Web Application Penetration Testing (Pentesting)

In today’s digital world, web applications are a prime target for attackers. This course provides a comprehensive, hands-on journey into the world of Web Application Penetration Testing (Pentesting).

Learners will master the techniques used by professional ethical hackers to identify and exploit vulnerabilities in modern web applications. From reconnaissance and information gathering to advanced exploitation techniques like SQL injection and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), this course covers everything needed to conduct a full-scale web application security assessment.

Throughout the course, students will work with real-world tools such as Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, and Kali Linux, and test their skills on deliberately vulnerable web apps like DVWA and OWASP Juice Shop.

The course emphasizes practical, project-based learning, culminating in a full end-to-end penetration test and professional report writing.

🎯 Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Understand the phases and methodology of a web application pentest.

• Perform detailed information gathering and reconnaissance.

• Identify and exploit common vulnerabilities like XSS, SQLi, CSRF, and IDOR.

• Test authentication, authorization, session management, and business logic security.

• Conduct security misconfiguration assessments.

• Safely exploit vulnerabilities and avoid causing unintentional damage.

• Document findings and create professional-grade penetration test reports.

🛠️ Tools and Platforms:

• Burp Suite

• OWASP ZAP

• Kali Linux

• DVWA, OWASP Juice Shop

• SQLMap, Dirb, Nikto, etc.

👥 Who Should Take This Course?

• Aspiring Penetration Testers

• Cybersecurity Students

• Ethical Hackers

• Web Developers seeking security expertise

• Security Analysts and Engineers

Prerequisites:
Basic understanding of networking, HTTP protocols, and a strong interest in cybersecurity. Some experience with Linux and web development is a plus.

🧩 Module 1: Introduction to Web Pentesting

• Lesson 1.1: What is Web Pentesting?

• Lesson 1.2: Setting Up the Lab (Burp Suite, OWASP Juice Shop, DVWA)

• Lesson 1.3: Legal & Ethical Aspects (Rules of Engagement, Permissions)

🧩 Module 2: Information Gathering

• Lesson 2.1: Passive Reconnaissance (WHOIS, DNS)

• Lesson 2.2: Active Reconnaissance (Dirbusting, Subdomain Enumeration)

🧩 Module 3: Testing Authentication

• Lesson 3.1: Common Authentication Flaws (Brute Force, Credential Stuffing)

• Lesson 3.2: Bypassing Authentication Mechanisms

• Lesson 3.3: Multi-Factor Authentication Testing

🧩 Module 4: Testing Authorization

• Lesson 4.1: Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR)

• Lesson 4.2: Privilege Escalation Attacks

• Lesson 4.3: Horizontal vs Vertical Privilege Testing

🧩 Module 5: Session Management Testing

• Lesson 5.1: Session Token Analysis

• Lesson 5.2: Session Fixation and Hijacking

• Lesson 5.3: Secure Cookie and Header Testing

🧩 Module 6: Input Validation & Injection Attacks

• Lesson 6.1: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

• Lesson 6.2: SQL Injection (SQLi)

• Lesson 6.3: Command Injection, SSRF, and Other Attacks

🧩 Module 7: Business Logic Testing

• Lesson 7.1: Understanding Business Logic Flaws

• Lesson 7.2: Testing Payment Systems, Discount Abuse

🧩 Module 8: Security Misconfiguration Testing

• Lesson 8.1: Identifying Misconfigurations (Headers, Server Banners)

• Lesson 8.2: Common Security Headers (CSP, HSTS)

🧩 Module 9: Vulnerability Exploitation and Reporting

• Lesson 9.1: Crafting Exploits Safely

• Lesson 9.2: Writing Professional Pentest Reports

• Lesson 9.3: Remediation Recommendations