You're responsible for keeping releases moving and keeping risk down. Packetlabs tests your APIs the way real attackers do, mapping endpoints, abusing auth and token flows, chaining business logic, and validating real impact.
A practical checklist aligned to how attackers actually pivot through modern API ecosystems across identity, logic, and integrations.
We test OAuth/JWT/session handling, token replay, consent and scope abuse, and misconfigurations that turn SSO into instant lateral movement.
We validate object-level and function-level authorization (BOLA/BFLA), role drift, and tenant isolation gaps that expose customer data.
We chain edge cases (refunds, limits, workflow steps) to prove what an attacker can *actually* do not just what a scanner flags.
We look for excessive data in responses, insecure filtering, mass assignment, and leakage through error handling, logs, and exports.
We assess throttling, anti-automation, and abuse controls that protect availability and prevent credential stuffing and enumeration.
We test API gateways, webhooks, and partner connections where implicit trust and shared secrets are most likely to fail.
REST, GraphQL, gRPC, and custom/internal APIs. We focus on the endpoints that move money, data, or privileges and the auth and integration points that attackers target first.
| API Penetration Testing | Application Penetration Testing | |
|---|---|---|
Primary Focus | Security of backend APIs and data exchange mechanisms | Security of the entire web application, including frontend and backend components |
Scope | REST, SOAP, GraphQL endpoints, microservices, and third-party integrations | Web interfaces, APIs, authentication flows, business logic, and integrations |
Attack Surface | API endpoints, request/response handling, authentication tokens, access controls | User inputs, session management, business workflows, APIs, and client-side logic |
Common Vulnerabilities | Broken object level authorization (BOLA), weak token handling, injection flaws, excessive data exposure | SQL injection, XSS, CSRF, broken access controls, logic flaws, insecure file handling |
Testing Approach | Direct interaction with API endpoints to validate authentication, authorization, and data handling | Simulates real-world attackers exploiting the full application stack |
Authentication & Authorization | Tests API keys, OAuth tokens, JWT handling, role enforcement | Tests login systems, session controls, role-based access, and privilege escalation |
Business Logic Testing | Limited to API-level logic | Deep testing of workflows, transaction flows, and abuse cases |
Impact if Compromised | Data exposure, unauthorized data access, account takeover via API abuse | Full application compromise, customer data breach, reputational damage |
Ideal For | SaaS platforms, mobile backends, microservice architectures, public APIs | E-commerce sites, portals, SaaS platforms, and customer-facing web applications |
Move from "we think we're covered" to defensible proof, plus a practical path to remediation and repeatable security.
Findings are validated by testers (not just tool output), so your team can prioritize what truly matters.
Clear reproduction steps, code-level guidance, and remediation options that dev teams can act on fast.
We uncover undocumented endpoints, shadow APIs, and integration paths that expand your attack surface.
We highlight where tokens, roles, and scopes create unintended privilege, then show how to tighten controls.
Retest-ready documentation to support SOC 2, ISO 27001, vendor reviews, and security questionnaires.
A repeatable cadence and KPIs your security team can use across releases and product lines.
Here are 6 ways to make your website more secure (and a deep-dive into exactly why it's so vital in 2023 and beyond), all courtesy of our professional ethical hackers.
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