Web App Hacking Methodology

Web App Hacking Methodology Guide

Why Web App Hacking Methodology is Important

Web application hacking methodology is crucial for security professionals because web applications are primary targets for attackers due to their direct exposure to the internet and potential access to sensitive data. A structured methodology ensures thorough testing, helps identify vulnerabilities systematically, and provides a repeatable process for securing applications.

What is Web App Hacking Methodology?

Web App Hacking Methodology refers to a systematic approach for identifying, exploiting, and documenting security vulnerabilities in web applications. It's a structured framework that guides ethical hackers and security professionals through the process of assessing web application security. The methodology typically includes phases such as reconnaissance, scanning, vulnerability assessment, exploitation, and reporting.

How Web App Hacking Methodology Works

1. Reconnaissance (Information Gathering)
• Passive: Collecting information from public sources
• Active: Directly interacting with the target
• Tools: WHOIS, Google dorking, Shodan, social engineering

2. Scanning
• Port scanning to identify services
• Directory enumeration
• Technology identification (frameworks, CMS, etc.)
• Tools: Nmap, Dirb, Nikto, Wappalyzer

3. Vulnerability Assessment
• Input validation testing
• Authentication testing
• Session management testing
• Authorization testing
• Business logic testing
• Tools: OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite, SQLmap

4. Exploitation
• SQL Injection
• Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
• Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
• File inclusion vulnerabilities
• Command injection
• Tools: Metasploit, custom scripts, specialized exploitation tools

5. Post-Exploitation
• Privilege escalation
• Data exfiltration
• Maintaining access
• Covering tracks

6. Reporting
• Documentation of findings
• Risk assessment
• Remediation recommendations

Common Attack Vectors

• OWASP Top 10: Injection, Broken Authentication, Sensitive Data Exposure, XML External Entities (XXE), Broken Access Control, Security Misconfiguration, Cross-Site Scripting, Insecure Deserialization, Using Components with Known Vulnerabilities, Insufficient Logging & Monitoring

• Authentication Attacks: Brute force, credential stuffing, session hijacking

• Authorization Attacks: Privilege escalation, insecure direct object references

• Input Validation Attacks: SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, command injection

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Web App Hacking Methodology

1. Know the Phases Thoroughly
• Memorize the phases and what occurs in each
• Understand the logical progression and why each step matters

2. Understand Tool Applications
• Know which tools are used at each phase
• Be familiar with common parameters and outputs of tools

3. Recognize Attack Patterns
• Learn syntax for common attacks (SQL injection patterns, XSS payloads)
• Understand how to modify payloads for specific scenarios

4. Focus on Methodology Over Specific Exploits
• Exams test your understanding of the process more than specific exploit details
• Know the "why" behind actions, not just the "how"
5. Practice Scenario-Based Questions
• Given a scenario, identify which phase you're in
• Determine the appropriate next steps based on findings

6. Know Remediation Techniques
• Understand how to fix common vulnerabilities
• Be able to prioritize vulnerabilities based on risk

7. Understand the OWASP Testing Guide
• Familiarize yourself with the OWASP testing methodology
• Know how to categorize vulnerabilities according to OWASP

8. Time Management in Exams
• Web app questions often have scenario details - read carefully but efficiently
• Look for key indicators in the question that point to specific methodologies or attacks

Remember that exams frequently include scenario-based questions where you must determine the appropriate step in the methodology or identify the most likely vulnerability based on the symptoms described.