Purpose: The primary goal is to ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data by assessing risks associated with user permissions, configurations, and patch levels.

Scope: Database platforms like Oracle, MySQL, MS SQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, database configuration files and system parameters, user roles, permissions, and authentication mechanisms, audit logging and monitoring configurations, data encryption, backup and recovery security, network access controls and firewall rules, stored procedures and triggers.

Methodology: Testers begin by reviewing the database setup, permissions, and network exposure. Then,  assess configurations, look for known vulnerabilities, and test for issues like SQL injection, privilege escalation, or unencrypted data. Findings are compiled into a report with prioritized remediation steps.

Types of Penetration Tests

White Box Testing: Full or partial access to the database is provided to simulate an internal or trusted user attack.

Grey Box Testing: Limited credentials are used to assess access boundaries and misuse potential.