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Offensive Security

ATM Penetration Testing

Physical and logical security testing of ATMs, covering the CEN/XFS stack, cash-handling, and network paths, to surface attack vectors before criminals exploit them, under written authorization.

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Overview

ATM penetration testing assesses the physical and logical security of automated teller machines and their supporting infrastructure. It answers whether an attacker with physical or network access could dispense cash, capture card data, or tamper with the machine's software.

Testing covers the CEN/XFS middleware stack, operating system hardening, peripheral communication, encryption, and network connectivity to the acquiring environment. Scope can include enclosure and port access, boot and application controls, and both physical and logical attack surfaces relevant to your ATM fleet.

Benefits

  • Identifies physical attack vectors such as exposed ports, enclosure weaknesses, and peripheral tampering.
  • Assesses the CEN/XFS stack and application controls for unauthorized cash dispensing and command injection.
  • Reviews operating system hardening, encryption, and network paths to the acquiring environment.
  • Provides remediation guidance to reduce fraud and cash-out risk across the ATM fleet.

Methodology

  1. 01

    Scoping and Authorization

    Agree target ATM models, test locations, rules of engagement, and written authorization, including safe handling of cash and live services.

  2. 02

    Physical Assessment

    Examine enclosure, locks, exposed ports, and peripherals for physical tampering and access weaknesses.

  3. 03

    Logical and XFS Testing

    Assess the CEN/XFS stack, application controls, and OS hardening for unauthorized commands and cash dispensing.

  4. 04

    Network and Communication Testing

    Review encryption and connectivity between the ATM and the acquiring environment for interception or manipulation.

  5. 05

    Exploitation

    Safely demonstrate confirmed attack paths with proof of concept while protecting cash and card data.

  6. 06

    Reporting and Retesting

    Deliver prioritized findings with remediation guidance and validate fixes through retesting.

Deliverables

  • 01Executive Summary
  • 02Technical Findings
  • 03Risk Ratings
  • 04Proof of Concept
  • 05Remediation Recommendations
  • 06Final Report
  • 07Retesting Validation Report