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Certified Web Application Security Tester (CWAST-904)
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Target Students​

​Security professionals, web developers, penetration testers, and IT professionals responsible for securing web applications against cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

Duration :  40 hours (5 days)
Learning Objectives

-Master web application security testing techniques and tools.

-Identify and exploit common web vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, XSS, and CSRF.

-Understand secure coding practices and defensive techniques to mitigate vulnerabilities.

-Develop skills in automated and manual web application testing.

-Gain experience with real-world testing scenarios and security assessments.

Exam Formats​
 

100 multiple-choice questions

Exam Options​
 

Online

In-Person

Exam Codes: CWAST-904
Exam Duration: 2 hours
Passing Score​​: 70% 

Course Outline

Foundations of Web Application Security
​
Module 1: Introduction to Web Application Security
​

  • Overview of Web Application Security

  • Understanding the Importance of Web Security

  • Common Threats and Vulnerabilities in Web Applications

  • Overview of OWASP Top 10 Security Risks

  • Web Application Architecture

  • Understanding Web Technologies: HTTP/S, HTML, CSS, JavaScript

  • Components of Web Applications: Servers, Databases, Frontend/Backend

  • Overview of Web Application Development Lifecycle

​Module 2: Setting Up a Testing Environment
​

  • Building a Web Application Testing Lab

  • Setting Up Virtual Machines, Proxy Tools (e.g., Burp Suite),and Browsers

  • Introduction to Web Application Security Tools: OWASP ZAP, Nikto, and W3af

  • Best Practices for Isolating and Securing the Testing Environment

​​

  • Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)

  • Understanding CSRF: Mechanisms and Impact

  • Crafting Malicious Requests for CSRF Exploitation

  • Implementing CSRF Protections in Web Applications

  • Case Study: CSRF Exploits in Real-World Scenarios

Web Application Vulnerability Identification
Module 3: Information Gathering and Reconnaissance
​

  • Passive Reconnaissance Techniques

  • OSINT for Web Application Security: WHOIS, DNS Records, and Metadata Analysis

  • Identifying Web Technologies and Frameworks

  • Fingerprinting Web Applications and Identifying Attack Surface

  • Active Reconnaissance Techniques

  • Mapping Application Architecture: Directory and File Enumeration

  • Identifying Entry Points: Login Forms, APIs, and Data Input Fields

  • Automated Scanning Techniques with Nikto and OWASP ZAP

Module 4: Testing for Common Web Vulnerabilities​
​

  • SQL Injection (SQLi)

  • Understanding SQLi: Types and Impact

  • Manual Testing for SQLi: Exploiting Input Fields and URLs

  • Automated SQLi Testing with SQLMap

  • Case Study: SQL Injection in Real-World Applications

  • Cross-Site Scripting (XSS

  • Understanding XSS: Types (Stored, Reflected, DOM-Based)

  • Identifying and Exploiting XSS Vulnerabilities

  • Mitigating XSS with Secure Coding Practices

  • Case Study: XSS Attacks on Popular Websites
     

Advanced Web Application Testing Techniques
Module 5: Authentication and Session Management Testing
​

  • Testing Authentication Mechanisms

  • Brute Force Attacks on Login Forms

  • Password Management Flaws and Exploits

  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Testing

  • Session Management Security

  • Session Hijacking and Fixation Techniques

  • Cookie Security: Secure, HttpOnly, and SameSite Flags

  • Testing for Session Timeout and Invalid Session Handling

  • Case Study: Real-World Session Management Vulnerabilities

Module 6: Insecure Direct Object References and Security Misconfigurations
​

  • Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR)

  • Identifying and Exploiting IDOR Vulnerabilities

  • Best Practices for Preventing IDOR Exploits

  • Case Study: IDOR Exploits in Enterprise Applications

  • Security Misconfiguration

  • Testing for Common Misconfigurations: Default Credentials, Directory Listings, and Error Messages

  • Ensuring Secure Configurations of Web Servers and Application Frameworks

  • Case Study: Exploiting Security Misconfigurations in Popular Web Applications

Web Application Security Best Practices
Module 7: Secure Code Review and Defensive Coding
​

  • Introduction to Secure Coding Practices

  • Principles of Secure Coding: Input Validation, Output Encoding, and Error Handling

  • Reviewing Code for Common Vulnerabilities

  • Implementing Secure Coding Standards in Web Applications

  • Automated and Manual Code Review Techniques

  • Using Static Analysis Tools for Security Code Review

  • Conducting Manual Code Reviews for Security Flaws

  • Case Study: Secure Code Review in a Web Application Development Project

Module 8: Reporting and Remediation
​​

  • Writing Effective Security Reports

  • Documenting Findings: Executive Summaries, Technical Details, and Recommendations

  • Creating Remediation Plans: Prioritization and Risk Mitigation

  • Presenting Findings to Development Teams and Stakeholders

  • Post-Assessment Activities

  • Validating Remediation and Retesting

  • Continuous Monitoring and Security Assessments

  • Case Study: From Vulnerability Discovery to Remediation in a Web Application

Practical Application and Capstone Project
Module 9: : Hands-On Web Application Security Testing
​

  • End-to-End Security Testing Exercis

  • Participants Conduct a Full Security Assessment on a Simulated Web Application

  • Identify, Exploit, and Document Vulnerabilities

  • Peer Review and Instructor Feedback on Testing Techniques

  • Advanced Web Application Testing Technique

  • Exploring Cutting-Edge Testing Methods: API Security Testing, Serverless Security Testing

  • Case Study: Applying Advanced Techniques in a Complex Web Application Environment

Module 10: Capstone Project and Exam Preparation
​

  • Capstone Project

  • Participants Work on a Comprehensive Capstone Project that Encapsulates All Skills Learned Throughout the Course
    Focus on Real-World Application, Reporting, and Analysis
    Peer Review and Presentation of Capstone Project

  • Exam Preparation and Review

  • Review of Key Concepts and Techniques Covered During the Course

  • Sample Exam Questions and Group Discussions

  • Final Q&A Session and Wrap-Up

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