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Web Application Penetration Testing Tools

Web Application Pen-Testing Tools

Web Application Penetration Testing Tools

An IT security penetration test is used for securing systems, networks, and applications against weaknesses and security holes that could allow breaches and exploits. Many organizations use their own pen testing tools to perform their own tests since third-party tests can be expensive and become dated quickly.

Another vector of attack has also been introduced by the popularity of web applications, which can be utilized by malicious third parties. Web applications have also introduced a new vector of attack, which can be exploited by malicious parties.

Even so, penetration testing is far from a one-size-fits-all solution. Few companies rely on only one tool. Some use one to scan and another to try to penetrate. Many organizations use collections of tools that deal with different aspects of security, such as port scanning, web application scanning, wireless access, or direct network penetration. Most security professionals always keep a kit of various penetration testing tools with them.

Burp

It is found in most penetration testing toolkits and is a top-rated web vulnerability scanner that is used by many organizations around the world. It is more known for its scanning capabilities than its penetration capabilities. Free versions are available, but they offer limited functionality and no automation. Customers interested in scalability and automation on an enterprise-wide scale should be willing to spend quite a bit of money. If a security professional only needs an automated vulnerability scanner for testing code, then the Professional version is a cheaper alternative.

Metasploit

Metasploit is the most commonly used penetration testing framework in the world. This tool assists professionals in managing security assessments, improving awareness, and empowering defenders to keep pace with attackers. Open-source software enables network administrators to identify security vulnerabilities and pinpoint flaws before setting up a defense. This tool is useful for beginners and social engineers alike. It allows them to replicate websites to build their skills.

Nessus

NESSUS is a widely used paid vulnerability assessment tool. Its interface isn’t necessarily easy to master at first, which makes it more suitable for experienced security teams. Together, these two tools can pinpoint potential weaknesses and give pen testers areas to target.

Nikto

The Nikto scanner performs comprehensive testing on web servers using open source (GPL) code. More than 6,700 potentially dangerous files/programs are detected by Nikto, which also checks for outdated versions of over 1,250 servers and scans for version-specific issues on over 270 servers. Besides checking for multiple index files and HTTP options, it also checks for installed web servers and software. Here are some recommendations for penetration testers: Nikto was not developed with stealth in mind. It tests a web server in the quickest manner possible, and it can be easily detected by IPS/IDS in most cases.

Wapiti

The free and open-source Wapiti tool checks web applications for security vulnerabilities via black-box testing. Wapiti is one of the leading tools for web application security testing. Wapiti is primarily a command-line application, so it’s important to understand the many commands it uses. It’s simple for experienced users, but can be challenging for newbies. But don’t worry, the official documentation provides detailed instructions on how to use Wapiti. In Wapiti, payloads are injected into scripts to check if they are vulnerable. The open-source tool supports both GET and POST HTTP attacks methods.

Users can take advantage of web-based applications that offer convenience and value, but they are exposed to some risks. The internet is widely accessible and the data is available to those who are willing to do some research. Among web applications, there is a high likelihood that hackers will exploit both design and configuration vulnerabilities as a result of their growing usage and evolving technologies. The knowledge of existing flaws allows the teams to ascertain if attackers can use them to break into apps or systems, even though it is impossible to make apps 100 percent secure.

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