Web Application Security Testing

Web Application Penetration Testing (also known as web app pen testing) is the process of testing a web application’s security by simulating attacks that could be used by malicious hackers. The goal of web app pen testing is to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in the application’s code, architecture, and infrastructure that could be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access, steal sensitive data, or disrupt the application’s functionality.

Web application pen testing typically involves a combination of manual and automated testing techniques. The tester may use specialized tools and scripts to simulate attacks, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), cross-site request forgery (CSRF), and others.

Methodology for web application penetration testing typically involves the following steps:

• Planning: In this phase, the scope of the test is defined, including the objectives, resources, and timeframe for the test. The tester also gathers information about the application, such as its architecture, functionality, and technologies used.
• Reconnaissance: The tester gathers additional information about the application, such as the URL structure, input parameters, and cookies used. This information is used to identify potential attack vectors and prioritize testing efforts.
• Vulnerability scanning: Automated tools are used to scan the application for known vulnerabilities, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and other common web application vulnerabilities.
• Manual testing: The tester manually tests the application to identify any vulnerabilities that were missed by automated tools. This involves testing for logic flaws, authentication bypass, privilege escalation, and other attack vectors.
• Exploitation: The tester attempts to exploit identified vulnerabilities to gain access to the application or sensitive data. This involves using various techniques, such as SQL injection, cross-site scripting, and other attacks.
• Reporting: A detailed report is generated, which outlines the vulnerabilities identified and provides recommendations for remediation. The report may also include a risk assessment and a summary of the overall security posture of the application.