Penetration Test Requirements
In this article, we will look at what a quality penetration test should look like to get certified and get the highest score on CER.live. Penetration test is part of the cybersecurity assessment methodology, accounting for 25 points out of the total 100-point scoring system.
To obtain a certificate on CER.live, an exchange must prove that its penetration test meets all necessary requirements. A high-quality penetration test for a cryptocurrency exchange should encompass several key elements to ensure thoroughness, accuracy, and effectiveness in identifying vulnerabilities. Here are some defining characteristics of a best-quality penetration test for a crypto exchange:
1. Comprehensive Scope
The test should cover all critical components of the crypto exchange, including the trading platform, wallet systems, user authentication mechanisms, APIs, databases. This ensures that all potential external attack vectors are thoroughly examined.
2. Realistic Testing Scenarios
The penetration test should simulate real-world attack scenarios that a malicious actor might attempt. This includes testing for common vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), insecure direct object references, and more.
3. Production Environment Testing
The penetration test must be conducted in the production environment to accurately assess the security of the live system that users interact with. Testing in production ensures that the security assessment reflects the true state of security defenses under actual operating conditions.
4. External and Cloud Testing
The penetration test should include both external testing (from the perspective of an external attacker) and cloud testing (from the perspective of a compromised insider). This provides a comprehensive view of vulnerabilities from different angles.
5. Web and Mobile Application Testing
If the exchange has a mobile app or web interface, these should be thoroughly tested for security vulnerabilities. Mobile app testing should include assessments for insecure data storage, insufficient encryption, and other mobile-specific risks.
6. API Security Testing
Given that cryptocurrency exchanges heavily rely on APIs for trading and interaction with other services, it’s crucial to test the security of these interfaces. This includes checking for authentication and authorization flaws, data exposure risks, and improper error handling.
7. Reporting and Remediation Guidance
A comprehensive report detailing all vulnerabilities discovered, their severity levels, proof-of-concept examples, and actionable recommendations for remediation is essential. The report should prioritize vulnerabilities based on their potential impact on the exchange. The company must demonstrate that all findings were fixed, or risk accepted.
8. Relevance of the report
Penetration test reports maintain validity for one year from the date of issuance. Exchanges must undergo regular reassessment to maintain their certification status.
9. Third-Party Auditor
Penetration test must be conducted by a reputable third-party security auditor with demonstrated expertise in cryptocurrency exchange security. Internal security team assessments are not accepted for certification purposes. The auditor should have a proven track record in blockchain and exchange security assessments.
