Essential Penetration Testing Tools for Ethical Hackers in 2025: A Comprehensive Overview

Cybersecurity threats are no longer hypothetical or isolated incidents. With global cybercrime expected to exceed $10 trillion in damages by the year 2025, organizations cannot afford to overlook the importance of robust defenses. A breach today can cost companies millions, not just in immediate loss, but in long-term reputational damage, legal fines, and exposure of sensitive data. This reality has led to a surge in demand for cybersecurity professionals and penetration testing (pen testing) tools that help identify vulnerabilities before malicious attackers exploit them.

What is Pen Testing?

Penetration testing is a security practice in which trained ethical hackers simulate real-world cyberattacks on systems, networks, and applications. The purpose is to identify exploitable weaknesses before actual hackers find them. The methodology behind pen testing includes information gathering, scanning, vulnerability assessment, exploitation, post-exploitation, and reporting.

These tests can be conducted manually or through specialized tools designed for reconnaissance, exploitation, and reporting. By mimicking a real attack scenario, penetration testers can offer a comprehensive view of the security gaps that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Whether you are an aspiring ethical hacker, a security analyst, or a DevSecOps professional, mastering the right pen testing tools is essential. In this series, we explore standout tools that dominate the ethical hacking space in 2025. Below, we dive into some of the most commonly used tools in pen testing.

Core Tools for Penetration Testing in 2025

Security Scanner

Security scanners play a pivotal role in identifying vulnerabilities within web applications. These tools offer both automated and customizable scanning capabilities to detect issues like cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection, and configuration flaws. One of the key features of security scanners is their ability to simplify the process for security teams with minimal coding experience, while also allowing advanced penetration testers to dive deeper with custom scripts. This blend of ease-of-use and customization makes these tools invaluable for teams engaged in ongoing security assessments.

Security scanners typically come with a browser-based dashboard that offers detailed reports, risk scores, and mitigation strategies. They support scanning both public-facing and internal web applications, which makes them suitable for a range of testing environments. The automation capabilities allow for continuous testing, particularly in DevSecOps workflows. These tools are also commonly used by professionals preparing for practical security certifications, offering hands-on experience with identifying web vulnerabilities in real-world scenarios.

Password Cracking Tools

One of the most critical tasks for ethical hackers is testing password strength. Many security breaches result from weak or easily guessed passwords. Password cracking tools are designed to identify which accounts could be vulnerable due to poor password hygiene. These tools can operate in various modes, such as dictionary-based attacks, brute-force attempts, or intelligent guessing based on user data like birthdays or usernames.

Password cracking tools are versatile and support multiple hash formats, making them useful in multi-platform environments. They are widely used in red team exercises and are a staple in security certifications focused on penetration testing. These tools help penetration testers identify weaknesses in password policies and educate organizations about the importance of enforcing stronger, more secure password practices.

Protocol Analyzer

A protocol analyzer is one of the most powerful tools in a penetration tester’s toolkit, especially when performing network-based assessments. This tool allows ethical hackers to inspect traffic in real-time across any network interface, providing insights into potential security issues like unencrypted data, misconfigured protocols, and signs of malicious activity. These tools can track everything from DNS queries and HTTP headers to more complex data like VoIP streams and TLS handshakes.

One of the primary use cases for protocol analyzers is identifying unsecured communication on public networks. If, for instance, someone on an unsecured Wi-Fi network is transmitting sensitive data, a protocol analyzer can detect the lack of encryption and highlight potential threats. These tools are also helpful when analyzing traffic to identify hidden communications or to track attacks that may be using encrypted traffic to avoid detection.

Because of their wide range of capabilities, protocol analyzers are a popular choice for hands-on training in certification labs, where security professionals practice capturing and analyzing network packets. These tools allow users to dive deep into the data flow of networked systems, making them a must-have for anyone working in network security.

