Beginners Guide To Web Application Penetration Testing

Penetration testing, also referred to as Pen Test, is the most prevalent security testing method for web applications.

The process of Web Application Penetration Testing involves simulating unauthorized attacks from both internal and external sources to gain access to confidential data.

Web penetration tests assist users in identifying potential vulnerabilities that hackers may use to gain data access, analyze the security of their email servers, and evaluate their web hosting site and server’s security.

Now, let’s explore the contents of this article.

This tutorial on penetration testing includes:

• The importance of Pentest for testing web applications
• The existing standard methodologies for Pentest
• The strategy for web application Pentest
• The different types of testing that can be conducted
• The essential steps to execute a penetration test
• The tools that can be utilized for testing
• Some service providers for penetration testing
• Certifications for web penetration testing

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Why Is Penetration Testing Essential?

In the realm of security, a frequently used term is vulnerability.

As a security tester, I have often experienced confusion with the term vulnerability, and I believe many readers can relate to this as well.

To elucidate the distinction between vulnerability and pen-testing, let’s initially comprehend what Vulnerability signifies. Vulnerability is a term employed to detect defects in a system that can expose it to security threats.

Vulnerability Scanning or Pen Testing?

Vulnerability Scanning aids users in identifying recognized weaknesses in an application and proposes tactics to resolve and enhance total application security. It verifies if security patches have been installed and authenticates if systems are appropriately configured to avert attacks.

Penetration Testing, conversely, simulates real-time attacks to ascertain if unauthorized individuals can gain system access, the potential damage they can inflict, and the data’s vulnerability.

Vulnerability Scanning is a detective control measure that proposes ways to enhance security programs and avert the reappearance of known weaknesses. Penetration Testing is a preventive control method that offers an overall snapshot of the system’s current security layer.

Both techniques are crucial, but the choice is dependent on the specific testing objectives.

The Importance and Necessity of Web App Pen Testing:

• Pentest aids in identifying unknown vulnerabilities
• Evaluates the effectiveness of overall security guidelines
• Tests publicly displayed components such as firewalls, routers, and DNS
• Identifies the most susceptible routes for possible attacks
• Reveals loopholes that can lead to the theft of sensitive data

Considering the current market demand, the growing use of mobile devices has emerged as a significant possible target for attacks. Websites accessed through mobile phones are susceptible to more recurrent attacks, making penetration testing vital to guarantee a secured system that users can rely on.

Web Penetration Testing Methodology

Methodology alludes to a set of security industry guidelines on how the testing should be executed. While there are understood methodologies and standards available, each web application necessitates different types of tests. Testers can ascertain their own methodologies by adhering to prevailing standards in the industry.

Some renowned security testing methodologies and standards encompass:

• OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project)
• OSSTMM (Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual)
• PTF (Penetration Testing Framework)
• ISSAF (Information Systems Security Assessment Framework)
• PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard)

Test Scenarios:

The following are some test scenarios that can be integrated into Web Application Penetration Testing (WAPT):

1. Cross-Site Scripting
2. SQL Injection
3. Broken authentication and session management
4. File Upload flaws
5. Caching Servers Attacks
6. Security Misconfigurations
7. Cross-Site Request Forgery
8. Password Cracking

While the list is mentioned above, testers should not thoughtlessly construct their own methodology solely based on customary standards.

For example, take the pen testing of an e-commerce website into account. The vulnerabilities of an e-commerce website cannot be thoroughly identified using conventional methods such as XSS and SQL injection. To efficiently test the security of an e-commerce website, testers should build a methodology that incorporates flaws associated with order management, coupon and reward management, payment gateway integration, and content management system integration.

Before determining a methodology, it’s pivotal to comprehend the types of websites to be tested and choose which methods will disclose the maximum vulnerabilities.

Kinds of Web Penetration Testing

Web applications can be penetration tested in two manners: internally and externally.

#1) Internal Penetration Testing:

Internal penetration testing is executed within the organization, concentrating on web applications hosted on the intranet. It strives to reveal vulnerabilities that exist within the corporate firewall.

Internal pen testing frequently goes unnoticed or receives deficient attention, as organizations tend to focus primarily on external attacks. It includes scenarios such as attacks by disgruntled employees or contractors with knowledge of internal security regulations and passwords, social engineering attacks, phishing simulation, and attacks utilizing user privileges or unlocked terminals.

Testing is conducted by accessing the environment without proper credentials to ascertain if an unauthorized user can gain access.

#2) External Penetration Testing:

External penetration testing entails attacks from outside the organization, targeting web applications hosted on the internet. Testers simulate attacks from external sources who have minimal knowledge of the internal system.

To simulate external attacks, testers are given the IP address of the target system without any extra information. They need to search and scan public web pages to gather information about target hosts and then compromise the discovered hosts.

This type of testing primarily focuses on testing servers, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems.

Web Penetration Testing Strategy:

Web penetration testing can be executed in three stages:

#1) Planning Stage (Prior to Testing)

Before initiating the testing, it is advisable to strategize the types of tests to be executed, the testing approach, and determine if supplementary tools or access is required for Quality Assurance (QA) testers.

• Scope Definition – Define the testing scope, similar to functional testing, before starting the test efforts.
• Availability of Documentation to Testers – Ensure that testers possess all the necessary documents, such as web architecture details, integration points, web services integration, etc. Testers should be conversant with HTTP/HTTPS protocols, web application architecture, and traffic interception methods.
• Determining the Success Criteria – Unlike functional test cases, which derive expected results from user requirements or functional requirements, penetration testing adheres to a different model. Define and approve success criteria or passing criteria for test cases.
• Reviewing Previous Test Results – If prior testing has been executed, it is beneficial to review the results to comprehend previous vulnerabilities and the actions taken to address them. This offers valuable insights for testers.
• Understanding the Environment – Testers should acquire knowledge about the testing environment, including firewalls or other security protocols that may need to be temporarily disabled. Browsers utilized for testing should be configured as an attack platform, typically by modifying proxies.

#2) Attacks/Execution Stage (While Testing):

Web penetration testing can be executed from any location, provided that there are no restrictions on ports and services by the internet service provider.

• Test with Varied User Roles – Execute tests with users with different roles to observe any behavioral differences based on different user privileges.
• Handling Post-Exploitation – Follow the success criteria defined in Phase 1 to report any exploitations. Document the vulnerabilities found during testing and follow the defined process for reporting. This phase involves determining the necessary actions after compromising the system.
• Generate Test Reports – Proper reporting is crucial for any testing, including web application penetration testing. Testers should generate comprehensive reports detailing vulnerabilities discovered, the testing methodology employed, severity levels, and specific areas of concern.

#3) Post Execution Stage (Following Testing):

When the testing is finalized and test reports have been shared with respective teams, the following activities should be undertaken:

• Suggest Remediation – Penetration testing transcends identifying vulnerabilities. The team, including QA members, should review the findings and decide on the necessary remediation measures.
• Retest Vulnerabilities – After remediation has been implemented, retest to confirm that the rectified vulnerabilities are no longer present.
• Cleanup – As part of the penetration test, testers make modifications to proxy settings, therefore it is important to clean up and revert any changes made.

Premier Penetration Testing Tools

Now that you have procured a better comprehension of penetration testing, you might be wondering whether it can be executed manually, or if it always demands automation through tools. While automation offers benefits such as speed, error reduction, and extensive coverage, manual testing is still required to detect vulnerabilities related to business logic and diminish false positives.

The following is a list of penetration testing tools that can be employed:

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Free Pen Test Tool

Veracode

Vega

Burp Suite

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