Web Application Penetration Testing
Web Application & API Penetration Testing
Web Application Penetration Testing Web Application & API Penetration Testing Our web application penetration testing identifies vulnerabilities in your websites, web applications and APIs using a methodology aligned to the OWASP Top 10. We combine automated scanning with in-depth manual testing to uncover issues that automated scanners alone will miss.
Overview
What is web application penetration testing?
Web application penetration testing is a security assessment where our consultants simulate real-world attacks against your web applications and APIs to identify vulnerabilities such as injection flaws, broken authentication, access-control issues and security misconfigurations.
The goal is to help you understand your application's real-world risk and provide clear, prioritised remediation guidance so issues can be addressed effectively before they are exploited.
What you'll receive
- ✓Scoping: agreed applications, user roles, environments and test accounts
- ✓Testing: manual testing against the OWASP Top 10, business logic and access control flaws
- ✓Executive report: a plain-English summary of application risk for decision-makers
- ✓Technical report: findings rated by CVSS with request/response evidence and reproduction steps
- ✓Remediation: fix guidance adapted to your framework and development workflow
- ✓Retest & debrief: a retest of fixes and a walkthrough call with your developers
Why It Matters
The value of regular security reviews
Evaluate your controls
Regular security reviews enable organisations to comprehensively evaluate their security measures, including the effectiveness of controls, configurations, and policies.
Strengthen your posture
Identifying weaknesses allows organisations to strengthen their security posture and better protect their assets and data against evolving threats.
Meet compliance
Regular security assessments are essential for compliance with industry regulations and data protection laws, demonstrating your commitment to a secure environment.
High-Level Methodology
A structured, five-phase approach
Scoping & Setup
We agree the applications, user roles and environments in scope, and set up the test accounts and access we need. Testing windows and rules of engagement are confirmed so the assessment is safe and aligned to your priorities.
Mapping & Discovery
We map the application's functionality, user journeys and every input — enumerating pages, parameters and API calls across each user role. This gives us complete coverage of the attack surface before deeper testing begins.
Vulnerability Analysis
We test against the OWASP Top 10 and beyond, combining automated scanning with in-depth manual testing of authentication, access control, injection and business logic. Every finding is manually verified to remove false positives.
Exploitation
Where it is safe and in scope, we carefully exploit confirmed issues to demonstrate real-world impact — such as reaching another user's data or escalating privileges — always consulting you before anything intrusive.
Analysis & Reporting
We rate each finding by real-world risk and deliver a clear report with reproduction steps and prioritised remediation guidance, and we are happy to retest once fixes are in place.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do you test APIs as well as web applications?
Yes. We regularly test REST, GraphQL and SOAP APIs alongside their web front-ends, assessing authentication, authorisation, input validation and business-logic flaws.
How much does a web application test cost?
The cost depends on the size and complexity of the application, the number of user roles and dynamic functions in scope, and whether API testing is required. Contact us for a customised quote.
What information is required to scope a test?
To accurately scope a penetration test, we typically need information about your network range (IP addresses), domain names, key systems and applications, and any specific security concerns you have.
What is the difference between a vulnerability scan and a penetration test?
A vulnerability scan identifies potential weaknesses in your systems, whilst a penetration test attempts to actively exploit those weaknesses to determine their real-world impact. A penetration test goes beyond simply identifying vulnerabilities by demonstrating how they can be exploited and what data could be accessed.
What are the most common issues you find?
Recurring findings include broken access control, injection flaws, authentication and session weaknesses, insecure direct object references, security misconfiguration, and sensitive data exposure — in line with the OWASP Top 10.
Ready to secure your web applications?
Get a fast, transparent quote for your web application assessment, or talk to a consultant about scoping the right engagement.