Penetration Testing Operating System

An operating system specifically designed for penetration testing provides a comprehensive suite of tools needed to perform a full security assessment. These operating systems come pre-installed with hundreds of tools that cover a broad range of testing phases, from reconnaissance and scanning to exploitation and reporting. These operating systems are typically built on Linux distributions, known for their flexibility and security.

One of the major advantages of these specialized operating systems is the sheer variety of tools included, which can be used for everything from port scanning and password cracking to exploiting vulnerabilities in software. They often support both manual testing and automation, enabling testers to perform everything from simple network scans to more complex attacks like privilege escalation and post-exploitation activities.

These operating systems are also customizable, allowing penetration testers to tailor their environment to their specific needs. They are widely used in penetration testing certification exams, where professionals practice using these tools in realistic scenarios. They also provide a robust and secure platform for running other pen testing tools, making them essential for any serious penetration tester.

Web Application Testing Platform

A trusted tool in web application penetration testing, web application testing platforms help ethical hackers detect and exploit vulnerabilities in web applications. These tools typically provide a suite of modules for various types of testing, such as proxy interception of HTTP/S traffic, automated crawling of URLs, and testing of input validation weaknesses. The ability to manually manipulate web requests and test for specific vulnerabilities like SQL injection or cross-site scripting (XSS) gives penetration testers complete control over the attack surface of a web application.

One of the key features of web application testing platforms is their extensibility, as they allow users to add custom extensions written in different programming languages. This ability to customize the tool allows penetration testers to adapt it to specific testing requirements or integrate it with other tools in their workflow. For teams focused on web application security, this platform is a vital part of their testing infrastructure.

Ethical hackers also use these platforms to simulate real-world attacks and evaluate the effectiveness of their security controls. They are commonly used in bug bounty programs, where testers look for vulnerabilities in exchange for rewards. For security professionals preparing for certification exams that focus on web application security, these platforms are essential for mastering the techniques needed to identify and exploit vulnerabilities.

Advanced Tools for Social Engineering, Windows Vulnerabilities, and Binary Analysis

In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, penetration testers must have a comprehensive toolkit that goes beyond basic vulnerabilities. Advanced tools are essential for simulating more complex and sophisticated attacks that target human behavior, exploit flaws in Windows-specific environments, or reverse-engineer binaries. This part of the series will dive into these advanced penetration testing tools, helping cybersecurity professionals simulate realistic attack scenarios in 2025.

Targeting Human Vulnerabilities with Social Engineering Tools

1. Social Engineering Toolkit (SET)

Hacking is not just about finding technical vulnerabilities; it’s also about exploiting human behavior. Social engineering attacks are among the most effective ways for attackers to breach systems. The Social Engineering Toolkit (SET) is an open-source framework designed to simulate human-targeted attacks. By replicating common social engineering tactics such as phishing, credential harvesting, and phone-based spoofing, SET helps penetration testers understand and evaluate the effectiveness of an organization’s security policies and employee awareness.

SET offers several modules for conducting social engineering campaigns. These include:

• Email phishing: SET can generate emails with malicious payloads or fake login screens that mimic legitimate communications. 
• Java applet attacks: It allows attackers to use applets to exploit client-side vulnerabilities. 
• Credential harvesting: It enables attackers to create fake login portals that capture user credentials. 
• Phone-based spoofing: This tool can be used to simulate phone calls that mimic trusted entities, attempting to manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive information. 
• QR code manipulation: It can create QR codes that lead to malicious websites, tricking users into disclosing personal data. 

One of the most notable features of SET is its ability to clone legitimate websites, allowing penetration testers to create a near-perfect replica of a website for phishing attacks. These attacks simulate real-world breaches, highlighting the need for strong user awareness and countermeasures against social engineering. For security teams, SET provides invaluable insights into how human error contributes to security breaches and how to design better user training and policies.

