Web Application Security
Testing

Reconnaissance or information collection is one of the most crucial aspects of web application security testing. The first stage of the testing is all about learning as much as you can about the target application. Several instances of testing include performing search engine reconnaissance, discovering information leaks, enumerating apps, and fingerprinting apps followed by finding the entry point for the application.

Comprehending the deployed configuration of the server or infrastructure that runs the web application is nearly as crucial as performing web app security testing. Despite the diversity of application platforms, several fundamental platform setup difficulties like insecure HTTP methods, old/backup files, etc. can put the application at risk. Hence, areas like HTTP methods, file permissions, and strong transport security are all tested.

Authentication means verifying the identity of a user attempting to access a system. Testing the authentication process ensures security and identifies potential vulnerabilities. The testing includes checking the effectiveness of lockout mechanisms to prevent repeated login attempts. Other areas include the ability to bypass authentication measures, browser cache vulnerabilities that may expose sensitive information, and the security of alternative login methods such as mobile apps or APIs.

Session management is the collective term for any controls in charge of overseeing a user's stateful activity with the web application they are using. Everything from user authentication to the general logout process is included in this stage of web application security testing. A few instances include session fixation, cross-site request forgery, cookie management, session timeout, and testing the functionality of the logout process.

Authorization comes after successful authentication. Our pentesting expert will validate this after establishing that users have authentic credentials linked to a clear-cut set of roles and privileges. Common issues include insecure direct object references, privilege escalation, and getting around permission rules, to name a few. To test permissions effectively, it’s important to understand how the authorization system works and find ways to exploit any weaknesses.

One common security vulnerability in web applications is failing to properly validate input from users or the environment before using it. This lack of validation can lead to various serious issues, including buffer overflows, cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection, interpreter injection, and file system vulnerabilities. Data input validation during web application security testing is crucial to protect web applications from these types of attacks.

During web application security testing, we frequently come across a plethora of error codes released by applications or web servers. By making specific requests, either manually or using tools, we can reveal these errors. These codes can provide valuable insights about databases, security vulnerabilities, and other technical aspects of the application. Analyzing error codes and stack traces, for instance, helps penetration testers identify potential weaknesses and improve the overall security of the application.

Identifying a vulnerability known as "Think Outside the Box", which cannot be identified using a vulnerability scanner, depends on the penetration tester's knowledge and abilities. In addition, this kind of vulnerability is sometimes one of the hardest to find as it is application-specific. It is also one of the most damaging to the program if it is exploited. Issues with integrity checks, unusual process times, uploading unexpected file types, and the ability to forge requests are a few examples..

This testing focuses on client-side code execution, which is typically carried out directly within a web browser or a browser plugin. When code is run on the client side, it is different from when it is run on the server and results in content being returned. Several instances include the use of JavaScript, client-side URL redirection, cross-origin resource sharing, and manipulation.

At this stage of web application security testing, the objective is to present, rank, and prioritize findings as well as to give project stakeholders a concise, actionable report along with the findings in detail. At Kratikal, we consider this to be the most crucial stage, so we take great care to ensure that we have adequately communicated the significance of our findings and service.