Introduction :-
APIs allow different software systems to communicate and exchange data. Testing APIs is crucial because weaknesses in APIs can compromise a website’s security.
Dynamic websites use APIs, so common web security issues like SQL injection can also apply to API testing. In this guide, we’ll focus on testing APIs that may not be fully visible on the website’s front-end, specifically RESTful and JSON APIs. We’ll also cover how to test for server-side issues, such as parameter pollution, which can affect internal APIs.
API recon
To start API testing, you first need to find out as much information about the API as possible, to discover its attack surface.
To begin, you should identify API endpoints. These are locations where an API receives requests about a specific resource on its server.
API documentation
APIs are usually documented so that developers know how to use and integrate with them.
Documentation can be in both human-readable and machine-readable forms. Human-readable documentation is designed for developers to understand how to use the API. It may include detailed explanations, examples, and usage scenarios. Machine-readable documentation is designed to be processed by software for automating tasks like API integration and validation. It’s written in structured formats like JSON or XML.
NOW :-
LAB Practical:- Exploiting an API endpoint using documentation
Step to produced:-
1. Go to the portswigger lab
2. Fill in the given credentials
3. And the update the email address
4. Open the Burp Suite tool.
5. Send the request to Repeater
6. Change the POST method data
7. See the response and copy the URl
8. Now click on the DELETE method and fill in the Carlos
Conclusion:-
API testing is essential for ensuring that APIs work as intended, providing secure, reliable, and efficient communication between different systems. By testing APIs thoroughly—focusing on things like functionality, security, performance, and error handling—we can identify vulnerabilities, improve the quality of the API, and ensure it meets the required standards. Proper API testing helps prevent issues like data breaches, downtime, or poor user experiences. In the end, robust API testing is critical for maintaining the integrity of web applications and enhancing their overall security.
Let me know if you’d like more details on any aspect!
