In software development, a small coding error can lead to a critical vulnerability that ultimately compromises the security of an entire system or network. Many times, a security vulnerability is not caused by a single error, but rather by a series of errors that occur during the development cycle: A coding error is introduced, remains undetected during the testing phases, and the protection mechanisms in place do not stop a successful attack.
Security should be a priority in all phases of software development. Efforts should be aimed at preventing software vulnerabilities - detecting them before release, of course, but also limiting their practical impact, for example by reducing the product's attack capability. Most security vulnerabilities are caused by one of the following four reasons:
- Poor programming patterns, such as missing checks on user-influenced data, which can cause SQL injection vulnerabilities;
- Misconfiguration of security infrastructures, for example too permissive access control or weak cryptographic configurations;
- Functional errors in security infrastructures, for example access control enforcement infrastructures that do not inherently restrict access to the system;
- Logical gaps in implemented processes, for example leading to an application that allows customers to order goods without paying.
Most successful attacks against IT applications do not attack core security components such as cryptographic algorithms. Attackers are far more likely to exploit poor programming, interface issues, uncontrolled interconnections, or incorrect configurations. From a high-level perspective, (security) testing techniques are often classified as follows:
- Dynamic testing - Traditionally, testing is understood as dynamic testing, i.e. the system under test is evaluated while it is in operation and its behavior is observed. In other words, the system is tested during its operation.
- Static Testing - Unlike dynamic testing, static testing techniques analyze a system without running the system under test. In other words, the system is tested when it is in a "rest" state.
The purpose of application security testing is to evaluate application controls and information process flow. Topics to be evaluated may include the application's use of encryption to protect information privacy, confidentiality, integrity, availability (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability), user authentication, the integrity of the Internet user's session with the host application, and managing the current state of processing between parts of the application.
Application testing will assess the flow of information through the application and its susceptibility to interception or alteration. It will also test how the application handles input data and determine if user input can harm or crash the application. Finally, application testing will test for a wide range of common (as well as some uncommon) attack scenarios to assess the application's level of resilience to attacks of varying levels of sophistication.
The purpose of Denial of Service (DoS) testing is to assess a system's susceptibility to attacks that will render it inoperable or unable to provide the required services to the organization or external users. Decisions about the extent of DoS testing to be included in a penetration testing exercise will depend on the relative importance of the ongoing, continuous availability of information systems and associated processing activities. When deciding to perform DoS testing, you should ensure that these tests are not performed on live production systems unless this is a specific purpose of the test and all system and process owners are informed and approve of this course of action.
The potential for system disruption beyond a simple crash is very high in DoS testing, possibly resulting in extended downtime, angry customers, or lost revenue, loss of reputation. In addition, the security expert must make sure that everyone knows that a DoS test is taking place so that no one (including the system owners or users) is caught off guard. It is generally accepted that fixing bugs and security vulnerabilities late in software development is usually more expensive than fixing them as early as possible. Therefore, security testing techniques should be implemented as early as possible in the development life cycle of secure software, not as an afterthought.
Why should you trust us and what makes ISCS different from other companies on the market?
In a world where cyber threats continue to evolve and improve, organizations are in dire need of solutions that can effectively protect their digital assets.
We solve fundamental problems related to your information security based on the unique knowledge we possess in the company. Through the Application Penetration test (Pen test) service, we provide a customized solution that goes beyond conventional measures and ensures that your systems are fortified against cyber threats.
Cybersecurity requires daily effort and resources. The solutions offered by the Web & Application Penetration Test (Pen test) service allow organizations to proactively identify and mitigate potential security gaps before they can be exploited by malicious actors.
Take advantage of our expertise and find out what your application vulnerabilities are, whether and how easily these gaps can be exploited.
If you need additional information, contact us using the contact form.
Сведете риска на Вашата информационна сигурност до приемливото за Вас ниво и се доверете на нашият дългогодишен опит в предоставянето на консултантски услуги по информационна сигурност.