One of the vital testing techniques for web applications is Penetration testing, also known as the Pen test. In this process, testers carry out an imitation of unauthorized attacks internally and externally on the application to obtain sensitive data. By doing so, the testers identify the ways and chances a hacker can access the data from the internet, checking the security of the email servers and examining how secure is the web hosting and server from hackers are.
But is it really important to perform a Pen Test to the Web Application Developed? The answer to this is definitely Yes. Once developers create an application, testers conduct various types of testing, each targeting specific vulnerabilities. Vulnerabilities are defects in the system that can expose it to security threats.So, let us understand the importance and need for Pen Testing of Web Application.
- Pentest helps in finding the unknown vulnerabilities.
- Helps in identifying the use of security policies
- testing of openly exposed components like DNS, firewall, and routers.
- It helps in finding the flaws, which can result in the theft of sensitive information.
As we have understood the importance of pen testing, let us dive more, and understand the Web Penetration Testing methodology.
The methodology refers to a set of guidelines for industry security on how testing can be performed. There are some set of methodologies and standards that are defined to be used in testing, but since each web application differs and requires different types of tests to be performed, the testers follow their own Methodology by referring to standards available in the market such as OWASP(open web application security project), PTF(penetration testing framework, PCI DSS(payment card industry data security standard), OSSTMM(open source security testing methodology manual), ISSAF(information systems security assessment framework).
Types of Web Penetration Testing:
Internal Penetration testing: This testing is performed within the organization across the LAN. Therefore it includes testing a web application hosted on the intranet. This helps to find out the vulnerabilities that exist within the corporate firewall.
External Penetration Testing: Here, the testing is done on the web application hosted on the internet as the attack is expected from outside the organization. Testers perform the testing behaving like hackers who are not much known of the internal system. This type of testing involves testing of firewalls, servers, and IDs.
Pen testing approach on the Web Application.
The web application penetration testing process consists of three phases.
1. Planning phase
During the planning phase, testers determine the type of testing, testing methodologies, and necessary testing tools for application testing. In this phase, we consider the following steps:
- Purpose of testing before starting the test efforts
- Providing the necessary information to the testers related to testing
- Comparing the test results from the previous testing
- Understanding the environment such as firewalls or other security protocol
2. Execution phaseDuring the testing phase, the application undergoes testing for potential intruder attacks. During this phase, we consider taking the following steps.
- Make sure to run the test with different user roles.
- Awareness of how to deal with vulnerabilities during testing.
- Generate the test results.
3. Post Execution phase:
Let us check the steps involved in this phase, where it focuses on the next step of the execution phase.
- After completing the testing and generating reports, testers must discuss the remedies needed to address the vulnerabilities.
- After rectification, testers need to retest to check for vulnerabilities.
- Once everything is settled, testers should revert all changes made to the proxy settings during testing, ensuring a clean-up process.
Conclusion:
Every testing performed on any application aims to deliver a flawless product. Krify’s team of experts dedicates itself to developing mobile and web applications, ensuring top – quality testing.
Would you like your Application to be tested for basic Vulnerabilities ? Contact us for an initial free audit Report.
