This is a purely illustrative visualization of the penetration-testing lifecycle (recon → scan → exploit → privilege escalation), the same phase model used by defensive security teams to plan authorized assessments. A probing packet travels the network graph, node by node; each attempt succeeds or fails based on the target's vulnerability versus the defenses in place. It contains no real exploit code or scanning functionality.
p_success = f(vulnerability_score, defense_strength)
vulnerability_score = (1 - patch_level) * vector_weight
p_success = clamp(vulnerability_score - firewall_strength * 0.6, 0.02, 0.95)
- Attack vector — selects the assessment phase; later phases (exploit, privesc) carry higher inherent risk weight.
- Patch level — how up to date target nodes are; higher patch level sharply lowers breach probability.
- Firewall strength — perimeter defense that blocks a fraction of probe attempts before they reach a node.
- Reset network — restores every node to its unpatched/unpwned starting state.
Real-world penetration testers use this exact phase methodology (e.g. PTES, MITRE ATT&CK) under signed authorization to find and report vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them.