Business Continuity Management Systems
What is web application testing?
Web applications can offer significant attack surface for threat actors to target. As web services are typically accessible by a wide audience of users, it's likely that an attacker would have significant time to probe for weaknesses in your security, explore functionalities, and exploit any vulnerabilities they find.
Web application penetration testing involves a skilled consultant adopting a real-world threat actor’s mindset to assess available functionality and identify vulnerabilities or misconfigurations that could put your systems at risk. These findings are then assessed and prioritised based on the actual, measurable risk posed to your organisation and reported to you with clear, actionable insights.
Even if an application isn't publicly accessible, internal services are still at risk of compromise if an organisation’s perimeter is breached, or an insider threat is present on the network.
Proactive testing helps identify and address these risks before they can be exploited.
Tailored web application testing
Every web application is unique, and so is our approach to penetration testing. We tailor our testing methods to match the specific technologies and architecture within your environment, ensuring that the assessment is both thorough and relevant.
While the exact process may vary, our web application penetration testing typically includes the following steps:
Reconnaissance
We start by identifying and mapping out your application’s resources and endpoints. This process helps us uncover critical functions that could be exploited by an attacker. We also fingerprint services, dependencies, and functionality to understand the application’s architecture and potential weak points.
Dependency investigation
Third-party libraries, software platforms, and frameworks are carefully analysed to determine their versions and identify any publicly known vulnerabilities. This step helps us spot risks associated with outdated or unpatched components that could be exploited.
Data validation and filtering
Features that accept user-submitted information are assessed to identify whether malicious data can be inserted or introduced to the environment.
Access control
We evaluate how the application manages user access and data segregation, ensuring that users only have access to what they are authorised to see or do. Session management controls are also investigated to ensure that they are implemented following security best practices.
Configuration review
We examine the application’s server configurations and dependencies for signs of improper hosting. This can include information leakage (such as verbose headers and errors) or weak encryption methods (for secure communication).
Additional steps may be taken to investigate potential vulnerabilities, depending on what resources were identified during the reconnaissance stage of the engagement.
The value web application testing brings to your organisation
Web application penetration testing provides assurance and demonstrates due diligence, ensuring that both your web applications and online services are secure.
PGI prioritises identified vulnerabilities based on the real-world risk they pose to your organisation, taking into account factors such as impact and complexity. This provides you with informed remediation advice to better prioritise and implement fixes within your environment.
By taking an active role in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, you are taking a proactive approach to improving your overall security posture and staying one step ahead of threat.
Proactive protection
Identifying and addressing vulnerabilities helps strengthen security, Our approach includes tailored recommendations for a layered defence strategy.
Security assurance
Ensure your services are secure and protected from threats and demonstrate due diligence to your clients.
Risk-based insights
We help you to prioritise vulnerabilities based on real-world risk, providing actionable recommendations for effective fixes.