What is Web Application Testing?
Web Application Testing is the process of evaluating a web-based application for security flaws, misconfigurations, and vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. It involves both automated and manual testing techniques and follows well-defined methodologies such as the OWASP Testing Guide.
⚙️ Testing Workflow
- Information Gathering: Understand the application architecture, technologies, and entry points.
- Mapping the Application: Crawl the application to discover pages, parameters, and hidden endpoints.
- Vulnerability Detection: Use tools and manual techniques to identify vulnerabilities (e.g. XSS, SQLi).
- Exploitation: Attempt to exploit identified flaws in a controlled manner.
- Post-Exploitation: Assess impact, privilege escalation opportunities, and data exposure.
- Reporting: Document all findings with impact assessment and remediation advice.
🧱 OWASP Top 10 – Core Focus Areas
1. Injection
SQL, NoSQL, OS commands, or LDAP queries injected via input fields. Prevented using parameterized queries and input validation.
2. Broken Authentication
Improper session handling or weak credentials allowing attackers to impersonate users.
3. Sensitive Data Exposure
Unencrypted or improperly stored data such as credentials or financial info.
4. Broken Access Control
Users accessing data or actions beyond their privileges (e.g., IDOR).
5. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Injection of malicious scripts into trusted websites, affecting other users.
🛠️ Step-by-Step Example
Testing for Reflected XSS:
# Step 1: Discover a vulnerable parameter
https://target.com/search?q=test
# Step 2: Inject payload
https://target.com/search?q=<script>alert(1)</script>
# Step 3: Observe execution
If the alert box appears, the parameter is likely vulnerable.
# Step 4: Confirm and Report
Ensure payload is not being filtered or encoded.
Testing for SQL Injection:
# Step 1: Basic payload test
https://target.com/product?id=1'
# Step 2: Observe SQL error in response
# Step 3: Use SQLMap for confirmation
sqlmap -u "https://target.com/product?id=1" --batch --dbs
🔧 Tools You Should Know
- Burp Suite: Intercept, modify, and test requests
- OWASP ZAP: Free scanner for automated and manual testing
- SQLMap: Automated SQLi detection and exploitation
- Wapiti: Web app vulnerability scanner
- Dirb / Gobuster: Brute force web directories and files
💡 Pro Tips
- Always test in authorized environments
- Automate common tasks but manually verify critical issues
- Use a proxy (Burp/ZAP) to intercept and tamper requests
- Look beyond OWASP Top 10 – business logic flaws matter
- Practice regularly on platforms like PortSwigger and Hack The Box