Introduction

Penetration testing (pentesting) is a key part of cybersecurity. It helps professionals find weaknesses in systems, networks, and apps before hackers do. But good pentesting isn’t just about using tools like Metasploit or Burp Suite—it needs a clear strategy. That’s where penetration testing frameworks come in.

These frameworks give you a structured way to plan, run, and report security tests. They make sure your testing is consistent, efficient, and meets industry standards.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top pentesting frameworks, explaining what they do and why they matter. Whether you're just starting out or already an expert, this will help you pick the right framework for the job.

New Frameworks & Trends in Penetration Testing

Cyber threats are always changing, and traditional pentesting frameworks have to keep up. Newer frameworks are stepping in, bringing fresh approaches to penetration testing, red teaming, and security checks.

Here are three trends that are making a big impact on how security pros do pentesting.

1. Cyber Kill Chain – Understanding How Attacks Work

What is Cyber Kill Chain? The Cyber Kill Chain, developed by Lockheed Martin, lays out the steps attackers take to breach a system. Unlike older frameworks that just look for security holes, this one helps teams understand and stop attacks before they cause damage.

Stages of the Cyber Kill Chain:

• Reconnaissance: Hackers gather intel using OSINT, social engineering, and scanning tools.
• Weaponization: They create malware, exploits, or payloads suited to their target.
• Delivery: The attacker delivers the malware via phishing emails, infected websites, USBs, etc.
• Exploitation: The exploit takes advantage of system vulnerabilities.
• Installation: Malware or a backdoor is installed for continued access.
• Command & Control (C2): The attacker sets up communication with the compromised system.
• Actions on Objectives: The attacker achieves their goal, such as stealing data or moving deeper into the network.

2. Purple Teaming – Bringing Offense & Defense Together

What is Purple Teaming? Traditionally, penetration testing has two sides—Red Teams (attackers) and Blue Teams (defenders). Purple Teaming mixes the two, so both sides work together in real time to test security and fix weaknesses faster.

Key Ideas Behind Purple Teaming:

• Live Testing & Response: Red Teams attack, while Blue Teams monitor and defend—all at the same time.
• Shared Knowledge: Red Teams teach Blue Teams about attack tactics, while Blue Teams show Red Teams how defenses work.
• Better Security Tools: Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and endpoint protection get real-world tests and improvements.
• Threat-Focused Security: Teams align their strategies with real attack patterns like those in the MITRE ATT&CK framework.

Top Penetration Testing Frameworks

SANS CWE TOP 25

• Purpose: Focuses on the 25 worst software security flaws that attackers exploit.
• Key Areas: Covers issues like poor input validation, weak authentication, and coding mistakes.
• Best For: Organizations looking to improve software security before vulnerabilities get exploited.

Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES)

• Purpose: A full roadmap for running penetration tests.
• Key Phases: Planning, info gathering, modeling threats, scanning for weaknesses, exploitation, post-exploitation, and reporting.
• Best For: General pentesting needs.

OWASP Web Security Testing Guide (OWASP WSTG)

• Purpose: A framework specifically for testing web apps.
• Key Areas: Includes checking authentication, input validation, business logic, and JavaScript security.
• Best For: Web app pentesting.

NIST SP 800-115

• Purpose: A compliance-focused security testing guide.
• Key Phases: Planning, discovery, attack execution, and reporting.
• Best For: Organizations needing security tests that meet ISO 27001, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS requirements.

OSSTMM

• Purpose: A data-driven way to test security systems.
• Key Components: Covers human security, physical security, network security, wireless security, and compliance.
• Best For: Organizations needing precise, measurable security testing.

MITRE ATT&CK

• Purpose: A real-world attack simulation framework.
• Key Categories: Covers everything from how attackers gain access to how they move through networks.
• Best For: Red teaming and security strategy planning.

TIBER-EU

• Purpose: A security framework built for financial organizations.
• Best For: Banks and financial institutions that need rigorous security testing.

Choosing the Right Framework

Picking the best penetration testing framework depends on what you need:

• PTES – Great for general penetration testing.
• OWASP WSTG – The best choice for web security testing.
• NIST SP 800-115 – Ideal for compliance-based security assessments.
• OSSTMM – Best for organizations that want a data-driven approach.
• MITRE ATT&CK – Perfect for red teaming and threat simulations.
• TIBER-EU – Designed for the financial sector.

Let DeepStrike Secure Your Business Before Hackers Do

At DeepStrike, we don’t just run basic pentests—we simulate real-world attacks, dig deep into security gaps, and help you strengthen your defenses. Whether you need compliance testing, red teaming, or advanced security assessments, we’re here to help.

Got security concerns? Let’s talk. 📩 Reach out at deepstrike.io/contact and see how we can keep your business safe from cyber threats.