Social engineering attacks are often the first step in a broader attack chain. With tools like SET, ethical hackers can help organizations identify areas where their employees may be vulnerable to manipulation and recommend appropriate safeguards. It is particularly useful in Red Team exercises, where the goal is to mimic real-world attackers as closely as possible to test the organization’s response to sophisticated threats.

Exploiting Windows Environments with PowerShell Suite

2. PowerShell Suite

Windows systems are pervasive in the corporate world, making them an essential target for penetration testers. One of the most powerful tools for exploiting and auditing Windows environments is the PowerShell Suite. This collection of pre-built scripts for Windows PowerShell allows penetration testers to conduct advanced attacks such as network reconnaissance, privilege escalation, and credential extraction across Windows-based systems.

PowerShell Suite is ideal for performing the following tasks:

• Network reconnaissance: PowerShell scripts can query Active Directory, discover network shares, and gather information on the organization’s structure. 
• Credential extraction: Tools within the suite can extract passwords and other credentials stored in memory (such as from the LSASS process) or access encrypted password files. 
• Enumerating user access: Penetration testers can use PowerShell to identify user permissions and access to shares, which is critical for lateral movement within a network. 
• Detecting lateral movement: PowerShell can also be used to detect if there are opportunities for an attacker to move laterally from one system to another, enabling privilege escalation and deeper access. 
• Deploying custom payloads: The suite includes scripts to deploy custom payloads in memory, allowing attackers to bypass traditional security defenses like antivirus software. 

The power of PowerShell lies in its ability to blend in with regular administrative activity. When executed properly, PowerShell-based attacks are difficult to detect because they often appear as normal system management processes. PowerShell Suite is a vital tool for penetration testers who need to simulate attacks in Windows environments or evaluate the effectiveness of endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools.

In addition to its offensive capabilities, PowerShell Suite is also useful in post-exploitation scenarios. Once an attacker gains initial access to a network, they can use PowerShell to maintain persistence, escalate privileges, or pivot to other systems. Given the stealthy nature of PowerShell scripts, security professionals must be familiar with these tools and how they can be leveraged in a penetration test.

Reverse Engineering with IDA (Interactive Disassembler)

3. IDA (Interactive Disassembler)

Reverse engineering is an advanced skill that plays a critical role in penetration testing, especially when dealing with binary files and compiled code. One of the most widely used tools for reverse engineering is IDA (Interactive Disassembler). IDA is a disassembler and debugger used by security researchers and penetration testers to analyze software binaries, firmware, and malware samples.

IDA offers a range of features that make it indispensable for advanced penetration testing:

• Disassembly of compiled code: IDA allows penetration testers to take compiled executable files and reverse engineer them back into human-readable assembly code, providing insights into how the software functions. 
• Debugging: It provides powerful debugging capabilities for analyzing software behavior at runtime, allowing penetration testers to track how a program interacts with the system. 
• Malware analysis: IDA is commonly used to analyze malicious software by dissecting the payloads and understanding the exploitation methods used. 
• Exploring custom file formats: Penetration testers use IDA to investigate proprietary file formats and uncover hidden backdoors or vulnerabilities in software. 
• Cross-platform support: IDA supports multiple architectures, including x86, ARM, MIPS, and PowerPC, making it useful for analyzing a wide range of systems and applications. 

The primary strength of IDA lies in its ability to deconstruct binary code, making it easier to uncover vulnerabilities in proprietary or third-party software that may otherwise go unnoticed. This is especially important when dealing with legacy systems, embedded devices, or custom applications where source code is unavailable.

For example, penetration testers might use IDA to reverse engineer a piece of malware, revealing its structure, payload, and behavior. Once the software’s functionality is understood, they can devise a strategy for exploiting weaknesses or creating a defense against it. In addition to malware analysis, IDA is also used to find vulnerabilities in compiled applications, such as hardcoded passwords, unprotected API keys, or insecure network communications.

