Methodology
The ZudoSec security testing methodology
A structured approach designed to discover, validate, explain, and verify security weaknesses — the same disciplined lifecycle on every engagement.
01ScopeDefine targets, environments, accounts, exclusions, objectives, testing windows, contacts, and rules of engagement. Testing begins only after written authorization and an agreed scope.
02Attack surface mappingIdentify relevant application functionality, APIs, hosts, endpoints, authentication flows, roles, and exposed services that fall within scope.
03Automated discoveryUse appropriate scanners and tooling to accelerate discovery and coverage. Automated output is never treated as a confirmed vulnerability on its own.
04Manual security testingHands-on testing based on the application's architecture, roles, functionality, and attack surface — covering access control, authentication, business logic, injection, session management, API security, data exposure, privilege escalation, and configuration.
05Attack-path analysisConsider how multiple weaknesses could combine into a meaningful compromise — for example, weak authorization plus predictable identifiers plus a sensitive endpoint.
06Vulnerability validationValidate findings to reduce false positives and determine realistic impact, so you spend time on issues that are actually exploitable.
07Risk assessmentRank findings on exploitability, impact, preconditions, exposure, affected assets, and business context — using Critical, High, Medium, Low, and Informational, rather than a generic scanner score.
08ReportingDeliver a clear report: executive summary, scope, methodology, findings, severity, business impact, technical explanation, evidence, reproduction guidance, remediation, a risk summary, testing limitations, and retest information where applicable.
09Remediation supportAnswer reasonable questions and help your team understand findings and prioritize remediation.
10RetestingFor qualifying engagements, provide one complimentary remediation retest within the stated period to verify that findings have been resolved. New or materially expanded scope may require a separate engagement.
Our methodology draws from established application security testing guidance, including OWASP resources such as the Web Security Testing Guide (WSTG), the Application Security Verification Standard (ASVS), and the API Security Top 10. These are used as knowledge frameworks; ZudoSec does not claim OWASP certification or accreditation.
Know what attackers could reach before they find it.
Every engagement follows this methodology — and begins only after written authorization and an agreed scope.