Enhanced Web Application Security through Advanced Penetration Testing Techniques

Abstract

The Internet is an extraordinarily dynamic environment, brimming with a diverse array of applications that provide various services and experiences to its users. However, this diversity also brings about a darker side: web applications are frequently subject to cyber-attacks, facing unprecedented levels of risk each year and causing significant damage to the global internet community. In this context, improving the security of these web applications on a global scale is crucial. Despite efforts to address this challenge, annual reports indicate that many websites still harbor critical security vulnerabilities. The OWASP Top 10 list has identified and documented these critical vulnerabilities, which persistently trend year after year in web applications [1]. The primary aim of this paper is to enhance the security of web applications by addressing and mitigating potential threats through penetration testing. To achieve this goal, a theoretical model has been developed to better identify and understand possible vulnerabilities in application security. Through a practical approach, penetration tests have been utilized to examine a web application for potential critical vulnerabilities. The research focuses on identifying vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers and proposing solutions for the specific problems identified. The methods employed include manual testing and the use of software such as Burp Suite to test and analyze known threats such as SQL injections. In-depth analysis of these vulnerabilities reveals that even a minor security flaw can cause significant damage to a website in the real-world internet environment. Through this process, the aim is to highlight potential vulnerabilities and provide an ongoing strategy for cyber protection, thereby improving the security and resilience of web applications against potential attacks.