Web App Pen Testing: Mapping from Pluralsight

Understanding the target is a critical component of any offensive operation. This course will teach you how to gain a thorough understanding of web applications in order to maximize the potential for vulnerability discovery.

Understanding web applications from a user’s perspective is critical to establishing a foundation for vulnerability discovery. In this course, Web App Pen Testing: Mapping, you’ll learn how to analyze applications from a user's perspective to gain a thorough understanding of why and how applications are built while simultaneously resolving known attack surfaces. First, you’ll learn to create site maps through manual and automated techniques while gaining a functional understanding of applications. Next, you’ll explore techniques for identifying technologies implemented on both the server and client-side of applications. Finally, you’ll learn about architectural design patterns, how they affect the Web App Pen Testing methodology, and how to determine the pattern applied to build an application. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of Mapping web applications needed to maximize the potential for vulnerability discovery in the next step of the methodology.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Methodology: Mapping

Mapping: Manual Crawling

Mapping: Automated Crawling

Mapping: Identifying Implemented Technologies

Mapping: Architectural Design Patterns

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for professionals seeking a deeper understanding of web application vulnerability discovery

Provides a solid foundation for beginners seeking to establish a foundation in web application testing

Led by Tim Tomes, an experienced expert in the field

May not be suitable for learners with no prior knowledge in web application testing

Requires manual crawling, which can be time-consuming

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Web App Pen Testing: Mapping with these activities:

Review basic web application concepts

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Familiarize yourself with key concepts and terminology related to web applications.

Browse courses on Web Application Development

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Review lecture notes and online resources on web application fundamentals.
Create a simple web application to practice building pages and handling user input.

Compile Web Application Pentesting Resources

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Enhance your understanding of web applications by gathering and organizing materials relevant to the course.

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Identify and collect online resources, articles, and documentation on web application security.
Review and select the most valuable resources that provide insights into mapping techniques.
Organize the resources into a comprehensive compilation, categorized by topic or relevance.
Regularly update the compilation with new and relevant materials.

Follow tutorials on mapping web applications

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Gain practical experience in mapping web applications using industry-standard tools and techniques.

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Identify and follow online tutorials on web application mapping.
Use tools such as Burp Suite or OWASP ZAP to practice mapping.
Experiment with different mapping techniques and compare results.

Nine other activities

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Follow a tutorial on web application mapping

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Strengthen your understanding of mapping techniques by following a guided tutorial.

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Find a tutorial on web application mapping
Follow the tutorial step-by-step
Take notes on the techniques that are used
Apply the techniques to a real-world web application

Web Mapping Exercises

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Develop practical mapping skills by engaging in hands-on exercises.

Browse courses on Web Mapping

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Select a target website for mapping.
Use manual techniques to crawl the website and create a site map.
Utilize automated crawling tools to compare and refine the site map.
Analyze the results to identify potential attack surfaces.

Discuss web application mapping techniques with peers

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Engage with other students to share knowledge, compare experiences, and reinforce understanding of mapping techniques.

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Join or create a study group or online forum focused on web application mapping.
Participate in regular discussions, ask questions, and share insights.
Collaborate on mapping projects or exercises.

Practice identifying web application technologies

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Develop the ability to quickly and accurately identify the technologies used in a web application.

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Use online tools and resources to learn about common web application technologies.
Practice identifying technologies by examining websites and HTTP headers.
Participate in online challenges or competitions to test your skills.

Practice identifying web application architectural design patterns

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Reinforce your understanding of architectural design patterns by applying them to real-world web applications.

Browse courses on Architectural Design Patterns

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Find a web application to practice with
Identify the different components of the application
Map out the flow of data between the components
Identify the architectural design pattern(s) that are being used
Write a brief summary of your findings

Build a simple web application from scratch

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Solidify your understanding of web application mapping by applying it to the development of your own project.

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Choose a simple web application idea
Design the architecture of the application
Map out the data flow between the components
Implement the application
Test the application

Create a web application mapping report

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Apply your mapping skills to create a comprehensive report that identifies and describes the attack surfaces of a web application.

Browse courses on Web Application Security

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Select a web application and perform a thorough mapping exercise.
Document your findings, including identified vulnerabilities and potential risks.
Create a report that clearly presents your results and analysis.

Attend a web application mapping workshop

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Gain hands-on experience and learn advanced techniques for mapping web applications from industry experts.

Browse courses on Web Application Security

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Identify and register for a reputable web application mapping workshop.
Attend the workshop, actively participate, and ask questions.
Apply the knowledge and skills gained to your own web application mapping projects.

