Web Application Security Learning Resources
A structured roadmap for mastering web application security, starting with the basics and progressing to advanced concepts, tools, and methodologies.
1. Overview and Fundamentals
What is Web Application Security?
The practice of protecting web applications from vulnerabilities and cyber threats.
- Authentication, authorization, input validation, session management, and secure APIs.
- Understanding web application architecture (frontend, backend, database).
- Threat modeling and risk assessment.
- Common vulnerabilities: Injection, XSS, CSRF, etc.
2. OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project)
The most important initiative for web application security standards and practices.
Top 10 Web Application Security Risks
- Injection
- Broken Authentication
- Sensitive Data Exposure
- XML External Entities (XXE)
- Broken Access Control
- Security Misconfiguration
- Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
- Insecure Deserialization
- Using Components with Known Vulnerabilities
- Insufficient Logging and Monitoring
Key OWASP Projects
- OWASP Cheat Sheets
- OWASP ZAP (Zed Attack Proxy)
- OWASP Dependency-Check
3. Vulnerable VMs and Labs for Practice
Hands-on practice is essential for mastering web application security.
Vulnerable Virtual Machines
- DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web Application)
- bWAPP (Buggy Web Application)
- WebGoat
- Juice Shop
Online Labs
- PortSwigger Web Security Academy
- Hack The Box
- TryHackMe
- VulnHub
4. Open Source Tools
Key tools for discovering and mitigating vulnerabilities in web applications.
Static Application Security Testing (SAST)
- SonarQube
- Checkmarx
Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)
- OWASP ZAP
- Burp Suite
5. Recommended Books
- Beginner Level: "Web Application Security: A Beginner's Guide"
- Intermediate Level: "Real-World Bug Hunting"
- Advanced Level: "Black Hat Python"
6. Certifications
- Entry-Level: CompTIA Security+
- Intermediate: GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester
- Advanced: Offensive Security Web Expert (OSWE)