Web app security testing methodologies make sure that apps are strong against prospective weaknesses and threats. Here are some of the most popular and useful methodologies:
- Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
Description: Security testing without application execution but through source code, binaries, or bytecode analysis.
Tools: SonarQube, Checkmarx, Veracode.
Key Focus:Code quality and security flaws.Vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, buffer overflows, or insecure APIs.
Code quality and security flaws.
Vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, buffer overflows, or insecure APIs. - DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing)
Description: This dynamic analysis tests the application in a running state to find out vulnerabilities in the runtime.
Tools so long: OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite, Acunetix
Key Focus: Finding issues that only happen at runtime, like XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) or authentication problems - Scanning web application behavior and testing against malicious inputs
Interactive SAST (Static Application Security Testing)
Description: Fusion of SAST and DAST, as tests are being executed while observing application behavior at runtime.
Tools: Contrast Security, Seeker, Fortify
Key Focus: Real-Time Vulnerability Detection and Increased precision—fewer false positives - Penetration Testing
Description: Penetration testing is a manual or automatic procedure used to exploit vulnerabilities and understand the potential threats that can happen because of it.
Tools: Kali Linux, Metasploit, Nessus.
Key Focus:Exploiting identified vulnerabilities.Testing of business logic flaws & insecure configurations.
Exploiting identities vulnerabilities.
Testing for business logic flaws and unauthorized configurations.
- Threat Modeling
Description: Identification of potential vulnerabilities and risks is based on the architecture and application features.
Frameworks: STRIDE, DREAD, PASTA.
Key Focus: In the context of security, it includes the threat check. Risk mitigation strategies should be a priority.
- Vulnerability Scanning
Description: Automatically discovering known security holes in the application and the environment.
Tools: Nessus, Qualys, OpenVAS.
Key Focus:Checking against databases like CVE.Detecting outdated software and insecure dependencies.
Checking against databases like CVE.
Detecting outdated software and insecure dependencies.
- Fuzz Testing (Fuzzing)
Description: It sends random or malformed inputs to the application to find out unexpected behavior.
Tools: Peach Fuzzer, AFL (American Fuzzy Lop).
Key Focus: Testing input validation and error handling. Detecting buffer overflows and injection vulnerabilities.
Testing input validation and error handling.
Detecting buffer overflows and injection vulnerabilities.
- Compliance Testing
Description: This is a technique that is used to ensure that the application meets the standards and regulations of the industry.
Standards: PCI DSS, GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001.
Key Focus:Compliance with security policies.Data privacy and security measures.
Security policies compliance.
Data privacy and security measures.
- Zero-Day Vulnerability Testing
Description: Testing the application for security vulnerabilities which are not yet known to the public.
Tools: Specialized threat intelligence and security research.
Key Focus:Preparing for unknown threats.Proactive mitigation strategies.
Preparing for unknown threats.
Proactive mitigation strategies.
- Red Team/Blue Team Exercises
Description: Pretending genuine hackers make an attack red team participants stands for the attack and blue team survives the application.
Key Focus:Erasing the blind spots in the detection and response segment and also use other practices as well such as security awareness and response capabilities.
Another security area is avoiding the detection and response of cyber-attack.
Moreover, it is about cybersecurity information and quick solution. - Best Practices
SDLC-secure development: Including security testing in development at every stage of the production (DevSecOps).
QA Automation: Execute CI/CD pipelines making use of SAST, DAST, and vulnerability scans auto.
Continuous Updates: Regularly update tools and methodologies to counteract new threats.
Identification and Correction: Write down the reasons, mark the priority of bugs to be fixed and then perform the tests again.
