Why API Security is Critical in 2025

Unlike traditional web applications, APIs expose the underlying logic of your application. A single vulnerability—such as Broken Object Level Authorisation (BOLA)—can allow an attacker to bypass the front end entirely and scrape your entire customer database.

Your internal security teams need a partner who can simulate real world attacks. By engaging a dedicated web penetration tester, you ensure that your security posture is resilient against logic abuse, not just technical glitches.

Our Methodology: Beyond Traditional Pentests

We do not just run a scanner and hand you a PDF. Our approach mimics Penetration Testing as a Service, offering a collaborative, deep-dive engagement.

1. Reconnaissance & Threat Modeling

We begin by mapping your API’s attack surface. This includes identifying undocumented endpoints ("Shadow APIs"), analysing HTTP requests, and understanding authentication flows (OAuth, JWT, API Keys). We look for the doors you didn't know were open.

2. Authentication & Authorisation (The Critical Phase)

Authorisation flaws are the most common API vulnerabilities. We rigorously test:

• BOLA (Broken Object Level Authorisation): Can User A access User B's private data by changing an ID?

• BFLA (Broken Function Level Authorisation): Can a standard user force-browse to administrative endpoints?

• Token Exploitation: We test for weak signing keys, token replay attacks, and session management flaws.

3. Business Logic & Input Validation

Automated tools fail here. Our human testers analyse how your API handles data to find:

• Mass Assignment: Exploiting the API to overwrite sensitive fields (e.g., changing "role": "user" to "role": "admin").

• Injection Attacks: SQL, NoSQL, and Command Injection tailored specifically to API payloads.

• Rate Limiting Flaws: Testing if the API can be flooded to cause Denial of Service or brute-force attacks.

4. Reporting & Remediation

We provide actionable guidance, not just jargon. You receive a report that your developers can understand, prioritizing risks based on real-world impact.

Why Choose Lean Security?

The PTaaS Advantage

While this is a distinct assessment, we operate with the philosophy of Penetration Testing as a Service. Unlike traditional pentests which can be black boxes, we offer transparency. You get:

• Direct Communication: Speak directly with your web penetration tester.

• Rapid Feedback: We identify vulnerabilities in real time—if we find a critical bug, we alert you immediately, not weeks later.

• Continuous Testing Mindset: We help you integrate these findings into your SDLC for better long-term security.

Compliance Ready

Our reports are designed to satisfy auditors and enterprise vendor risk assessments. Whether you are answering a tender requirement or finalizing a SOC2 audit, our certification serves as trusted third-party validation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Vulnerability Scan and this Assessment? A vulnerability scan is an automated search for known signatures. This assessment is a manual, human-led simulation of an attack. While we use automated test tools for efficiency, 80% of high-severity API flaws (like logic errors) are found by a human web penetration tester.

Do you test GraphQL? Yes. GraphQL presents unique risks (like introspection abuse and nested query DoS). We have specific methodologies for REST, SOAP, and GraphQL.

Is a retest included? You can select the "Retest Required" option at checkout. We highly recommend this to verify that your patches have effectively closed the identified holes.