While IDA is a powerful tool, it is not for beginners. It has a steep learning curve, requiring significant expertise in reverse engineering and assembly language. However, its value in advanced penetration testing cannot be overstated. For cybersecurity professionals involved in vulnerability research, incident response, or digital forensics, mastering IDA is a critical skill.

Data-Centric and Web-Focused Pen Testing Tools

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cybersecurity, web applications, databases, and network infrastructure are some of the most targeted assets. Malicious actors often look for vulnerabilities in how data is stored, transmitted, and accessed, making it crucial for ethical hackers to be proficient in tools that focus specifically on testing these areas. In this section, we explore the most essential tools for assessing database vulnerabilities, evaluating web applications, and scanning network ports for potential exploits. These tools are especially relevant in today’s environment, where cloud applications and massive datasets are common targets for cybercriminals.

Testing Database Vulnerabilities with SQLmap

Sqlmap

SQL injection remains one of the most critical vulnerabilities in web applications. SQLmap is an open-source penetration testing tool that automates the process of detecting and exploiting SQL injection flaws in web applications. SQL injection occurs when an attacker is able to manipulate a web application’s SQL queries, potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in a database. SQLmap simplifies the process of identifying and exploiting such vulnerabilities, making it an essential tool in any ethical hacker’s toolkit.

SQLmap works by automatically testing various HTTP requests, injecting crafted SQL payloads, and analyzing the responses to determine whether the application is vulnerable to SQL injection. If a vulnerability is found, SQLmap can perform a variety of actions, including:

• Extracting database contents: SQLmap can retrieve data stored in the database, including usernames, passwords, and other sensitive information. 
• Modifying records: It allows attackers to modify records in the database, potentially changing critical data. 
• Accessing the file system: In some cases, SQLmap can exploit SQL injection flaws to gain access to the file system, allowing for further exploitation. 

SQLmap supports a wide range of database management systems, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and SQLite. It is highly effective in identifying poorly coded inputs that expose query logic and is commonly used during the initial phases of a penetration test. In addition to its core capabilities, SQLmap also offers advanced features like brute-force capabilities and automated detection of advanced SQL injection techniques.

SQLmap is particularly useful in environments where data integrity and confidentiality are paramount. It helps penetration testers identify SQL injection vulnerabilities and provides organizations with the insights needed to harden their database access controls and prevent unauthorized data access.

Assessing WordPress Vulnerabilities with WPScan

WPScan

With WordPress powering over 40% of websites on the internet, it is no surprise that vulnerabilities in WordPress-based sites are a prime target for attackers. WPScan is a specialized command-line tool designed to identify security flaws in WordPress installations, including outdated plugins, themes, and misconfigured settings. WordPress websites are popular because they are easy to use and customizable, but this also makes them prone to exploitation if not properly maintained.

WPScan offers a wide range of features that make it an essential tool for penetration testers assessing WordPress sites:

• Plugin and theme vulnerabilities: WPScan maintains a vulnerability database that includes known weaknesses in WordPress plugins and themes. It scans installed plugins for outdated versions, identifying potential vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. 
• Brute-force attack detection: WPScan can identify weak authentication mechanisms by performing brute-force attacks against the login page. This is useful for testing password policies and ensuring that admin login credentials are sufficiently secure. 
• Exposed directories and files: WPScan can search for publicly accessible files or backup files that might contain sensitive information, such as database dumps or configuration files. 
• Admin panel detection: The tool can identify exposed admin panels or login interfaces that could be vulnerable to attacks if left unprotected. 

WordPress websites often serve as entry points for larger attacks, especially when they are not updated regularly or are misconfigured. By identifying security flaws early, WPScan helps ethical hackers secure WordPress-based websites and ensure that they are protected from common exploits. This tool is especially useful for security audits in small to medium-sized businesses, where WordPress is often the platform of choice for managing web content.

Scanning Network Ports and Services with NMAP

NMAP (Network Mapper)

One of the most widely used tools in penetration testing and network security, NMAP (Network Mapper) is designed for network discovery and port scanning. NMAP’s primary strength lies in its ability to scan a network, identify live hosts, and determine which ports are open and which services are running on them. These capabilities allow penetration testers to map out attack surfaces and gain valuable insights into a target network.

NMAP offers several key features that make it indispensable for ethical hackers:

• Network discovery: NMAP can scan entire networks to discover all connected devices, providing a comprehensive map of the target network. It can identify servers, workstations, routers, and other devices, making it easy to assess the overall security posture of the network. 
• Port scanning: NMAP can scan for open ports, helping penetration testers identify which services are exposed to the internet. This is particularly useful for identifying potential vulnerabilities in services like HTTP, FTP, SSH, and others. 
• Service detection: NMAP goes beyond port scanning by also identifying the specific services running on open ports. This helps testers determine if outdated or vulnerable versions of software are in use, making it possible to target known exploits. 
• OS fingerprinting: NMAP can detect the operating systems of the devices on the network. This is useful for identifying vulnerabilities specific to certain OS versions and crafting exploits tailored to the target. 
• Scripting engine: NMAP includes the Nmap Scripting Engine (NSE), which allows penetration testers to write and execute custom scripts to detect more complex vulnerabilities. This feature enhances NMAP’s functionality and allows for advanced scanning, such as detecting vulnerabilities related to SSL/TLS configurations or DNS misconfigurations. 

NMAP is widely regarded as one of the most powerful reconnaissance tools available to penetration testers. It is often the first step in any penetration test, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the target network. The data obtained from NMAP scans helps ethical hackers decide which services to focus on for further exploitation.

Additionally, NMAP is frequently used in capture-the-flag (CTF) competitions and red team exercises, where network mapping and reconnaissance are crucial for uncovering weaknesses before launching an attack. Given its versatility and power, NMAP remains an essential tool for cybersecurity professionals looking to conduct thorough network assessments.

Workflow Integration: SQLmap, WPScan, and NMAP in Action

While each of these tools is effective on its own, they are even more powerful when integrated into a coordinated testing workflow. By combining the capabilities of SQLmap, WPScan, and NMAP, penetration testers can simulate realistic attack chains and identify vulnerabilities that may be missed when using a single tool. Here’s how these tools work together in a typical pen testing scenario:

Reconnaissance Phase with NMAP

The first step in any penetration test is reconnaissance. NMAP is used to scan the target network, identify live hosts, and map open ports. The results of this scan provide crucial information about which services are exposed and which operating systems are in use. This allows the tester to prioritize targets and determine the best approach for further exploitation.

 Identifying Web Vulnerabilities with WPScan

Once a web server is identified, WPScan can be used to check for common vulnerabilities in WordPress-based sites. The tool scans for outdated plugins, misconfigurations, and weak authentication mechanisms. If vulnerabilities are found, they can be exploited in the next phase of the attack.

Exploiting Database Vulnerabilities with SQLmap

SQLmap can be deployed to target any web application that appears to be vulnerable to SQL injection. If the initial reconnaissance reveals a vulnerable input field, SQLmap automates the process of exploiting the vulnerability to extract sensitive data from the backend database. In some cases, it may also be used to escalate privileges or gain full access to the system.

Strategic Integration and Advanced Reconnaissance Tools

As cybersecurity threats become more complex and diverse in 2025, penetration testers must evolve their approach to include not just individual tools but comprehensive, strategic workflows. These workflows should reflect real-world attack paths and enable ethical hackers to simulate sophisticated attacks that involve multiple stages, from reconnaissance to exploitation and post-exploitation. In this final part of the series, we introduce additional advanced tools such as SkipFish for automated reconnaissance and discuss how penetration testers can integrate various tools into a cohesive testing methodology.

