Web API security testing

APIs are attractive targets for attackers due to their vulnerability and vital nature, particularly when managing sensitive data. A considerable 58% of respondents strongly agree or agree that APIs increase the attack surface across all tiers of the technological stack. To reduce the danger of security breaches, deploying strong security measures, understanding the various forms of attacks, and analyzing their possible consequences are critical. There are numerous ways to secure APIs, today we’ll talk about one of the measures the Web API Penetration Testing. In this post, we will discuss one of the strategies: Web API pen-testing. We’ll also cover the difference between normal API and Web API, the importance and benefits of securing APIs, the top vulnerabilities, how web API pentest is conducted, and the advanced Pentesting strategies. Keep reading to learn more. The Difference Between Web API and Normal API Penetration Testing API pentesting and Web API pentesting both involve assessing the security of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), but they focus on different aspects and contexts. When securing your company’s digital assets, understanding the nuances between Web API and normal API penetration testing is crucial. Let’s break it down: 1. Scope and Focus: Web API Testing: Primarily focuses on APIs accessed via web protocols such as HTTP/HTTPS. This includes RESTful APIs commonly used in web and mobile applications.  Normal API Testing: Encompasses a broader spectrum, including APIs that may not necessarily be web-based. It includes testing protocols like SOAP, MQTT, or even internal APIs within your network. 2. Communication Protocols: Web API Testing: Concentrates on APIs interacting over web protocols, utilizing HTTP methods for communication.  Normal API Testing: Encompasses a wider range, covering APIs using diverse communication protocols beyond the web, ensuring a comprehensive security evaluation. 3. Security Concerns: Web API Testing: Emphasizes issues like injection attacks, authentication flaws, and improper access controls typically associated with web-based APIs.  Normal API Testing: Expands the focus to include protocol-specific vulnerabilities, ensuring a thorough examination of potential risks in diverse API implementations. Are you a business using APIs in your web applications and worried about their security? We at Qualysec have the best and most experienced penetration testers to secure it. Chat with us for FREE today! Talk to our Cybersecurity Expert to discuss your specific needs and how we can help your business. Schedule a Call The Methodologies Used in Web API Security Testing Companies can create their penetration testing processes and procedures; however, a few Web API security testing methodologies have become standard in the testing industry due to their effectiveness. They are: Penetration Test Execution Standard (PTES) Information security practitioners established this standard to provide an up-to-date guide for penetration testers and educate businesses on what to expect from a penetration test. Furthermore, PTES contains seven sections: Pre-engagement Interactions  Intelligence gathering  Threat Modeling  Vulnerability Analysis  Exploitation  Post-exploitation Reporting Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) OWASP provides enterprises with a wide list of web application vulnerability categories and ways to mitigate or resolve them. OWASP provides various resources to help improve the security posture of both internal and external web applications. Open-Source Security Testing Methodology Manual (OSSTMM) OSSTMM is a peer-reviewed methodology maintained by the Institute for Security and Open Methodologies (ISECOM) and updated every six months. Furthermore, OSSTMM offers instructions on how to test the security of the five operating channels. They are: Human Security  Physical Security  Wireless communication  Telecommunication  Data Networks What are the types of API Penetration Testing? A protocol is a collection of instructions and forms to be followed. APIs should also follow any of the API protocols described below: SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) SOAP is an XML document with four components: envelope, header, body, and fault. The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) standardized SOAP. SOAP has strong regulations, which tightens security. Furthermore, it is very versatile and supports a variety of protocols, including HTTP. It is platform agnostic. The size of the message influences overall performance. Many legacy and financial apps continue to utilize SOAP. GraphQL GraphQL is a query language. Instead of delivering all the attributes in your answer, you may specify the values you anticipate. GraphQL supports various programming languages, including JS, Java, Python, C++, Perl, Ruby, and Scala. JSON is the recommended format for both payload and replies. There are numerous more benefits as well. Many developers began utilizing GraphQL for faster and easier implementation. REST: Representational State Transfer REST is more of a client-server design and is stateless. The Client and Server function as independent components. A resource-based strategy involves direct communication with the resource. REST communicates via HTTP/HTTPS requests. Furthermore, RESTful APIs are speedier, scalable, dependable, reusable, and favored in most newly produced apps. Read more: Common Rest API Security Threats Why is Web API Security Testing Important? In the digital age, where seamless data exchange between applications is the norm, the significance of Web API security testing cannot be overstated. Furthermore, Web APIs serve as the conduits for sharing sensitive information, making them enticing targets for malicious actors. Web API security testing is vital for regulatory compliance and maintaining stakeholder trust. By proactively addressing security concerns, companies can establish a resilient digital infrastructure that safeguards sensitive data and fosters confidence among users and partners. Web API security testing mitigates the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.  Ensures compliance with industry regulations and standards.  Protects sensitive information and user privacy in the digital ecosystem.  Identifies and addresses vulnerabilities, preventing potential exploits.  Enhances stakeholder trust by demonstrating a commitment to robust cybersecurity practices. The Benefits of Web API Security Testing Here are some of the benefits of running Web API Penetration Testing  on your online API: 1. Maintains Compliance APIs, if misused, can expose sensitive personal and commercial data. Companies must obey regulations and standards, such as: HIPAA protects healthcare information.  GDPR in Europe.  PCI-DSS for payment card businesses. Abusing the restrictions may result in a civil or criminal action by the regulatory authorities. 2. Prevents Cyberattacks Penetration testing can detect vulnerabilities that, if exploited by hackers or other parties, might lead to cyberattacks. Furthermore, identified vulnerabilities may be patched to avoid