• Test for Dynamic Application Security (DAST). Internally facing, low-risk applications that have to pass regulatory security evaluations are the best candidates for our automated application security test. The optimal approach is to combine DAST with some manual web security testing for common vulnerabilities for medium-risk apps and important applications going through minor changes.
• Test for Static Application Security (SAST). Both automated and manual testing methodologies are available with this application security strategy. It works best for finding bugs without requiring users to run programmes in a real-world setting. Additionally, it gives programmers the ability to scan source code for security flaws in software and systematically detect and fix them.
• Test for penetration. For critical applications, especially those undergoing significant modifications, this manual application security exam works well. Business logic and adversary-based testing are used in the evaluation to find sophisticated attack scenarios.
• Application Self-Protection in Runtime (RASP).In order to instrument an application such that threats may be seen as they run and, ideally, prevented in real time, a variety of technological solutions are used in this growing approach to application security.

Majority of Web Application Attacks

• SQL Injection
• XSS (Cross Site Scripting)
• Remote Command Execution
• Path Traversal

Attack Results

• Access to restricted content
• Compromised user accounts
• Installation of malicious code
• Lost sales revenue
• Loss of trust with customers
• Damaged brand reputation
• And much more

A Web application in today’s environment can be affected by a wide range of issues. The diagram above demonstrates several of the top attacks used by attackers, which can result in serious damage to an individual application or the overall organization. Knowing the different attacks that make an application vulnerable, in addition to the potential outcomes of an attack, allow your firm to preemptively address the vulnerabilities and accurately test for them.

By identifying the root cause of the vulnerabilities, mitigating controls can be implemented during the early stages of the SDLC to prevent any issues. Additionally, knowledge of how these attacks work can be leveraged to target known points of interest during a Web application security test.

Recognizing the impact of an attack is also key to managing your firm’s risk, as the effects of a successful attack can be used to gauge the vulnerability’s total severity. If issues are identified during a security test, defining their severity allows your firm to efficiently prioritize the remediation efforts. Start with critical severity issues and work towards lower impact issues to minimize risk to your firm.

Prior to an issue being identified, evaluating the potential impact against each application within your firm’s application library can facilitate the prioritization of application security testing. With an established list of high profile applications, wenb security testing can be scheduled to target your firm’s critical applications first with more targeted testing to lower the risk against the business.

The following non-exhaustive list of features should be reviewed during Web application security testing. An inappropriate implementation of each could result in vulnerabilities, creating serious risk for your organization.

• Application and server configuration. Potential defects are related to encryption/cryptographic configurations, Web server configurations, etc.
• Input validation and error handling. SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and other common injection vulnerabilities are the result of poor input and output handling.
• Authentication and session management. Vulnerabilities potentially resulting in user impersonation. Credential strength and protection should also be considered.
• Authorization. Testing the ability of the application to protect against vertical and horizontal privilege escalations.
• Business logic. These are important to most applications that provide business functionality.
• Client-side logic. With modern, JavaScript-heavy webpages, in addition to webpages using other types of client-side technologies (e.g., Silverlight, Flash, Java applets), this type of feature is becoming more prevalent.

The course is designed for experienced information security professionals. It can be appropriate for mid-level to advanced professionals involved with IT architecture, web and cloud security engineering, information security, governance, risk and compliance, or even IT auditing. The course builds on and brings together a holistic view of the topics covered in the everyday environment of information assurance professionals, such as:

IT security professionals

Auditors

Security practitioners

Site administrators

Penetration testers

Security engineers