The Role of Automated Reconnaissance: SkipFish

SkipFish

SkipFish is a highly efficient, automated web application security reconnaissance tool developed to rapidly scan and analyze websites for potential vulnerabilities. Unlike other tools that focus on exploitation or payload delivery, SkipFish is designed to perform comprehensive reconnaissance, testing for a wide range of common web application vulnerabilities.

SkipFish operates by crawling a target website, mapping the application’s attack surface, and testing for flaws using a combination of heuristics and wordlists. It generates an interactive report that categorizes vulnerabilities by severity, which helps ethical hackers quickly identify high-risk issues that should be prioritized. SkipFish is particularly valuable in the early stages of a penetration test because of its speed and thoroughness, making it ideal for discovering hidden parameters or exposed endpoints that could be vulnerable to attack.

Key features of SkipFish include:

• Fast crawling and mapping: SkipFish can rapidly crawl websites, identifying hidden parameters, form fields, and attack surfaces that may otherwise go unnoticed. 
• Automated vulnerability testing: It automatically tests for vulnerabilities such as input validation issues, cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection, and misconfigured authentication mechanisms. 
• Interactive reporting: The tool generates a structured, interactive report that categorizes vulnerabilities by severity and provides actionable recommendations for remediation. 
• Low false-positive rate: SkipFish has a reputation for providing reliable results, making it an excellent choice for penetration testers who need quick and accurate reconnaissance. 

Given its low false-positive rate and ease of use, SkipFish is ideal for ethical hackers who need to conduct rapid web application assessments. It can be integrated into a larger workflow alongside more targeted tools like Burp Suite or Sqlmap, allowing testers to validate findings and perform deeper exploitation once high-risk areas are identified.

Building a Strategic Penetration Testing Workflow

To fully understand how to maximize the effectiveness of penetration testing tools, it’s essential to integrate them into a strategic, multi-layered workflow. Ethical hackers should approach penetration testing in phases, moving from reconnaissance and vulnerability discovery to exploitation and post-exploitation. This structured approach not only mimics real-world attack scenarios but also ensures comprehensive coverage of all potential vulnerabilities.

Reconnaissance Phase

In the reconnaissance phase, penetration testers focus on gathering as much information as possible about the target. This initial phase is critical because it sets the foundation for the rest of the penetration test.

• NMAP: NMAP is typically the first tool used during reconnaissance. It performs a network scan to identify live hosts, open ports, and the services running on those ports. This helps ethical hackers map out the target network and prioritize the most vulnerable systems. 
• SkipFish: Once a web server or application is identified, SkipFish can be deployed to perform an automated scan. SkipFish identifies hidden URLs, form fields, and other potential entry points that may be vulnerable to exploitation. 

Together, NMAP and SkipFish provide a comprehensive view of the target’s infrastructure, uncovering both surface-level and internal assets that could be targeted in subsequent phases.

 Vulnerability Discovery Phase

In the vulnerability discovery phase, ethical hackers use a combination of tools to identify and assess weaknesses in the target systems.

• WPScan: If a WordPress-based website is identified during the reconnaissance phase, WPScan is used to scan for vulnerabilities in the WordPress core, themes, and plugins. This includes identifying outdated versions, weak credentials, and potential configuration issues. 
• SQLmap: SQLmap is used to automate SQL injection attacks against web applications identified as vulnerable to this common flaw. SQLmap tests for SQL injection vulnerabilities, extracts data from databases, and may even allow the penetration tester to modify records or escalate privileges. 
• Burp Suite: While automated tools like SkipFish and Sqlmap provide fast vulnerability discovery, Burp Suite is used for manual testing. Burp Suite allows penetration testers to intercept, modify, and test HTTP/S requests for input validation weaknesses such as SQL injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), and more complex logic flaws. 

By combining automated tools for rapid scanning with manual testing, ethical hackers ensure they do not miss any vulnerabilities that may require a more tailored approach.

