10 Critical Network Pentest Findings IT Teams Overlook

Source: The Hacker News Author: [email protected] (The Hacker News) URL: https://thehackernews.com/2025/03/10-critical-network-pentest-findings-it.html

ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY:

Many organizations still have critical security gaps due to misconfigurations, weak passwords, and unpatched vulnerabilities, making them easy targets for attackers.

MAIN POINTS:

  1. 50% of security gaps stem from misconfigurations, such as default settings and weak access controls.
  2. 30% are caused by missing patches, leaving systems vulnerable to known exploits.
  3. 20% involve weak passwords, allowing unauthorized access to critical services.
  4. Top security risks include mDNS, NBNS, and LLMNR spoofing, which attackers exploit for credential theft.
  5. EternalBlue and BlueKeep vulnerabilities still pose major risks due to unpatched systems.
  6. Outdated Microsoft Windows systems remain a significant security threat due to lack of updates.
  7. IPMI authentication bypass can lead to unauthorized remote access and password hash extraction.
  8. Default credentials on Firebird servers allow attackers to easily gain unauthorized access.
  9. Regular network pentesting is essential, yet many organizations rely on infrequent annual tests.
  10. Automated pentesting solutions like vPenTest help organizations identify and fix vulnerabilities continuously.

TAKEAWAYS:

  1. Misconfigurations and weak security practices are the most common vulnerabilities exploited by attackers.
  2. Regular and automated pentesting is crucial to identifying and mitigating security threats in real time.
  3. Unpatched systems remain a major risk, making timely updates essential for cybersecurity.
  4. Weak passwords and default credentials continue to be a leading cause of security breaches.
  5. Organizations must move beyond compliance-based testing and adopt continuous security assessment strategies.