Mastering AWS Penetration Testing using these Resource Guide

The only resource you would need to master Pentesting AWS Security

In today’s ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, staying ahead of potential threats is paramount. With the widespread adoption of cloud computing, particularly Amazon Web Services (AWS), understanding how to effectively pentest these environments is crucial for safeguarding data and infrastructure.

Whether you’re an aspiring ethical hacker, a seasoned security professional, or an organization looking to fortify its cloud security posture, having access to the right resources is key. I am happy to present a curated list of courses, articles, books, and hands-on labs specifically tailored to mastering AWS Penetration Testing (Pentesting).

Below are the good resources to learn and practice AWS Penetration Testing

I will not write a long and boring description for each of the below AWS Pentest resources, rather I will just write a one-liner description with a link. I am sharing these resources because they helped me to excel in AWS Security indeed.

Courses:

1. Python: Pen testing AWS — Dive into the world of AWS pentesting with this comprehensive course that harnesses the power of Python for security testing.
2. SEC588: Cloud Penetration Testing (SANS: GCPN)- Offered by SANS, this course equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct thorough penetration tests in cloud environments, including AWS.
3. SEC488: Cloud Security Essentials (SANS: GCLD) — Also from SANS, this course provides foundational insights into cloud security, essential for understanding the nuances of pentesting AWS.

Blog/Articles:

1. Astra’s Guide to AWS Penetration Testing — Gain valuable insights and practical tips from Astra’s comprehensive guide on AWS penetration testing.
2. Nerd for Tech’s Guide to AWS Penetration Testing — Explore this informative article covering various aspects of AWS pentesting, perfect for both beginners and experienced professionals.
3. AWS IAM Exploitation — Delve into the intricacies of AWS IAM exploitation with this insightful blog post, shedding light on critical security vulnerabilities.
4. S3 Pentest — Learn the nuances of conducting penetration tests on AWS S3 storage with this detailed guide from Rhino Security Labs.
5. Utilizing IMDSv2 for Extra Security — Understand the importance of leveraging IMDSv2 for enhanced security in AWS environments, as discussed in this AWS security blog post.
6. Attack Using IMDSv1 — Explore potential attack vectors leveraging IMDSv1 and how to mitigate them, as explained in this in-depth analysis. Few years old concept, but good to know and understand.
7. AWS IAM Misconfigurations — Discover common IAM misconfigurations in AWS and learn how to address them effectively, courtesy of Payatu’s insightful blog.
8. AWS Penetration Testing: Step by Step Guide — Follow a comprehensive step-by-step guide to conducting AWS penetration testing, shared by Hack The Box.
9. Awesome AWS Security: A comprehensive list of resources to excel in AWS Security
10. AWS Security Study Plan: A plan that would help you to be an experienced AWS Security Professional.

Books:

• AWS Penetration Testing — Delve deeper into AWS pentesting methodologies with this comprehensive book, providing valuable insights and practical techniques.
• AWS Security in Action from Manning publication

Lab/CTFs:

1. CloudGoat — Practice your AWS pentesting skills in a safe environment with CloudGoat, a purpose-built vulnerable infrastructure from Rhino Security Labs.
2. Flaws.aws and Flaws2.aws — Explore real-world AWS vulnerabilities through these interactive Capture The Flag (CTF) platforms.
3. AWS Security Framework Pacu — Experiment with various AWS exploitation techniques using Pacu, a versatile AWS exploitation framework.
4. WeirdAAL — Dive into AWS security automation and auditing with WeirdAAL, a tool designed to assist in auditing AWS environments.
5. ScoutSuite — Conduct comprehensive security assessments of AWS environments using ScoutSuite, an open-source multi-cloud security auditing tool.
6. AWS Arsenals — Explore an extensive collection of AWS security tools and scripts designed to aid in pentesting and auditing AWS environments.
7. Prowler: Prowler is an Open Source security tool to perform AWS, GCP, and Azure security best practices assessments, audits, incident response, continuous monitoring, hardening, and forensics readiness

With these resources at your disposal, you’re well-equipped to embark on your journey toward mastering AWS pentesting. Remember, continuous learning and hands-on practice are key to staying ahead in the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity.

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Happy AWS pentesting!

Originally published at https://www.aliencoders.org on February 23, 2024.