconnaissance on a Target

  Performing reconnaissance on a target is essential for MVAA analysts to gather information about potential vulnerabilities, attack surfaces, and system configurations before conducting assessments.

  Creating a Decoy Phishing Website

  Creating a decoy phishing website is an important technique for MVAA analysts to simulate phishing attacks, assess user behaviors, and evaluate the effectiveness of security controls.

  Creating Evasive Payloads

  Developing evasive payloads is critical for MVAA analysts to test security defenses and assess the ability of systems to detect and prevent malicious payloads.

  Bypassing Mark of the Web

  Bypassing Mark of the Web is important for MVAA analysts to evade browser security features and test web-based vulnerabilities effectively.

  Using HTML Smuggling

  HTML smuggling is a valuable technique for MVAA analysts to evade detection mechanisms and assess web application security controls comprehensively.

  Creating Convincing Email Templates

  Crafting convincing email templates is essential for MVAA analysts to simulate phishing attacks and evaluate user awareness and response to email-based threats.

  Utilizing GoPhish

  Using GoPhish is a powerful tool for MVAA analysts to orchestrate phishing campaigns and assess user behavior, thereby improving organizational security awareness and defenses.

• Documentation & Procedures

  Documentation and procedures are crucial for MVAA analysts to maintain clear records of vulnerabilities, assessments, and remediation strategies, ensuring accountability and facilitating knowledge transfer within the organization. Standardized documentation also supports compliance efforts and enables efficient collaboration among security teams, enhancing overall cybersecurity posture.

  Creating Windows Privilege Escalation Checklist

  Developing a Windows Privilege Escalation Checklist is essential for MVAA analysts to systematically identify and mitigate vulnerabilities related to escalating privileges on Windows systems, ensuring comprehensive security assessments.

  Creating Web Application Penetration Testing Checklist

  Establishing a Web Application Penetration Testing Checklist allows MVAA analysts to methodically assess and address security weaknesses in web applications, improving overall application security and resilience against cyber threats.

  Creating Network Penetration Testing Checklist

  Developing a Network Penetration Testing Checklist enables MVAA analysts to conduct thorough assessments of network infrastructure, identifying vulnerabilities and enhancing network security measures.

  Creating Linux Privilege Escalation Checklist

  Crafting a Linux Privilege Escalation Checklist is essential for MVAA analysts to detect and address vulnerabilities related to privilege escalation on Linux systems, ensuring robust security posture across diverse platforms.

  Creating Penetration Testing Report

  Generating a comprehensive Penetration Testing Report is crucial for MVAA analysts to document findings, recommendations, and remediation strategies, facilitating informed decision-making and enhancing overall cybersecurity resilience.

This course teaches the specific Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Tasks (KSATs) aligned with the DoD Cyber Workforce Framework (DCWF) as outlined in DoD 8140. By focusing on these critical competencies, the course ensures that you develop the essential capabilities required for various cybersecurity roles within the Department of Defense. This alignment not only guarantees that the training is relevant and comprehensive but also that it prepares you to meet the specific operational needs and standards of the DoD cyber workforce.

