Pentest methodologies create a clear structure for how a pentest should be performed. They define every phase from planning to reporting so the process is complete, consistent, and repeatable. The two main methodologies used in network pentesting are PTES and OSSTMM. PTES is phase-based and practical. OSSTMM is metric-based and focused on measurable results.

PTES

PTES contains seven main phases. Each phase builds on the previous one and ensures nothing important is skipped.

1. Pre-Engagement Interactions

This phase defines the entire project. It includes written authorization, scope, IP ranges, testing windows, allowed techniques, reporting expectations, and communication channels. It ensures testing is legal, safe, and controlled.

2. Intelligence Gathering

This phase collects information about the target without exploiting anything. Passive intelligence includes OSINT, public records, DNS data, leaked credentials, and network metadata. Active intelligence includes scanning hosts, mapping open ports, fingerprinting services, identifying versions, and detecting live systems. The goal is to map the attack surface.

3. Threat Modeling

This phase organizes the intelligence into attack paths. It identifies high-value assets, weak components, likely attacker goals, and realistic exploitation routes. Threat modeling helps prioritize where the pentester should focus effort.

4. Vulnerability Analysis

This phase finds weaknesses in systems and services. It uses automated scanners, manual testing, configuration analysis, and version comparison. The objective is to identify all potential flaws in the environment that could be exploited.

5. Exploitation

This phase confirms which vulnerabilities are actually exploitable. Instead of assuming a flaw is dangerous, the pentester performs controlled exploitation. Successful exploitation may provide access, code execution, authentication bypass, or data exposure.

6. Post-Exploitation

This phase focuses on understanding the impact of a successful compromise. It includes privilege escalation, credential harvesting, pivoting, lateral movement, persistence, and sensitive data access. The goal is to show how far an attacker could go after gaining an initial foothold.

7. Reporting

Reporting documents every finding. It includes technical details, steps to reproduce, impact explanations, screenshots, proof of exploitation, risk ratings, and clear remediation steps. The report must help the organization fix the issues effectively.

OSSTMM

OSSTMM is a comprehensive methodology focused on measurable, repeatable results. It covers multiple security areas such as networks, wireless, telecommunications, physical security, and human interaction.

OSSTMM defines strict rules of engagement to ensure safe and predictable testing. It avoids guesswork by requiring objective data for every result. It uses trust and operational control measurements to determine how exposed each system is.

Testing is structured around visibility, access, and trust. These factors show how much an attacker can see, reach, and rely on the target environment. OSSTMM converts findings into measurable values using the RAV (Risk Assessment Value) model. This produces quantifiable security scores useful for audits and compliance.

OSSTMM emphasizes accuracy, verification, and measurable security rather than assumptions. It is suited for environments that require standardized, data-driven assessments.

PTES vs OSSTMM

PTES is easier to follow and provides a clear workflow from start to finish. OSSTMM provides deeper measurement and objective scoring. Many pentesters use PTES to guide the process and OSSTMM to provide measurable results, achieving strong coverage and accurate reporting.

Intel Dump

• Methodologies create structured, consistent pentesting

• PTES includes seven phases: pre-engagement, intelligence gathering, threat modeling, vulnerability analysis, exploitation, post-exploitation, reporting

• PTES is practical and phase-based

• OSSTMM is metric-driven and focuses on objective, measurable security

• OSSTMM uses visibility, access, trust, and RAV scoring

• PTES defines workflow, OSSTMM defines measurement

• Combining both provides comprehensive and accurate pentesting results