Recon methodology is a systematic approach used mainly in penetration testing and security assessments to gather information about a target before launching any attacks. It is an essential first phase that helps map out the attack surface and identify potential vulnerabilities from both external and internal perspectives. Effective recon methodology combines both automated tools and manual analysis to maximize insight into the target.
Overview of reconnaissance methodologies divided by domains such as web, infrastructure, wireless Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth:
Web Reconnaissance Methodology
Web recon focuses on gathering intelligence about websites, web applications, and associated online assets. It includes:
Passive Recon: Collecting information without direct interaction, such as searching public databases, WHOIS records, subdomain enumeration, and social media profiling.
Active Recon: Directly interacting with web servers through port scanning, fingerprinting web technologies, content discovery (hidden directories/files), and HTTP header analysis.
Common tools include Sublist3r, Amass, Burp Suite, Nmap for scanning, and automated content discovery tools like Gobuster.
The goal is to understand the target’s web infrastructure, locate vulnerabilities, and expand attack surfaces with techniques like virtual host enumeration and API endpoint discovery.
Infrastructure Reconnaissance Methodology
Infrastructure recon involves mapping and exploring the target’s broader network environment:
Mapping network addresses, open ports, active services, and system configurations.
Tools like Nmap, Nessus, and Metasploit are used for discovering hosts, services, and vulnerabilities.
Footprinting through search engines, specialized platforms like Shodan, and job sites can reveal infrastructure details including technology stacks and devices connected to the network.
Passive information gathering from public records and archives helps build a comprehensive view of the target’s infrastructure assets.
Wireless Wi-Fi Reconnaissance Methodology
Wireless reconnaissance focuses on scanning and analyzing Wi-Fi networks and devices:
Identifying nearby wireless networks (BSSIDs, SSIDs), signal strengths, and encryption types.
Tools like Aircrack-ng, Kismet, and Wireshark are popular for capturing traffic, analyzing packets, and detecting vulnerabilities or misconfigurations.
Passive listening and active probing are used to map wireless environments, detect hidden networks, and gather network parameters.
Techniques also involve searching for weak encryption, default credentials, or exposed access points.
Bluetooth Reconnaissance Methodology
Bluetooth recon targets discovering and analyzing Bluetooth-enabled devices:
Detect devices, identify their profiles and services, and attempt pairing or sniffing traffic if possible.
Tools such as BlueZ (Linux), Ubertooth, and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) scanners enable enumeration of device addresses, signal strength, and communication protocols.
Methods include passive scanning of device broadcasts and active interactions to probe for vulnerabilities like unauthorized access or data leaks.
This recon is key for assessing the security of IoT devices and mobile peripherals.
Each of these reconnaissance methodologies involves a mix of passive and active techniques adapted to the environment and target type. Employing a variety of tools, careful planning, and creativity is essential to uncover hidden assets, vulnerabilities, or weak spots across web platforms, network infrastructures, wireless networks, and Bluetooth ecosystems.