• knowledge

  ID	Description
  10	Knowledge of application vulnerabilities.
  22	Knowledge of computer networking concepts and protocols, and network security methodologies.
  92	Knowledge of how traffic flows across the network (e.g., Transmission Control Protocol [TCP] and Internet Protocol [IP], Open System Interconnection Model [OSI], Information Technology Infrastructure Library, current version [ITIL]).
  105	Knowledge of system and application security threats and vulnerabilities (e.g., buffer overflow, mobile code, cross-site scripting, Procedural Language/Structured Query Language [PL/SQL] and injections, race conditions, covert channel, replay, return-oriented attacks, malicious code).
  108	Knowledge of risk management processes (e.g., methods for assessing and mitigating risk).
  150	Knowledge of what constitutes a network attack and the relationship to both threats and vulnerabilities.
  1072	Knowledge of network security architecture concepts including topology, protocols, components, and principles (e.g., application of defense-in-depth).
  1158	Knowledge of cybersecurity principles.
  1159	Knowledge of cyber threats and vulnerabilities.
  6900	Knowledge of specific operational impacts of cybersecurity lapses.
  6935	Knowledge of cloud computing service models Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and Platform as a Service (PaaS).
  6938	Knowledge of cloud computing deployment models in private, public, and hybrid environment and the difference between on-premises and off-premises environments.
  27	Knowledge of cryptography and cryptographic key management concepts.
  29	Knowledge of data backup, types of backups (e.g., full, incremental), and recovery concepts and tools.
  49	Knowledge of host/network access control mechanisms (e.g., access control list).
  63	Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and organizational requirements (relevant to confidentiality, integrity, availability, authentication, non-repudiation).
  79	Knowledge of network access, identity, and access management (e.g., public key infrastructure [PKI]).
  81A	Knowledge of network protocols such as TCP/IP, Dynamic Host Configuration, Domain Name System (DNS), and directory services.
  95B	Knowledge of penetration testing principles, tools, and techniques, including specialized tools for non-traditional systems and networks (e.g., control systems).
  102	Knowledge of programming language structures and logic.
  128	Knowledge of systems diagnostic tools and fault identification techniques.
  214B	Knowledge of packet-level analysis using appropriate tools (e.g., Wireshark, tcpdump).
  801B	Knowledge of threat and risk assessment.
  904	Knowledge of interpreted and compiled computer languages.
  991	Knowledge of different classes of attacks (e.g., passive, active, insider, close-in, distribution).
  992C	Knowledge of threat environments (e.g., first generation threat actors, threat activities).
  992B	Knowledge of cyber attackers (e.g., script kiddies, insider threat, non-nation state sponsored, and nation sponsored).
  1033	Knowledge of basic system administration, network, and operating system hardening techniques.
  1038A	Knowledge of infrastructure supporting information technology (IT) for safety, performance, and reliability.
  1069	Knowledge of general attack stages (e.g., foot printing and scanning, enumeration, gaining access, escalation or privileges, maintaining access, network exploitation, covering tracks).
  1141A	Knowledge of an organization’s information classification program and procedures for information compromise.
  1142	Knowledge of security models (e.g., Bell-LaPadula model, Biba integrity model, Clark-Wilson integrity model).
  3150	Knowledge of ethical hacking principles and techniques.
  3222	Knowledge of data backup and restoration concepts.
  3513	Knowledge of system administration concepts for Unix/Linux and/or Windows operating systems.
  6210	Knowledge of cloud service models and possible limitations for an incident response.

• skills

  ID	Description
  10A	Skill in conducting application vulnerability assessments.
  3B	Skill in conducting vulnerability scans and recognizing vulnerabilities in information systems and networks.
  27B	Skill in assessing the application of cryptographic standards.
  160	Skill in assessing the robustness of security systems and designs.
  181A	Skill in detecting host and network based intrusions via intrusion detection technologies.
  210	Skill in mimicking threat behaviors.
  225A	Skill in the use of penetration testing tools and techniques, including specialized tools for non-traditional systems and networks (e.g., control systems).
  226	Skill in the use of social engineering techniques.
  897A	Skill in performing impact/risk assessments.
  922B	Skill in using network analysis tools, including specialized tools for non-traditional systems and networks (e.g., control systems), to identify vulnerabilities.​
  6660	Skill in reviewing logs to identify evidence of past intrusions.

• abilities

  ID	Description
  4	Ability to identify systemic security issues based on the analysis of vulnerability and configuration data.
  102A	Ability to apply programming language structures (e.g., source code review) and logic.
  6918	Ability to apply cybersecurity strategy to cloud computing service and deployment models, identifying proper architecture for different operating environments.

• tasks

  ID	Description
  692	Maintain knowledge of applicable cyber defense policies, regulations, and compliance documents specifically related to cyber defense auditing.
  784	Prepare audit reports that identify technical and procedural findings, and provide recommended remediation strategies/solutions.
  411A	Analyze organization’s cybersecurity policies and configurations and evaluate compliance with regulations and organizational directives.
  448	Conduct and/or support authorized penetration testing on enterprise network assets.
  685A	Maintain deployable cybersecurity audit toolkit (e.g., specialized cyber defense software and hardware) to support cybersecurity audit missions.
  939	Conduct required reviews as appropriate within environment (e.g., Technical Surveillance, Countermeasure Reviews [TSCM], TEMPEST countermeasure reviews).
  940B	Perform technical (evaluation of technology) and non-technical (evaluation of people and operations) risk and vulnerability assessments of relevant technology focus areas (e.g., local computing environment, network and infrastructure, control system and operational environments, enclave boundary, supporting infrastructure, and applications).
  941A	Make recommendations regarding the selection of cost-effective security controls to mitigate risk (e.g., protection of information, systems and processes).