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APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) are critical components in modern applications, but they also present significant security risks if not properly assessed. Conducting a thorough API Security Assessment helps identify vulnerabilities before attackers exploit them. Below, we explore key techniques, tools, and best practices to maximize the effectiveness of your API security testing.
You Should Know:
1. Reconnaissance & Documentation Review
- Swagger/OpenAPI Analysis: Use tools like `SwaggerUI` or `OAS Toolkit` to inspect API endpoints.
npm install -g oas-kit oas-analyze -f api_spec.yaml
- Manual Inspection: Check for exposed endpoints using
curl:curl -X GET https://api.example.com/v1/users
2. Authentication & Authorization Testing
- JWT Token Manipulation: Decode and tamper with tokens using
jwt_tool:python3 jwt_tool.py <JWT_TOKEN> -T
- OAuth Flaws: Test for misconfigurations with `Burp Suite` or
Postman.
3. Input Validation & Injection Attacks
- SQL Injection: Use `sqlmap` for automated testing:
sqlmap -u "https://api.example.com/v1/data?id=1" --risk=3 --level=5
- NoSQL Injection: Test with payloads like:
{"username": {"$ne": ""}, "password": {"$ne": ""}}
4. Rate Limiting & DDoS Testing
- Burst Requests: Use `wrk` for load testing:
wrk -t4 -c100 -d30s https://api.example.com/v1/resource
5. Sensitive Data Exposure
- SSL/TLS Checks: Test with
testssl.sh:./testssl.sh api.example.com
6. Automated API Scanning Tools
- Burp Suite: Configure API scanning via
Burp Scanner. - Postman + Newman: Run automated security tests:
newman run api_security_test.json
What Undercode Say
API security assessments require a mix of automated scanning and manual penetration testing. Always:
– Review API documentation for hidden endpoints.
– Test authentication mechanisms rigorously.
– Fuzz inputs to uncover injection flaws.
– Monitor rate limits to prevent abuse.
– Encrypt sensitive data in transit and at rest.
For deeper analysis, use Linux commands like `grep` to search logs, `tcpdump` for traffic inspection, and `nikto` for web server flaws:
tcpdump -i eth0 port 443 -w api_traffic.pcap nikto -h https://api.example.com
Windows users can leverage `Powershell` for API testing:
Invoke-WebRequest -Uri "https://api.example.com/v1/data" -Method GET
Expected Output:
A comprehensive API security report detailing vulnerabilities, exploitation steps, and remediation strategies.
Reference:
TrustedSec – API Security Assessment
References:
Reported By: Florian Hansemann – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
