What Are the Top Penetration Testing Frameworks to Know?

Introduction

In 2025, clients and certifications (OSCP, CEH v12, GPEN, CRTOP) demand structured methodology. Over 85 percent of professional pentesters in India follow at least one standard framework. Following a proven framework ensures nothing is missed, reports are professional, and results are repeatable. Ethical Hacking Training Institute teaches all 10 frameworks with real client simulations. Webasha Technologies and Cybersecurity Training Institute give 100 percent placement to framework-certified students. This guide ranks the top 10 frameworks every pentester must master. Explore the cybersecurity career path.

1. PTES – Penetration Testing Execution Standard

The most practical and widely adopted framework. 7 phases: Pre-engagement → Intelligence Gathering → Threat Modeling → Vulnerability Analysis → Exploitation → Post-Exploitation → Reporting. Loved by red teams and OSCP students. Ethical Hacking Training Institute uses PTES in every real pentest project. Find the best local courses that teach PTES end-to-end.

PTES 7 Phases

• Pre-engagement Interactions
• Intelligence Gathering
• Threat Modeling
• Vulnerability Analysis
• Exploitation
• Post Exploitation
• Reporting

2. OSSTMM – Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual

• Created by ISECOM
• Channel-based (Human, Physical, Wireless, Data, Telecom)
• Scientific and measurable (RAV – Risk Assessment Values)
• Used for compliance and audit
• Webasha Technologies includes in advanced course

3. NIST SP 800-115 – Technical Guide to Information Security Testing

• US government standard
• 4 phases: Planning → Discovery → Attack → Reporting
• Mandatory for many Indian government projects
• Free and detailed
• Cybersecurity Training Institute teaches NIST labs

4. OWASP Testing Guide v5

• Gold standard for web application pentesting
• 90+ controls and test cases
• Covers SQLi, XSS, CSRF, JWT, API testing
• Updated 2024-2025
• Every web pentester must know

5. MITRE ATT&CK Framework

Not a traditional pentest framework but the most important adversary tactics matrix. Maps every technique used by APT groups. Red teams simulate ATT&CK tactics. Blue teams detect them. Ethical Hacking Training Institute has full ATT&CK lab with 500+ techniques. Learn more about the CEH course red team module.

6. ISSAF – Information Systems Security Assessment Framework

• Very detailed (old but still used)
• Step-by-step tools and commands
• Good for beginners learning methodology
• Less popular in 2025 but respected

7. PCI DSS Penetration Testing Guidance

• Mandatory for payment card industry
• Quarterly external + annual internal pentest
• Specific rules for segmentation testing
• Indian payment gateways require it

8. STRIDE Threat Modeling

• Microsoft framework (Spoofing, Tampering, Repudiation, Info Disclosure, DoS, Elevation)
• Used in design phase
• Complements pentest frameworks

9. PASTA – Process for Attack Simulation and Threat Analysis

• Risk-centric framework
• Aligns business risk with technical findings
• Used by mature organizations

10. FLAW – Threat Modeling for Developers

• Newer lightweight framework
• F – Find threats, L – List, A – Assess, W – Work on mitigation
• Growing in Indian startups

Top Pentest Frameworks Comparison Table

Conclusion

PTES + OWASP Testing Guide + MITRE ATT&CK = unbeatable combination in 2025. Ethical Hacking Training Institute covers all 10 with real client reports. Webasha Technologies and Cybersecurity Training Institute make you framework expert. One framework mastered = ₹15+ LPA job. Discover the best CEH programs in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which framework for OSCP?

PTES is perfect. OSCP follows similar flow.

Best for web application testing?

OWASP Testing Guide v5.

MITRE ATT&CK for pentester?

Yes. Map your attacks to tactics/techniques.

PCI DSS pentest mandatory?

Yes for payment companies.

Free framework resources?

All listed are free to download.

Which one for beginners?

Start with PTES → OWASP → MITRE.

Indian government projects?

NIST + OSSTMM preferred.

Weekend framework classes?

Yes. 8 hours every weekend.

Real client report practice?

Yes. 50+ report templates provided.

Certification after frameworks?

CEH Practical + CRTOP + institute pentest cert.

Job roles using frameworks?

Pentester, Red Teamer, Security Consultant.

Salary after mastering?

₹12-45 LPA in India.

Online or classroom?

Both. Classroom has physical lab machines.

EMI option?

Yes. 0 percent interest up to 12 months.

Next step to master frameworks?

Book free demo at Ethical Hacking Training Institute, Webasha Technologies, or Cybersecurity Training Institute.