Enhancing Penetration Testing with CVE Checker Script — ThreatTracer

Anmol K Sachan
3 min readAug 10, 2023
ThreatTracer — A Script to identify CVE by name & version by @FR13ND0x7F

Penetration testing, often known as ethical hacking, plays a pivotal role in identifying security vulnerabilities within systems, networks, and applications. Pen testers tirelessly explore these vulnerabilities to ensure that potential security risks are identified and mitigated. In their daily tasks, pen testers deal with numerous tools and processes to ensure the safety of digital environments. One tool that can significantly assist pen testers in their day-to-day work is the CVE Checker Script.

Understanding the CVE Checker Script/ ThreatTracer.py
The CVE Checker Script is a Python-based utility designed to fetch information about Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) associated with a specific software component and version. The script interacts with the National Vulnerability Database (NVD) API to provide detailed information about vulnerabilities tied to the component. This information includes CVE IDs, descriptions, and other relevant details.

Utilizing the CVE Checker/ThreatTracer.py for Pen Testers
Pen testers operate in an environment where time is often of the essence, and the accuracy of information is critical. Here’s how the CVE Checker Script can be a valuable addition to a pen tester’s toolkit:

1. Efficiency in Vulnerability Assessment:
Pen testers frequently encounter a wide array of software components during assessments. Manually searching for associated vulnerabilities is time-consuming and error-prone. The CVE Checker Script automates this process, allowing pen testers to quickly retrieve CVE information for a given component and version.

2. Streamlined Reporting:
In the process of creating comprehensive penetration testing reports, pen testers must provide details about identified vulnerabilities and their potential impact. The CVE Checker Script can be used to extract accurate CVE information, ensuring that reports are thorough and reliable.

3. Tailored Exploitation Strategies:
Armed with CVE details, pen testers can tailor their exploitation strategies based on the specific vulnerabilities present in the target system. This knowledge enables them to simulate real-world attack scenarios and assess the system’s resilience.

4. Rapid Patch Management Assessment:
Identifying vulnerabilities is only the first step. Pen testers must also assess the potential risk associated with each vulnerability and recommend appropriate mitigation strategies. The CVE Checker Script assists pen testers in swiftly evaluating the criticality of vulnerabilities and prioritizing patch management efforts.

5. Enhanced Collaboration:
Pen testers often collaborate with development and IT teams to address identified vulnerabilities. The CVE Checker Script serves as a bridge of understanding by providing precise information that can help these teams prioritize and address vulnerabilities effectively.

Sample Run:

Github:
https://github.com/anmolksachan/ThreatTracer/

Conclusion:
The CVE Checker Script exemplifies the power of automation in penetration testing. By expediting vulnerability assessment, enabling accurate reporting, and enhancing collaboration, this script empowers pen testers to perform their tasks more efficiently and effectively. In the dynamic landscape of cybersecurity, tools like the CVE Checker Script play a crucial role in bolstering security defenses and ensuring the robustness of digital environments.

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Anmol K Sachan

Builder, Developer, Problem solver, Ethical Hacker and Penetration tester. I’m Consistent Security Researcher with the desire to make a difference.