Scoping Third-Party Hosting and Cloud Environments
Testing third-party hosting and cloud environments requires explicit permission from the hosting provider, not just the client. Testers must understand the shared responsibility model to ensure they only test assets the client actually owns and controls.
The Challenge of Cloud Scoping
As organizations migrate to the cloud, scoping penetration tests has become more complex. You are no longer just testing the client's servers; you are testing infrastructure owned by giants like AWS, Azure, or GCP.
Testing outside of the client's controlled assets can violate the Cloud Service Provider's terms of service and lead to severe repercussions.
The Shared Responsibility Model
Understanding the shared responsibility model is crucial. In a SaaS environment, the client only controls the data and access policies, so testing the underlying application infrastructure is strictly off-limits.
In an IaaS environment, the client manages the OS and applications, expanding the permissible scope. PenTest+ candidates must differentiate between these models accurately.
Obtaining Authorization
Historically, cloud providers required explicit notification forms before any testing could commence. While some have relaxed these rules for certain services, testers must always verify current provider policies.
Ensuring you have the correct authorization from both the client and the provider is a frequent topic on the exam. Using updated training materials and practice exams, such as Cert Sensei, helps ensure you are learning the most current policies.
Testing API and Serverless Components
Modern cloud architectures heavily utilize APIs and serverless functions (like AWS Lambda). Scoping these requires identifying endpoint URLs and understanding how they interact with backend services.
Testers must establish boundaries to prevent denial-of-wallet attacks, where automated testing inadvertently racks up massive usage bills for the client.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How does the cloud shared responsibility model affect penetration testing scope?
Under the shared responsibility model, clients only manage specific layers (e.g., configurations, OS, or data in IaaS, but only data and access in SaaS); testers are strictly limited to probing client-managed assets and cannot test underlying cloud service provider infrastructure.
Do penetration testers need permission from major cloud providers like AWS, Azure, or GCP before testing?
While major cloud providers allow penetration testing of client-owned virtual machines and serverless resources without prior notification, testers must strictly adhere to each provider's acceptable testing policies and avoid restricted services or DoS attacks.
What is a denial-of-wallet attack in cloud penetration testing and how can it be avoided?
A denial-of-wallet attack occurs when aggressive automated testing triggers auto-scaling cloud resources or high-volume serverless/API calls, generating massive cloud billing costs; it is prevented by throttling test traffic and setting spending caps.