ERP Penetration Testing Methodology Guide
ERP penetration testing evaluates the security posture of your enterprise resource planning system by simulating real-world attack techniques against authentication mechanisms, authorization controls, application logic, and network infrastructure. Unlike generic web application pen tests, ERP pen testing requires specialized knowledge of ERP-specific attack vectors including default credentials, RFC function abuse, transport manipulation, and business logic exploitation. This guide provides a structured methodology aligned with OWASP Testing Guide and NIST SP 800-115.
Reconnaissance and Attack Surface Mapping
ERP reconnaissance identifies all exposed endpoints, services, and interfaces that could serve as attack entry points. For cloud ERP deployments, the attack surface includes web application URLs, API endpoints, SSO integration points, file upload interfaces, and reporting service endpoints. For on-premise deployments, additional vectors include database listener ports, application server management consoles, and legacy protocol endpoints. The reconnaissance phase produces a complete attack surface map that guides subsequent testing phases.
- Enumerate all ERP web endpoints including application URLs, API gateways, SSO login pages, and admin console interfaces
- Scan for exposed management ports: database listeners (1433, 5432, 1521), app server admin (4848, 9060), RDP (3389)
- Identify ERP version and patch level from HTTP response headers, login page source code, and error message fingerprinting
- Map API endpoints using documentation discovery (Swagger/OpenAPI), directory brute-forcing, and traffic analysis
- Document all third-party integrations and their authentication mechanisms as potential lateral movement paths
Vulnerability Assessment and Exploitation
ERP vulnerability testing combines automated scanning with manual testing of ERP-specific attack vectors. Automated scanners detect common web vulnerabilities (OWASP Top 10), missing patches, and misconfigurations. Manual testing targets ERP-specific vectors: default account credentials, authorization bypass through URL manipulation, business logic flaws in approval workflows, mass data extraction through report abuse, and privilege escalation through role manipulation. All exploitation attempts must be documented with evidence and impact assessment.
- Test all default account credentials: admin/admin, DDIC/19920706, SAP*/06071992, and ERP-vendor-specific default passwords
- Evaluate authorization controls by testing horizontal privilege escalation (accessing other users' data) and vertical escalation (admin functions)
- Test business logic flaws: bypassing approval workflows, manipulating transaction amounts, overriding segregation of duties controls
- Attempt SQL injection and command injection on custom ERP extensions, report parameters, and search functions
- Test API endpoints for BOLA (Broken Object Level Authorization) by manipulating resource IDs in authenticated API calls
Reporting and Remediation Prioritization
Penetration test findings must be documented with sufficient detail for remediation teams to reproduce and fix each vulnerability. Each finding includes a CVSS v3.1 score, business impact assessment, technical evidence (screenshots, request/response captures), and specific remediation guidance. Remediation prioritization uses a risk-based approach combining CVSS severity with business context: a medium-severity SQL injection on the financial reporting module ranks higher than a high-severity XSS on a static help page due to the data exposure potential.
- Score each finding using CVSS v3.1 base metrics with environmental adjustments reflecting your specific ERP deployment context
- Classify findings by remediation urgency: Critical (patch within 72 hours), High (14 days), Medium (30 days), Low (90 days)
- Provide step-by-step remediation guidance for each finding including specific configuration changes, patches, or code fixes required
- Conduct remediation verification testing confirming each finding is properly resolved without introducing new vulnerabilities
- Deliver executive summary with risk dashboard, finding trends, and strategic recommendations for long-term security improvement
Schedule an ERP penetration test with Netray's certified security engineers. We deliver actionable findings with prioritized remediation roadmaps.
Related Resources
ERP Security Best Practices Guide
Implement comprehensive ERP security best practices covering access control, encryption, monitoring, and compliance aligned with NIST CSF and CIS Controls frameworks.
ERPERP Security Incident Response Plan
Build an ERP security incident response plan with detection procedures, containment strategies, forensic investigation, recovery steps, and post-incident review.
ERPERP Encryption for Data at Rest and in Transit
Configure data encryption for ERP systems covering TLS transport security, database encryption at rest, key management, and compliance with NIST and PCI DSS standards.