Penetration Testing for Web Applications and Web APIs
Web applications and APIs form the backbone of countless business processes, making their security a top priority. Our specialized penetration tests for web applications and APIs are designed to uncover and address potential security risks before they can be exploited by malicious actors.
Through a blend of automated scans and in-depth manual reviews, our web application and API penetration tests provide a comprehensive defense against a wide array of security threats. We don’t just aim to identify current vulnerabilities; we also show you possibilities for improvement that enhance the long-term security of your browser-based applications.
Why Are Penetration Tests for Web Apps and APIs Essential?
Every web application—from simple calendar apps to complex health management tools—handles data that, if compromised, could lead to significant data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. In the worst-case scenario, a security gap in the application could grant access to the underlying web server, potentially exposing the entire infrastructure. Continuous testing and protection of these applications are therefore critical to safeguarding your organization’s data and operational integrity.
By partnering with us for penetration testing, you gain peace of mind knowing your applications are fortified against evolving security threats, ensuring a resilient, secure foundation for your business processes.
Our Approach to Penetration Testing
Our pentests generally follow five key phases, which we can tailor to your specific needs. Upon request, we also provide a final presentation and can conduct follow-up tests as needed. In every case, you will receive a detailed, easy-to-understand report that includes a management summary and actionable recommendations to address any identified vulnerabilities.
Kick-off
Execution
Documentation
final
presentation
Retesting
Learn more about each step in our pentesting process here. If you have any questions or would like to discuss pentesting in detail, our expert pentest team is ready to assist you. Contact us—we look forward to your inquiry!
Our Approach to Web Application and API Testing
To begin our penetration test, we conduct a foundational assessment of the underlying web or API server, mirroring our established external and internal network pentesting methods. This initial check ensures that the infrastructure supporting your web application or API is free from known vulnerabilities. This step is flexible and can be customized or skipped if, for example, the system is shared or the server has been evaluated in a recent network test.
Following the server assessment, we proceed with an automated scan of the application using a specialized web application scanner. These scanners are designed to quickly detect a broad spectrum of security issues, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), misconfigurations, and data exposure. For our penetration tests, we rely on industry-leading tools, such as Burp Suite Professional, to ensure comprehensive coverage.
After the automated scan, we perform a detailed manual security assessment of your web application or API. Our skilled team scrutinizes the application’s functionalities to identify vulnerabilities across a variety of known attack vectors. This manual review is guided by the OWASP Top 10 for web applications and the OWASP API Top 10 for APIs, which highlight the most critical and common security risks. Additionally, our testing incorporates recommendations from the OWASP Web Security Testing Guide v4.2 and the BSI (German Federal Office for Information Security) guidelines for conducting IS web checks. These trusted frameworks ensure a thorough evaluation that aligns with industry standards and best practices.
This structured, layered approach to penetration testing equips you with a complete understanding of your application’s security posture and actionable recommendations for bolstering your defenses.
Additionally, all tests are adapted based on our extensive experience and the specific requirements of your application, ensuring a thorough and precise evaluation that identifies even the most complex vulnerabilities.
Our web application and API penetration tests can be conducted over the internet or through your internal network, such as via VPN or a remote test environment, and can also be performed directly on-site. This flexibility allows us to assess not only internet-facing applications but also those restricted to intranet access.
Testing Criteria
Our web and API penetration tests are tailored to thoroughly assess the following key areas:
Session-Management
We analyze and test session management for vulnerabilities, including the risk of cross-site request forgery (CSRF) attacks, ensuring robust control over session integrity.
Access Control
We verify both vertical and horizontal access controls, assessing if users, groups, or roles can inappropriately escalate privileges or access unauthorized resources.
Web/API-Server
Our tests include a comprehensive evaluation of the underlying server, checking for outdated software, known security vulnerabilities, and configuration weaknesses.
Token-Management
We inspect the handling and storage of API and authentication tokens to ensure tokens are securely managed and protected against unauthorized manipulation.
Data Validation
We rigorously test input validation processes, focusing on vulnerabilities like cross-site scripting (XSS) and various injection attacks (SQL, OS, header, and XML), which are critical for preventing malicious data manipulation.
Sensitive Information
Our assessment includes an analysis of error messages and a targeted search for any sensitive information that may be inadvertently exposed.
Encryption
We examine encryption practices, evaluating the appropriateness and robustness of encryption methods used to protect data both at rest and in transit.
Application Hardening
We conduct a high-level analysis of the application to identify areas where security settings could be strengthened to resist potential attacks.
Your Contact
Looking for a qualified provider to perform a penetration test for your web applications or APIs? Our experienced team is here to support you. Feel free to reach out by phone or email—we look forward to your inquiry!
Cihan Parlar, LL.M. (Tilburg), Lawyer
Managing Director
Email: cparlar@re-move-this.first-privacy.com
Phone: +31 20 211 7116
FIRST PRIVACY B.V.
Peter Suhren, Lawyer
Managing Director
Email: psuhren@re-move-this.first-privacy.com
Phone: +49 421 69 66 32-822
FIRST PRIVACY GmbH
If your inquiry concerns an organization based in Germany, these contacts will help you
Michael Cyl, M.Sc.
Head of Information Security | Penetration Testing
Email: mcyl@re-move-this.datenschutz-nord.de
Phone: +49 421 69 66 32-319
datenschutz nord GmbH, Bremen
Our Qualifications as Pentesters
- Established Standards: We follow recognized standards, including BSI IS-Pentest, BSI IS-Webcheck, OWASP, and more.
- Experienced, Certified Experts: Our qualified penetration testers bring years of hands-on experience to each project.
- Customized Testing: Each test is tailored to the specific requirements and context of the target environment.
- Smart Meter Gateway Expertise: Extensive project experience in the Smart Meter Gateway field, compliant with BSI TR-03109-1.
- Transparent Processes: We ensure clarity and simplicity throughout the engagement.
- Client-Focused Security Enhancement: Our priority is enhancing the IT security of our clients.
Additionally, our team holds the following certifications:
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Offensive Security Wireless Professional (OSWP)
Pentesting FAQ
Black-Box, Grey-Box, or White-Box Pentest: What Are the Differences?
Pentests vary not only by target (e.g., network, app, API) but also by the initial level of information provided—known as the starting scenario. Here’s a breakdown of the differences between Black-Box, Grey-Box, and White-Box penetration tests:
- Black-Box Pentest: In a Black-Box pentest, the tester begins with minimal information, closely mimicking a real-world attack. This type of test typically requires only basic details, such as an IP address, URL, or domain name, to initiate the assessment.
- White-Box Pentest: For White-Box testing, the tester has access to extensive information about the system, including network diagrams, security policies, configurations, and even source code. This allows for targeted testing of critical systems and functions. However, the tester’s objectivity might be affected by this comprehensive knowledge.
- Grey-Box Pentest: A Grey-Box test combines elements of both Black-Box and White-Box approaches. It may start as a Black-Box test, with additional details provided as needed for a more thorough evaluation. For instance, supplying login credentials or certain technical information upfront classifies the test as Grey-Box, enhancing efficiency while maintaining an external attacker’s perspective.
Each approach has its advantages, and the choice depends on the goals, resources, and security needs of your organization.
