API Penetration Testing
The recent growth in Application Programming Interface (APIs) has increased the potential for security breaches. To meet this challenge, API Penetration Testing or API Pen Testing helps identify the vulnerabilities associated with APIs.
What Is An API?
An API helps software applications talk to each other by acting as a mediator for communication and interaction.
Developers can use it to access functions and data from existing systems or web services. This simplifies the integration of different components into web applications.
This tool is useful for developers and users, but it can also create security risks.
Certified by CREST and Offensive Security, our qualified testers employ real-world hacking techniques to uncover profound insights.
Why is API testing important?
Security testing of APIs is essential for a number of reasons. Firstly, APIs often expose sensitive data and functionalities, making them a prime target for malicious attackers.
API penetration testing, broken object level authorisation (BOLA) refers to a vulnerability where the application fails to properly enforce access controls on individual objects. An attacker can access and manipulate data.
By compromising an API, attackers can gain unwarranted access to critical information or manipulate system behaviour, leading to potential data breaches or service disruptions.
Keeping APIs secure is important to protect your data, services and assessing the security. Overall it helps reduce the risk of an attack.
What are common API vulnerabilities?
There are several common API vulnerabilities that can pose significant security risks:
Excessive Data Exposure
This occurs when an API provides more data than necessary, potentially disclosing sensitive information.
Security Misconfigurations
These can include improper access controls or default credentials that can allow unwanted users to exploit API endpoints.
Broken function authorisation
Attackers can exploit weak access controls and permissions to perform unwanted actions by gaining access.
Improper asset management
This involves inadequate handling of resources, leading to potential security gaps or abuse.
Curious About The Craft Behind Penetration Testing?
It’s a blend of art and science. Explore our playbook for the methodologies our experts use in each test.
What Are the Latest OWASP API Top 10 Security Vulnerabilities for 2023?
1
Broken Object Level Authorisation
APIs frequently expose endpoints that handle object identifiers, which can lead to risks in object-level access control. It’s essential that every function interacting with a data source via an ID includes object-level authorisation checks.
2
Broken Object Property Level Authorisation
This issue highlights the need for proper authorisation checks on individual object properties. These checks help prevent unauthorised data manipulation. They also address concerns about data exposure and mass assignment.
3
Unrestricted Resource Consumption
API requests can consume significant network bandwidth, CPU, memory, and other resources. If not managed properly, this could lead to DoS attacks or increased operational costs. Attackers may exploit resource-intensive API functions.
4
Broken Function Level Authorisation
Problems occur when access control rules are unclear. This confusion makes it simple for unauthorised users to access sensitive functions. The issue arises from a lack of clarity between user roles and administrative controls.
5
Broken Authentication
Security breaches can happen when authentication methods are not secure. This can let attackers access tokens or pretend to be users, making the API less secure.
6
Unrestricted Access to Sensitive Business Flows
APIs that fail to adequately protect business processes can be exploited to perform actions like excessive ticket purchases or comment posting, disrupting normal business operations.
7
Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
SSRF vulnerabilities occur when APIs fail to properly validate URLs. This allows attackers to send requests to unauthorised locations and bypass security measures such as firewalls or VPNs.
8
Security Misconfiguration
APIs are vulnerable to attacks because their configurations are complex and not well managed. This puts systems at risk of security threats. Developers and DevOps teams are often responsible for managing API configurations.
9
Unsafe Consumption of APIs
A common pitfall is over-relying on third-party API data, which can lead to weaker security practices compared to how user input is handled. Attackers often exploit this misplaced trust to breach APIs through integrated services rather than targeting the primary API directly.
10
Improper Inventory Management
It’s important to monitor APIs and their versions to prevent security risks caused by outdated or faulty APIs. Keeping track of APIs and their versions helps to ensure that they are up-to-date and functioning properly. This can help to protect against potential vulnerabilities and security breaches. By staying informed about API updates and changes, you can mitigate the risk of security threats.
The Advantages Of API Penetration Testing
- Spot Vulnerabilities
API Penetration Testing reveals weaknesses and assesses their potential for exploitation within your API setup, identifying areas susceptible to attacks.
- Boost Security
After identifying vulnerabilities, we deliver comprehensive reports and swift remediation to enhance your overall security.
- Ensure Compliance
Our API Penetration Testing ensures you adhere to industry regulations and standards, reducing the risk of fines or penalties. We follow ISO 27001, UK Data Protection Act 2018, GDPR, and other laws and standards.
- Safeguard Customer Data
Securing your APIs protects sensitive customer information from unauthorised access and potential breaches.
How Does API Penetration Testing Work?
- The testing process starts with gathering information about the API, including its endpoints, methods, and parameters. This information helps identify potential entry points and areas to focus on during the test. Next, the tester evaluates the authentication and authorisation mechanisms actively to ensure they are properly implemented and robust.
- Once the initial assessment is complete, the penetration testers then proceeds with vulnerability scanning and penetration testing. Vulnerability scanning uses automated tools to check for security weaknesses in APIs, like outdated software or misconfigurations. Penetration testing goes a step further by attempting to exploit vulnerabilities manually, simulating real-world attacks and assessing the API's resilience to malicious activities.
- During the pen test, the team uses various methods to identify weaknesses in the API. These methods include fuzzing, injection attacks, and session hijacking. Each method is designed to uncover vulnerabilities in the system. By using a combination of these techniques, security experts can assess the overall security of the API. The tester will check how the API responds to unusual situations. This includes scenarios such as a lot of traffic or harmful inputs. The goal is to ensure that the API can handle these situations safely.
- After testing, the tester records their findings. This includes weaknesses, potential impacts, and suggestions for improvement.
Penetration Testing Resources
Meet Our Pen Testers
API Penetration Testing from Equilibrium Security
At Equilibrium Security, our security team offers comprehensive API Penetration Testing. We use the latest methodology to ensure that your APIs are secure and robust.
As your partner in Cyber Security, we will help you stay one step ahead of evolving threats.
To find out more about API Penetration Testing and our comprehensive range of services, contact us today.
- Real-world Attack Simulation: Mimics actual cyber-attack methods to evaluate the API's defence mechanisms and security control
- Comprehensive Reporting: Provides detailed findings, risk assessments, and remediation recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time required for API penetration testing varies based on the project’s size. The number of APIs that need testing has a significant influence on it. Naturally, testing more APIs will extend the engagement period. Nevertheless, you can have some general expectations based on your choice of penetration testing provider.
The timing for reporting depends on the findings, the number of vulnerabilities, and the time required for prioritising remediation. Auditors can access detailed technical reports, while your organisation’s leadership and Board members can view an Executive Report.
APIs come in in two varieties of testing:
- SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol): This protocol facilitates the exchange of structured information in web services through XML. Developers still use SOAP, but they now prefer newer APIs like REST.
- REST (Representational State Transfer): REST is an architectural style that utilises standard HTTP methods. It’s lightweight and straightforward to implement, making it the most commonly used architecture for APIs today.
Several tools are frequently employed for API penetration testing, including:
Postman: Ideal for testing API endpoints and automating tests to ensure functionality and security.
Burp Suite: A robust tool for web application security testing with extensive features for comprehensive API security assessments.
OWASP ZAP: An open-source tool designed to identify vulnerabilities in web applications, including APIs.
SoapUI: Tailored specifically for testing both SOAP and REST APIs, offering specialised features for these protocols.
Typically, APIs should undergo security testing at least once a year or following any major changes or updates. Regular testing is crucial for maintaining robust security and safeguarding APIs from emerging cyber threats. If you’re unsure whether a change qualifies as significant, it’s a good idea to consult with security experts.
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