Introduction
Web applications are prime targets for attackers due to their accessibility and the sensitive data they often handle. This lab simulates a realistic web application with multiple vulnerabilities for hands-on penetration testing practice.
Lab Objectives
- Identify and exploit OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities
- Perform comprehensive web application reconnaissance
- Execute SQL injection attacks
- Exploit cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities
- Bypass authentication mechanisms
- Practice manual and automated testing techniques
Lab Environment
The lab features a custom-built vulnerable web application with:
- Multiple user roles and authentication systems
- Database integration with SQLi vulnerabilities
- Various XSS attack vectors
- File upload functionality
- Session management flaws
Tools Used
- Burp Suite Professional
- OWASP ZAP
- SQLMap
- Custom scripts and payloads
- Browser developer tools
Skills Developed
- Web application reconnaissance
- Vulnerability identification and exploitation
- Report writing and remediation recommendations
- Understanding of secure coding practices