Contribute to an open-source web application mapping tool

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Deepen your understanding of mapping techniques and contribute to the broader web application security community.

Browse courses on Open Source Software

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Identify an open-source web application mapping tool and explore its codebase.
Suggest improvements or new features based on your knowledge of mapping techniques.
Create pull requests or contribute code to enhance the tool's capabilities.

Career center

Learners who complete Web App Pen Testing: Mapping will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Web Application Security Analyst

Web Application Security Analysts are responsible for protecting web applications from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They do this by identifying and assessing security risks, vulnerabilities, and threats; developing and implementing security solutions; and monitoring and responding to security incidents. The Web App Pen Testing: Mapping course will help build a foundation for understanding how to analyze applications from a user's perspective to gain a thorough understanding of why and how applications are built while simultaneously resolving known attack surfaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Application Security Analyst

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's computer networks and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They do this by identifying and assessing security risks, vulnerabilities, and threats; developing and implementing security solutions; and monitoring and responding to security incidents. The Web App Pen Testing: Mapping course will help build a foundation for understanding how to analyze applications from a user's perspective to gain a thorough understanding of why and how applications are built while simultaneously resolving known attack surfaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cybersecurity Analyst

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts are responsible for protecting an organization's information assets. They do this by identifying and assessing security risks, vulnerabilities, and threats; developing and implementing security solutions; and monitoring and responding to security incidents. The Web App Pen Testing: Mapping course will help build a foundation for understanding how to analyze applications from a user's perspective to gain a thorough understanding of why and how applications are built while simultaneously resolving known attack surfaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Network Security Engineer

Network Security Engineers help keep organizations' networks secure. They do this through a variety of tasks, including designing, implementing, and maintaining security solutions; monitoring networks for suspicious activity; and responding to security incidents. The Web App Pen Testing: Mapping course can be an asset to those in this field because it helps build a foundation for understanding how to analyze applications from a user's perspective to gain a thorough understanding of why and how applications are built while simultaneously resolving known attack surfaces.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Security Engineer

Full-Stack Developer

Full Stack Developers are responsible for both the front-end and back-end development of websites and web applications. They work with clients to understand their needs and then create websites and applications that meet those needs. The Web App Pen Testing: Mapping course may be useful for those in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Full-Stack Developer

Web Developer

Web Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining websites and web applications. They work with clients to understand their needs and then create websites and applications that meet those needs. The Web App Pen Testing: Mapping course may be useful for those in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Web Developer

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining computer systems. They work with clients to understand their needs and then create systems that meet those needs. The Web App Pen Testing: Mapping course may be useful for those in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Engineer

Security Architect

Security Architects are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining an organization's security infrastructure. They work to protect the organization's data and systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They will also need to follow and maintain compliance with relevant laws and regulations. The Web App Pen Testing: Mapping course may be useful for those in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Architect

IT Security Manager

IT Security Managers are responsible for developing and implementing security policies and procedures for an organization. They work with clients to understand their needs and then create policies and procedures that meet those needs. The Web App Pen Testing: Mapping course may be useful for those in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Security Manager

Software Developer

Software Developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. They work with clients to understand their needs and then create software applications that meet those needs. The Web App Pen Testing: Mapping course may be useful for those in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Cloud Architect

Cloud Architects are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining cloud computing solutions. They work with clients to understand their needs and then create solutions that meet those needs. The Web App Pen Testing: Mapping course may be useful for those in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Cloud Architect

DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers are responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations. They work to ensure that software is developed and deployed quickly and efficiently. The Web App Pen Testing: Mapping course may be useful for those in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for DevOps Engineer

Network Engineer

Network Engineers are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining computer networks. They work with clients to understand their needs and then create networks that meet those needs. The Web App Pen Testing: Mapping course may be useful for those in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Network Engineer

Database Administrator

Database Administrators are responsible for managing and maintaining databases. They work with clients to understand their needs and then create databases that meet those needs. The Web App Pen Testing: Mapping course may be useful for those in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Security Analyst

Security Analysts are vital to organizations that wish to prevent, detect, and resolve cyber threats. They have several responsibilities on the job, including working in tandem with security teams to execute security controls within an environment; investigating, assessing, and responding to information security incidents; and monitoring systems for vulnerabilities or threats. They will also need to quickly assess any vulnerabilities and determine how to implement the proper security controls. The Web App Pen Testing: Mapping course may be useful for professionals in this field.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst