What is meant by Web Application
A web application is a software application that is accessed over the Internet using a web browser. Web applications are designed to be used by multiple users and can be accessed from any device with an Internet connection. They are often used to provide online services or to interact with databases or other systems.
Web applications are now an integral part of any corporate information system, essential tools for services of various kinds, internal or external: webmail, Intranet portals, e-procurement, customer support, home banking, file sharing and much more. Web vulnerability is a complex topic, especially since weaknesses in this area quickly become known and are widely used to carry out attacks on businesses and individuals.
Every business today uses many different types of Web applications, from webmail to banking, intranets and so on. In this context, verifying, certifying and guaranteeing security is essential, also and above all because these are exposed functions, by their very nature.
How a web application penetration test works
Safecore examines the security of web applications using specific vulnerability and penetration tests, following international reference methodologies such as the OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project, https://owasp.org). These tests include checks in black-box mode, i.e. without prior knowledge of the target systems and without the use of user credentials, as well as in authenticated mode. By checking the vulnerabilities that emerge after access, the company is protected not only from possible internal abuse but also from complications resulting from data leaks.
Penetration testing on web applications involves an analysis on two levels: one technical and the other relating to the underlying business logic.
The double check
The tests carried out cover the technical area but also focus on the application logic, to identify any possible abuse.
This second set of checks is essential to guarantee complete safety.
Infact, very often vulnerability assessments on web applications show weaknesses and vulnerabilities at the level of their own logic. In other words, it is not necessary for a possible attacker to identify problems of a technical nature, but simply to exploit errors made in the design and development phases of the platform.
What is a web application penetration test?
The Penetration Test for web applications is essentially a controlled simulation of a cyber attack, aimed at evaluating the level of security of websites. We start with a thorough investigation to detect system vulnerabilities, using specific tools and manual tests. Once potential entry points have been identified, we move on to the attack simulation phase.
The main objective of this test on an online platform is to try to gain control of the site and, depending on the scope defined for the test, also attempt to access the network and the entire company infrastructure. A real hacker, succeeding in this, would seriously compromise the company's security, being able to access backend data, download confidential files, change passwords and disconnect other users from the portal.
How a web application penetration test takes place
Our experts, using their vast experience and effectively combining both commercial and open source tools, offer a detailed and complete analysis of the vulnerabilities that most frequently or severely impact web applications.
Our tests cover all critical areas, including authentication, authorization, session management, error handling, encryption, input validation and business logic analysis.
This service can also be extended to SOAP or REST based web services. Following best practices, Safecore ensures that all vulnerability tests are conducted in conditions that reflect real usage scenarios as faithfully as possible.
The output of a WAPT
At the end of the simulation carried out, our team thoroughly analyzes the results of the pentest to report to the company everything that emerged in a clear and detailed way.
The output will therefore be a completely customized report on the security level of the analyzed web app. Our report includes:
- The description of all testing actions undertaken by our specialists;
- The details of the vulnerabilities present on the analyzed web app;
- The level of criticality of the vulnerabilities found.
The use of the results obtained
Thanks to the results that emerged from the WAPT carried out, our team of specialists will be able to help your company implement all the corrective strategies necessary to improve the levels of cyber security and effectively prevent online data theft.
Results obtained will come used to suggest and indicate the necessary countermeasures to improve the security of the web applications used. Generally the possible solutions range from the adoption of good practices, the correction of design and programming errors and the adoption of additional solutions to increase the robustness of the infrastructure, such as a Web Application Firewall, or the enhancement of countermeasures that may already be present.
Who can benefit?
Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Assessment for web applications are essential for all companies and organizations that use web-based applications to offer services crucial to their business. This is especially true considering the nature of the data managed, which may concern customers, employees or partners. Through our tests and controls, companies can identify the points most exposed to potential attacks. They can then use the information obtained to ensure full compliance with regulations and industry standards such as the PCI DSS and the GDPR, thus preventing problems from both an operational and legal perspective.
