Top 5 Web App Security Testing Methodologies You Should Know

Web Application Security Testing plays a crucial role in assessing and evaluating the security of your web application. By identifying flaws, vulnerabilities, and loopholes, it helps prevent malware, data breaches, and other cyberattacks. Thorough security testing exposes hidden vulnerabilities in your apps that hackers can exploit. In this article, we will explore the five most popular methodologies used for web app security testing.

Web App Security Testing Methodologies

1. Operations Security (OPSEC): Operations Security, also known as OPSEC, is a systematic and proven process used to deny potential adversaries access to sensitive information about an organization's capabilities and intentions. It involves five key steps: identifying critical information, analyzing threats, assessing vulnerabilities, evaluating risks, and implementing appropriate countermeasures. By following OPSEC practices, organizations can protect their sensitive activities and information from being compromised.
2. Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual (OSSTMM): The Open Source Security Testing Methodology Manual (OSSTMM) is a peer-reviewed methodology maintained by the Institute for Security and Open Methodologies (ISECOM). It serves as a security auditing framework designed to assess compliance with regulatory and industry requirements. While it is not meant to be used as a standalone methodology, it provides a foundation for developing customized testing methodologies that align with specific regulations and frameworks.

Importance of Producing Relevant Documentation

The OSSTMM emphasizes the importance of producing relevant documentation, including project scope, confidentiality agreements, non-disclosure assurances, and emergency contact information. It covers various activities such as procurement, project risk identification, and qualitative and quantitative risk analysis.

1. Web Application Security Consortium Threat Classification (WASC-TC): The Web Application Security Consortium Threat Classification (WASC-TC) is a comprehensive classification system for website security threats. It not only identifies and categorizes different attacks and weaknesses that can compromise the security of a website and its data but also provides descriptions and examples of these threats. The WASC-TC offers multiple views, including Enumeration View, Development Phase View, and Taxonomy Cross-Reference View, which facilitate mapping between different threat classifications used by various projects.
2. Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES): The Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES) is a widely recognized framework that covers all aspects of a penetration test. It consists of seven main sections that guide the entire process, from initial communication and reasoning behind the test to reporting the findings. The sections include Pre-engagement Interactions, Intelligence Gathering, Threat Modeling, Vulnerability Analysis, Exploitation, Post Exploitation, and Reporting. By following the PTES, testers combine technical security expertise with a business understanding of the engagement to provide the most value to the customer.
3. Information System Security Assessment Framework (ISSAF): The Information System Security Assessment Framework (ISSAF) is a methodology developed and supported by the Open Information Systems Security Group (OISSG). Although it is no longer actively maintained, the ISSAF methodology offers valuable insights by linking individual steps of the penetration testing process with specific pentesting tools. It serves as a comprehensive guide for conducting a pentest and can serve as a foundation for developing customized testing methodologies.

Conclusion

Web application security requires a multi-layered approach to address the various attack surfaces and defensive measures. Relying on a single technique or layer of security is insufficient. To establish a robust web application security posture, collaboration among network, security, operations, and development teams is crucial. Each team plays a vital role in protecting applications and their critical data. By employing these popular web app security testing methodologies, organizations can proactively identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities, reducing the risk of cyberattacks.