> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.pentest-book.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.pentest-book.com/others/master-assessment-mindmap.md).

# Master assessment mindmaps

## Web Application Pentesting Mindmap

Key areas to assess during web application security testing:

### Reconnaissance

* Subdomain enumeration
* Technology fingerprinting
* Hidden content discovery
* API endpoint mapping

### Authentication Testing

* Brute force protection
* Password policies
* Session management
* Multi-factor authentication bypass
* Account lockout mechanisms

### Authorization Testing

* Horizontal privilege escalation (IDOR)
* Vertical privilege escalation
* Function-level access control
* Insecure direct object references

### Input Validation

* SQL Injection (all types)
* XSS (Reflected, Stored, DOM)
* Command Injection
* SSRF / CSRF
* XXE Injection
* Template Injection (SSTI)

### Business Logic

* Workflow bypass
* Price manipulation
* Quantity tampering
* Feature abuse

### Infrastructure

* Server misconfigurations
* Default credentials
* Exposed admin panels
* Information disclosure

![](/files/-MG33dIgvN3YUZUMnKCs)

## Bug Bounty Methodology

![](https://blog.it-securityguard.com/pbbt.png)

## Comprehensive Pentest Methodology

### Phase 1: Information Gathering

1. Passive reconnaissance (OSINT)
2. Active scanning and enumeration
3. Vulnerability identification

### Phase 2: Exploitation

1. Vulnerability validation
2. Exploit development/selection
3. Initial access

### Phase 3: Post-Exploitation

1. Privilege escalation
2. Persistence
3. Lateral movement
4. Data exfiltration

### Phase 4: Reporting

1. Finding documentation
2. Risk assessment
3. Remediation recommendations

![](/files/-MB8iKf1-S8141P3waGS)

## Additional Resources

* [OWASP Testing Guide](https://owasp.org/www-project-web-security-testing-guide/)
* [PortSwigger Web Security Academy](https://portswigger.net/web-security)
* [HackTricks](https://book.hacktricks.xyz/)
* [PayloadsAllTheThings](https://github.com/swisskyrepo/PayloadsAllTheThings)


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