Penetration testing is more than just scanning your systems. It’s a structured, manual process that produces a report you’ll share with auditors, executives, and your security team. But what exactly should be inside?
To ensure that your assessment satisfies stakeholder and compliance requirements, this guide deconstructs the essential components of a professional penetration testing report.
What is a Penetration Testing Report?
A penetration testing report is the final deliverable that documents:
- The scope of the test
- Methodologies used
- Vulnerabilities discovered
- Evidence of exploitation
- Impact
- Risk ratings
- Remediation guidance
It serves as proof that your systems have been rigorously tested and that you’re proactively managing security risks.
Why Does It Matter?
Pen test reports help:
- Meet compliance requirements (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 27001, PCI DSS)
- Prioritize remediation efforts
- Demonstrate due diligence to customers and regulators
- Build trust with stakeholders
Core Components of a Professional Penetration Testing Report
A high-quality report includes:
Executive Summary
- High-level overview in plain English
- Key findings and their business impact
- Overall security posture
Scope of Engagement
- In-scope assets (apps, APIs, networks)
- Testing timeframe
- Assumptions and exclusions
Methodology
- Manual and automated techniques used
- Standards or frameworks referenced (OWASP, NIST, etc.)
Findings and Risk Ratings
- Detailed description of each vulnerability
- Proof-of-concept evidence (screenshots, logs)
- CVSS or custom severity rating
- Impact
Recommendations
- Clear, actionable remediation steps
- Prioritization guidance
Appendices
- Tool outputs for reference
- Glossary of technical terms
Standards and Their Key Reporting Elements
Different compliance frameworks have unique expectations for pen test reporting. Hereâs a quick comparison:
| Standard | Key Reporting Elements Required |
|---|---|
| SOC 2 | – Scope and methodology tied to Trust Services Criteria (CC6 & CC7) – Evidence of manual testing – Clear findings and remediation recommendations |
| ISO 27001 | – Documentation supporting risk treatment plans – Traceable evidence for identified vulnerabilities – Recommendations aligned with ISMS controls |
| PCI DSS | – Evidence of exploitation of vulnerabilities – Segmentation testing results- Retest confirmation after remediation – Executive summary for stakeholders |
| HIPAA | – Findings demonstrating risks to ePHI – Remediation guidance tied to HIPAA Security Rule – Documented methodology |
| GDPR (Indirect) | – Proof of appropriate technical measures – Evidence supporting Article 32 compliance – Recommendations to reduce data breach risk |
Tip: Aligning your report with these expectations boosts credibility and audit readiness, even if you aren’t certifying to all of these standards.
What Makes a Pen Test Report Audit-Ready?
Audit-ready reports are:
- Clear and traceable (evidence linked to findings)
- Objective and independent
- Recent (ideally <12 months old)
- Comprehensive (cover all in-scope assets)
- Actionable (prioritized fixes)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting just the output from the scanner without doing any manual verification
- No impact analysis or risk ratings
- Too much jargon without summaries in simple terms
- No suggestions for remediation
- Leaving out proof of exploitation
Sample Pentest Report Excerpt
Vulnerability: Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR)
Description: User A can access User Bâs invoice by modifying the invoice ID in the URL.
Impact: Exposure of sensitive billing information.
Evidence: Screenshot of unauthorized invoice access.
Risk Rating: High
Recommendation: Implement authorization checks to validate user permissions.
How Bluefire Redteam Delivers Clear, Actionable Pentest/VAPT Reports
Bluefire Redteam goes beyond generic PDFs:
- Human-led & automated testing that simulates real-world attackers
- Audit-ready documentation mapped to compliance standards
- Remediation support and retesting guidance
When you work with us, your pen test report is designed to help you pass auditsâand improve your security posture.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Pentest Report
- Whatâs the difference between a pen test report and a vulnerability scan report?
Pen test reports include manual exploitation and business impact analysis, while scans are automated and surface-level.
- How recent does the report need to be?
Ideally within 12 months and after any major system changes.
- Who can create a valid pen test report?
An independent qualified teamâeither internal or third-party like Bluefire Redteam.
- What format should the report be in?
PDF or digital format with clear sections, evidence, and remediation guidance.
- Do auditors accept all pen test reports?
Noâreports must be thorough, credible, and demonstrate manual testing aligned to compliance standards.
