| name | performing-physical-intrusion-assessment |
| description | Conduct authorized physical penetration testing against facilities, server rooms, and restricted areas using tailgating, RFID badge cloning, lock bypassing, rogue network device deployment, and security-guard procedure testing. Use as part of a full-scope red team engagement to evaluate physical security controls and their path to network access, always under signed client authorization. |
| domain | cybersecurity |
| subdomain | red-teaming |
| tags | ["physical-security","red-team","tailgating","badge-cloning","lock-picking","rfid","physical-pentest"] |
| version | 1.0 |
| author | mahipal |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| d3fend_techniques | ["Platform Hardening","Hardware Component Inventory","Electromagnetic Radiation Hardening","RF Shielding","Asset Inventory"] |
| nist_csf | ["ID.RA-01","GV.OV-02","DE.AE-07"] |
| mitre_attack | ["T1595","T1190","T1059","T1078","T1027"] |
Performing Physical Intrusion Assessment
Overview
Physical intrusion assessment evaluates an organization's physical security controls by attempting to gain unauthorized access to facilities, server rooms, and restricted areas. This includes tailgating employees, cloning RFID access badges, bypassing locks, deploying rogue network devices, and testing security guard procedures. Physical security testing is a critical component of full-scope red team engagements, as it often provides the most direct path to network access. MITRE ATT&CK maps physical access techniques under T1200 (Hardware Additions) and T1091 (Replication Through Removable Media).
When to Use
- When conducting security assessments that involve performing physical intrusion assessment
- 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
- Signed authorization letter (carry at all times during assessment)
- Emergency contact for client security team (24/7)
- Get-out-of-jail letter signed by executive authority
- Physical security testing toolkit
- Body camera or documentation equipment
- Disguise/cover identity materials (uniform, badge, clipboard)
MITRE ATT&CK Mapping
| Technique ID | Name | Tactic |
|---|
| T1200 | Hardware Additions | Initial Access |
| T1091 | Replication Through Removable Media | Initial Access |
| T1199 | Trusted Relationship | Initial Access |
| T1078 | Valid Accounts | Initial Access |
Physical Security Testing Toolkit
| Tool | Purpose | Approximate Cost |
|---|
| Proxmark3 RDV4 | RFID badge cloning (125kHz/13.56MHz) | $300 |
| Flipper Zero | Multi-protocol RF analysis | $170 |
| Lock pick set (Sparrows) | Mechanical lock bypassing | $35 |
| Under-door tool (UDT) | Bypass door from outside | $30 |
| Shove knife / latch slip | Spring bolt bypass |
