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Web Application Penetration Testing (WAPT)

A Web Application Penetration Test is a focused, exploitation-driven assessment designed to identify and validate security weaknesses within web applications. These tests go beyond automated scanning and are performed manually by experienced penetration testers to simulate real-world attacks.

Testing Methodology​

All web application penetration tests conducted by CyberSanctus follow the OWASP Web Security Testing Guide (WSTG). This ensures assessments are structured, repeatable, and aligned with industry best practices while still allowing flexibility for application-specific logic and attack paths.

Our testing covers, where applicable:

  • Authentication and session management
  • Authorization and access control
  • Input validation and injection flaws
  • Business logic vulnerabilities
  • API endpoints and integrations
  • Client-side and server-side security controls

Engagement Types​

Web application penetration tests can be performed under different engagement models, depending on the level of access and information provided.

Black Box​

  • No internal knowledge or credentials are provided
  • The application is tested as an external, unauthenticated attacker
  • Best suited for evaluating perimeter exposure and discovery risks
  • Limited internal knowledge and initial access credentials are provided where applicable
  • Allows testing of authenticated functionality and multiple user roles
  • Provides the most realistic assessment of real-world risk for most applications

The majority of clients choose a gray box engagement, as it balances realism, depth of coverage, and efficiency.

White Box​

  • Full access to documentation, credentials, and/or source code
  • Enables deep testing of business logic, access controls, and trust boundaries
  • Best suited for high-assurance or security-critical applications

Internal Web Applications​

CyberSanctus can test internally accessible web applications that are not exposed to the public internet. In these cases:

  • Clients must provide a VPN or equivalent secure access method
  • Scope and access requirements are defined prior to testing

If assistance is required to set up secure access, clients are encouraged to contact us ahead of the engagement.

Deliverables​

All Web Application Penetration Tests include a manually generated and fully verified report. We do not rely on automated scan output.

Each engagement delivers:

  • A professionally written penetration testing report
  • Verified, exploit-backed findings where applicable
  • Clear severity ratings based on impact and likelihood
  • Practical, actionable remediation guidance
  • An executive summary outlining overall application risk

Optional Debriefing​

An optional debriefing meeting may be scheduled upon request. During this session, our testers:

  • Walk through critical findings and attack paths
  • Explain exploitation impact and remediation priorities
  • Answer technical and non-technical stakeholder questions

Our goal is not just to identify vulnerabilities, but to ensure they are clearly understood and effectively addressed.