Client Challenge 

Manufacturing Unit, a leading and large manufacturing unit based in Mumbai, India, faced significant challenges in securing their extensive network infrastructure. With a vast and complex network environment supporting critical manufacturing operations, the company required a thorough assessment to identify vulnerabilities, address misconfigurations, and enhance overall network security. These issues posed risks to data security, operational stability, and regulatory compliance. 

Our Approach 

Exfinity conducted a comprehensive Network Security Assessment for Manufacturing Unit, focusing on internal and external network environments, as well as a detailed firewall configuration review. The primary goals were to identify vulnerabilities, evaluate the effectiveness of existing security measures, and ensure compliance with the NIST 800-115 framework and industry standards. 

Solution 

• Internal Network Testing: Assessed the internal network for misconfigurations and vulnerabilities within the IP address range 0.0.0.0/24. 

• External Network Testing: Performed Vulnerability and Penetration Testing on the public IP address associated with the On-Premises FortiGate Firewall, using the IP address 0.0.0.0 via youbroadband.in. 

• Firewall Secure Configuration Review: Evaluated the FortiGate Firewall configuration to ensure proper rule implementation, adherence to least privilege principles, and effective threat mitigation. 

Methodology 

Exfinity employed a comprehensive approach combining automated tools and manual testing to simulate real-world cyber threats and identify weaknesses: 

• Automated Tools: Used Advanced IP Scanner, Nmap, Nessus, and Wireshark for network discovery, vulnerability scanning, and traffic analysis. 

• Manual Testing: Incorporated Metasploit for exploitation and conducted in-depth analysis. 

• Frameworks: Followed industry-standard network security frameworks such as the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and the OWASP Testing Guide to ensure a thorough and systematic assessment. 

Major Findings 

• Active Directory Attack: Captured sensitive credentials through NTLM hash exploitation within the Active Directory (AD) environment. This vulnerability allowed attackers to use NTLM hashes for credential spraying attacks, potentially gaining unauthorized access to AD accounts. The exposure of these hashes could lead to privilege escalation, unauthorized data access, and compromise of critical internal systems. 

• Printer Exploit: Identified significant vulnerabilities in networked printers, which enabled attackers to capture or manipulate print jobs, access the printer’s file system and memory, or even cause physical damage to the device. These vulnerabilities exposed sensitive information and posed a risk of operational disruption. 

• Firewall Misconfigurations: Discovered critical misconfigurations in firewall settings, including improper rule configurations, inadequate authentication and authorization for DDoS protection, and ineffective IPS/IDS setups. These misconfigurations heightened the risk of unauthorized access and made the network more susceptible to advanced threats. 

• Additional Vulnerabilities 

Apart from the major findings, we also reported several network security vulnerabilities: 

• Unpatched Software 

• Default Passwords 

• Unnecessary Open Ports and Services 

• Misconfigured Security Settings 

• Insecure Remote Access 

• Insecure Network Services 

• Weak SNMP Configurations 

• Default Configurations of Network Assets 

Addressing these issues is crucial for strengthening the network security posture    

 and safeguarding the organization against potential threats. 

Outcome 

• Mitigated Risks: Provided actionable recommendations for remediation to address identified vulnerabilities and strengthen network security. 

• Enhanced Security Posture: Improved the overall security of Manufacturing Unit’s network infrastructure by addressing critical issues and implementing best practices. 

• Compliance Assurance: Ensured that network security measures met industry standards and regulatory requirements. 

Recommendations 

1. Active Directory Hardening: Implement strong password policies and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to mitigate the risk of NTLM hash exploitation. Regularly monitor and audit Active Directory for unusual activities. 

1. Printer Security: Apply firmware updates and configure networked printers with restricted access. Disable unnecessary services and implement strict access controls to prevent unauthorized manipulation or data leakage. 

1. Firewall Configuration Review: Correct misconfigured firewall rules and ensure proper implementation of access controls. Enhance DDoS protection mechanisms and verify the effectiveness of IPS/IDS configurations to better safeguard against external threats. 

1. Regular Patch Management: Ensure that all network devices, including servers, workstations, and network appliances, are up to date with the latest security patches and updates to protect against known vulnerabilities. 

1. Security Logging and Auditing: Enable detailed logging and auditing of network activity to track and investigate potential security incidents. Regularly review logs  

Conclusion 

Exfinity’s comprehensive Network Security Assessment enabled Manufacturing Unit, a leading and large manufacturing unit, to gain a clear understanding of their network vulnerabilities and take decisive actions to enhance their security posture.

By addressing critical issues and implementing recommended improvements, Manufacturing Unit successfully strengthened their network security and mitigated potential risks. This case study underscores the importance of thorough network assessments in safeguarding complex infrastructures and ensuring robust protection against potential threats.