Exploitation Phase

Once vulnerabilities have been discovered, the next step is exploitation. This phase involves attempting to leverage identified weaknesses to gain access to the target system.

• PowerShell Suite: In Windows environments, PowerShell Suite can be used to exploit discovered vulnerabilities and escalate privileges. With its ability to blend in with normal system operations, PowerShell is a powerful tool for lateral movement within Windows-based networks. 
• John the Ripper: When password hashes are discovered during the vulnerability discovery phase, John the Ripper can be used to crack them, enabling penetration testers to gain unauthorized access to systems with weak or easily guessable passwords. 
• Social Engineering Toolkit (SET): In addition to technical exploitation, social engineering attacks are often used to gain access to systems. The Social Engineering Toolkit can simulate phishing, credential harvesting, and other social engineering tactics, which can be used to bypass technical defenses by exploiting human vulnerabilities. 

These tools work in concert to allow ethical hackers to exploit discovered weaknesses and gain access to target systems. Whether it’s a network environment, web application, or human vulnerability, the exploitation phase helps penetration testers assess how easily attackers can bypass defenses.

Post-Exploitation and Analysis Phase

In the final phase of the penetration test, ethical hackers analyze the system’s defenses and simulate how attackers might persist within the environment after initial exploitation.

• IDA (Interactive Disassembler): If custom applications or binaries are discovered during exploitation, IDA can be used to reverse-engineer them and uncover hidden backdoors, vulnerabilities, or hardcoded credentials that may allow attackers to maintain persistence. 
• Invicti Security Scanner: After exploitation, Invicti can be used to validate vulnerabilities in web applications and ensure that any weaknesses identified during testing have been appropriately mitigated. It can also be used to perform follow-up scans to verify that security patches and fixes have been applied. 

Post-exploitation tools like IDA and Invicti help penetration testers gather further insights into how an attacker might persist in a compromised environment. This final analysis also enables security teams to harden their defenses against future attacks.

Real-World Pen Testing Scenario

To illustrate the effectiveness of a strategic penetration testing workflow, let’s walk through a hypothetical scenario where a penetration tester is tasked with assessing the security of a healthcare organization’s web portal and internal infrastructure:

Reconnaissance: The tester uses NMAP to scan the network, identifying an exposed web server. SkipFish is then deployed to crawl the web application and uncover hidden parameters or vulnerable entry points.

Vulnerability Discovery: WPScan is used to scan the identified WordPress-based website, revealing outdated plugins. SQLmap is deployed to identify SQL injection vulnerabilities in the login page, allowing the tester to extract user credentials.

Exploitation: Using the harvested credentials, the tester gains access to the internal network. PowerShell Suite is used to map network shares, while John the Ripper is employed to crack weak passwords. SET is used to simulate a phishing attack, and an employee inadvertently discloses additional credentials.

Post-Exploitation: IDA is used to reverse-engineer a proprietary application discovered during exploitation, revealing a hardcoded backdoor. Invicti is used to validate the web application vulnerabilities and confirm that security patches have been implemented.

This multi-phase approach mirrors how real-world attackers would attempt to infiltrate a network, move laterally, and exploit vulnerabilities to escalate privileges and maintain access.

Conclusion

Penetration testing in 2025 requires a comprehensive approach that incorporates both technical and human vulnerabilities. Tools like SkipFish, NMAP, WPScan, Sqlmap, Burp Suite, and PowerShell Suite are essential for conducting thorough assessments of web applications, network infrastructure, and Windows environments. These tools, when used in a coordinated and strategic workflow, allow ethical hackers to simulate sophisticated attacks and identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.

By mastering these tools and integrating them into a structured penetration testing methodology, cybersecurity professionals can provide valuable insights to organizations, helping them strengthen their defenses and stay one step ahead of evolving cyber threats. Whether you are preparing for certification exams or actively working in the field, developing a strategic workflow that combines these tools will be critical to your success as a penetration tester.