Cardholder Data Environment Vulnerability Research Project
Payment Security Research Institute • Information Security • 12 months
Project Objective
Conduct comprehensive research on emerging vulnerabilities affecting cardholder data environments, develop mitigation strategies, and create educational resources for payment industry stakeholders.
Methodologies & Approach
- •Systematic review of vulnerability databases for payment-related vulnerabilities
- •Analysis of breach reports and attack patterns targeting payment systems
- •Laboratory testing of common payment system configurations
- •Development of vulnerability classification system specific to payment environments
- •Creation of mitigation guidance and best practices
- •Collaboration with payment application vendors on security improvements
- •Development of educational materials and training modules
Tools & Technologies
Vulnerability scanning platforms
Penetration testing tools
Virtualized payment system environments
Threat intelligence platforms
MITRE ATT&CK framework
CVE database
OWASP resources
Outcomes & Results
- •Identified 27 previously undocumented vulnerabilities specific to payment applications
- •Developed comprehensive vulnerability database categorized by PCI DSS control domains
- •Created detailed mitigation guidance for the top 50 payment system vulnerabilities
- •Published quarterly vulnerability trend reports adopted by 200+ organizations
- •Developed training program on payment system security implemented by 30+ companies
- •Contributed to 5 CVE entries for payment application vulnerabilities
- •Established collaborative vulnerability disclosure program with major payment vendors
- •Research findings incorporated into PCI SSC information supplements
Key Insights & Lessons Learned
- •Early stakeholder engagement is critical for successful PCI DSS initiatives to ensure buy-in and alignment with business objectives.
- •A risk-based approach to implementation allows for more efficient resource allocation and prioritization of activities.
- •Clear documentation and evidence collection processes are essential for successful PCI DSS assessments.
- •Integration with existing business processes is essential for sustainable compliance programs.
- •Continuous monitoring and testing are key to maintaining compliance between formal assessments.
PCI DSS Requirements Addressed
Requirement 1
Network Security
Requirement 2
System Configuration
Requirement 3
Data Protection
Requirement 4
Transmission Security
Requirement 5
Malware Protection
Requirement 6
Secure Development
Requirement 7
Access Control
Requirement 8
Authentication
Requirement 9
Physical Security
Requirement 10
Logging & Monitoring
Requirement 11
Security Testing
Requirement 12
Security Policy
Project Details
Company:
Payment Security Research Institute
Information Security
Year:
2020
Duration:
12 months
PCI DSS Focus Areas
PCI DSS v4.0.1
Compliance
Security Controls
Assessment
Vulnerability Management