| name | performing-open-source-intelligence-gathering |
| description | Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) gathering is the first active phase of a red team engagement, where operators collect publicly available information about the target organization to identify attack s |
| domain | cybersecurity |
| subdomain | red-teaming |
| tags | ["red-team","adversary-simulation","mitre-attack","exploitation","post-exploitation","osint","reconnaissance"] |
| version | 1.0 |
| author | mahipal |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| nist_csf | ["ID.RA-01","GV.OV-02","DE.AE-07"] |
Performing Open Source Intelligence Gathering
Legal Notice: This skill is for authorized security testing and educational purposes only. Unauthorized use against systems you do not own or have written permission to test is illegal and may violate computer fraud laws.
Overview
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) gathering is the first active phase of a red team engagement, where operators collect publicly available information about the target organization to identify attack surfaces, potential targets for social engineering, technology stacks, and credential exposures. Effective OSINT directly shapes initial access strategies and reduces operational risk.
When to Use
- When conducting security assessments that involve performing open source intelligence gathering
- When following incident response procedures for related security events
- When performing scheduled security testing or auditing activities
- When validating security controls through hands-on testing
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with red teaming concepts and tools
- Access to a test or lab environment for safe execution
- Python 3.8+ with required dependencies installed
- Appropriate authorization for any testing activities
Objectives
- Enumerate the target organization's external attack surface (domains, IPs, cloud assets)
- Identify employees and their roles for social engineering targeting
- Discover leaked credentials, API keys, and sensitive documents
- Map the organization's technology stack and vendors
- Identify physical locations, office layouts, and access control details
- Build target profiles for spearphishing campaign development
Core Concepts
OSINT Categories
| Category | Sources | Value |
|---|
| Domain Intelligence | DNS records, WHOIS, CT logs, subdomain enumeration | Network attack surface |
| Personnel Intelligence | LinkedIn, social media, conference talks, publications | Social engineering targets |
| Credential Intelligence | Breach databases, paste sites, GitHub leaks | Valid credential discovery |
| Technology Intelligence | Job postings, Wappalyzer, Shodan, Censys | Vulnerability identification |
| Physical Intelligence | Google Maps, social media photos, Glassdoor |
