What Is Web Application Security Testing? | In Simple Terms

No one can deny the increasing trend of cyber attacks on companies holding vast amounts of data. Unfortunately, some companies still underestimate the critical nature of security measures. Despite the financial losses of data breaches, IBM’s research indicates that half of the affected organizations do not intend to increase their security expenditure. This reluctance to invest in security measures can lead to severe consequences, as breached companies typically experience low performance.

‍

In this article, we will explore various types of web application security testing and provide expert guidance on 10 essential steps to strengthen the security of your web applications.

What is Web Application Security Testing?

Web application security testing is crucial to pinpoint weaknesses that can result in data breaches, malware attacks, and problems with access control, putting the application’s security at risk. During this process, experts examine the application’s code and structure to uncover vulnerabilities like XSS, SQL injections, privilege escalation, and broken access control.

‍

This testing is typically carried out in two main phases. Initially, automated scanning tools are employed to search for common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs). Subsequently, manual pen-testing is conducted to detect business logic vulnerabilities and simulate real-world attack scenarios. Finally, a comprehensive report offers in-depth analysis and recommendations for addressing identified vulnerabilities.

‍

Web application security testing guarantees that web applications are safe and free from vulnerabilities that could be exploited, potentially causing data breaches or harmful attacks. Moreover, this testing assists organizations in adhering to industry rules and standards like PCI DSS and HIPAA.

‍

‍

Who Performs Web Application Security Testing?

A professional web application security tester or in-house team is the best option to audit your system applications regularly using automated tools. As a solopreneur or app developer, you can independently perform preparatory application security testing.

‍

For better results, it is advisable to hire professional security testers like ioSENTRIX, who can handle the complexity of web applications.

Business Benefits of Web App Security Testing

‍

Improved Security

Proactively identifying vulnerabilities through security testing prevents costly data breaches and malicious attacks.

‍

Increased Reputation

Businesses that prioritize security earn customer trust. Regular web application testing showcases a dedication to safeguarding customer data and enhancing reputation and trustworthiness.

‍

‍

Cost Savings

Early detection of issues through security testing saves money by preventing expensive repairs or replacements caused by attacks or breaches. Moreover, compliance with industry regulations avoids bulk fines for non-compliance.

‍

Better Performance

Routine testing uncovers performance bottlenecks and inefficiencies, leading to improvements in speed and accuracy. Businesses can then make necessary adjustments to enhance overall performance and user satisfaction.

‍

Increased Efficiency

Identifying system weaknesses streamlines processes and increases efficiency by eliminating redundant tasks and unnecessary steps. Web application security testing helps businesses operate more smoothly and effectively across the board.

Processes Involved In Web Application Security Testing

Web Application Security Testing includes important steps to find vulnerabilities and ensure a safe online environment. Let’s look at some of these key steps:

‍

Brute Force Attack Testing

This evaluates how strong the login systems are by trying many password combinations to gain unauthorized entry. Testing like this helps experts see how well the application can resist such attacks and find any weak spots in password security.

‍

Have detailed insights on RDP Brute Force Attacks on Rise. How to Keep Your Businesses Safe?

‍

Password Quality Rules

Testing these rules ensures that the application enforces strong password guidelines. It checks if users are required to use a mix of characters, numbers, and symbols, and examines password length, complexity rules, and expiration policies to prevent attackers from exploiting weak passwords.

‍

Session Cookies

These are crucial for user authentication and maintaining sessions. Security testing looks at how session cookies are encrypted and transmitted securely. By analyzing these cookies, testers ensure that sensitive user data stays encrypted and that cookies are protected from theft or tampering.

‍

‍

User Authorization Processes

This testing reviews how the application handles user access. It checks if users are given the right access based on their roles and ensures that unauthorized users are blocked from restricted areas.

‍

SQL Injection

This type of attack is common. Security testing involves trying SQL injection attacks to find vulnerabilities. Testers inject harmful SQL queries into input fields to see if the application is at risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.

Different Software Testing Types for Web Application Security Testing?

‍

Static Application Security Testing (SAST)

SAST is known as a white box testing method. It looks inside an application to find design flaws by analyzing source code, bytecode, and binaries when the app is not in use. A SAST scan can occur early in the software development lifecycle (SDLC) since it doesn’t need a working application or deployed code.

‍

Early in the software development life cycle (SDLC), Static Application Security Testing (SAST) offers developers immediate feedback to address code issues before moving to the next stage of development. Regularly using SAST tools is crucial to detect vulnerabilities whenever the application undergoes updates or builds.

‍

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)

DAST testing is different from other AppSec testing because it looks at applications from the outside. Unlike other tools that need access to source code and internal application details, DAST tests an application in its normal environment using simulated attacks. That’s why it’s also known as black box testing or outside-in testing, where testers don’t need to know the internal workings of the system.

‍

Read more on: SAST vs DAST: What’s the Difference?

‍

Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST)

The central component of an IAST tool consists of sensor modules and software libraries integrated into the application code. These sensor modules monitor the behavior of the application during the execution of interactive tests. When a vulnerability is identified, an alert is generated and sent.

Examples of vulnerabilities may include storing API keys in plaintext, failing to clean user inputs, or establishing connections without SSL encryption.

‍

‍

Vulnerability Scanning

Vulnerability scanners are automated tools that check web applications for security weaknesses. They examine websites for common security issues like cross-site scripting, SQL injection, and cross-site fake requests.

‍

Advanced scanners can explore applications more deeply. The innovative testing methods utilized by ioSENTRIX, enable it to identify vulnerabilities that other scanners may overlook. This includes detecting complex threats like asynchronous SQL injection and blind SSRF.

‍

Red Teaming

Red teaming is a service where ethical hackers, authorized by your organization, imitate real attackers to test your systems. This helps identify and fix security issues before they are exploited, making your organization more secure.

‍

A red team uses attack simulation techniques to imitate the actions of skilled attackers, such as advanced persistent threats. This helps assess how well your organization can handle an attack with a specific goal by testing its people, processes, and technologies.

How Can ioSENTRIX help?

Web application security testing is a method to find and reduce security weaknesses in web applications. It checks the code, structure, and deployment setup of web apps to make sure they are safe and don’t have vulnerabilities that could be exploited for data breaches or attacks. Regular testing helps companies catch problems early, secure their data, and follow industry rules.

‍

ioSENTRIX specializes in QA and software testing, assisting clients with diverse security testing needs. Our team of Certified Ethical Hackers (CEHs) guarantees the security of your application by addressing vulnerabilities and adhering to critical security criteria such as confidentiality, authorization, authentication, availability, integrity, and non-repudiation. With a decade of experience, our committed teams assess a range of applications for security risks and perform detailed security testing to detect and resolve threats and vulnerabilities thoroughly.

‍