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DevSecOps: Integrating Security in Your CI/CD Pipeline | Testriq QA Lab LLP

In modern Agile and DevOps environments, building and releasing software rapidly is only one side of the coin—ensuring that software is secure is just as critical. This is where DevSecOps (Development, Security, and Operations) plays a central role.

DevSecOps integrates security directly into the CI/CD pipeline so that vulnerabilities are detected and mitigated early in the development lifecycle. This shift-left strategy minimizes late-stage surprises, reduces costs, and keeps deployment velocity intact.

Why DevSecOps Matters

Traditional security methods often delay feedback until after development, increasing the cost of fixes and exposing software to production risks. DevSecOps closes that gap by embedding automated security checkpoints throughout the delivery pipeline.

It enables early vulnerability detection, fosters collaboration across teams, and ensures that security standards are consistently met—without slowing down releases.

DevSecOps in the CI/CD Pipeline: Key Integration Points

1. Source Code Management (SCM)

Secure your codebase from the beginning. Use pre-commit hooks to scan for secrets and enforce code review rules that include security. Tools like GitLeaks and TruffleHog help catch hardcoded credentials before they’re committed.

2. Static Application Security Testing (SAST)

Run SAST scans during the commit or build stage to identify insecure code patterns. Use tools like SonarQube, Checkmarx, or Veracode for early code-level vulnerability detection.

3. Software Composition Analysis (SCA)

Third-party dependencies often introduce hidden risks. Use tools like Snyk or OWASP Dependency-Check to analyze and manage vulnerabilities in your libraries and open-source packages.

4. Container and Infrastructure Scanning

Scan Docker images and Kubernetes manifests for known vulnerabilities using tools like Trivy, Anchore, or Aqua Security. Secure your infrastructure just like your application.

5. Secrets Management

Avoid hardcoding secrets. Use tools such as HashiCorp Vault or AWS Secrets Manager to store and manage credentials securely outside of your codebase.

6. Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST)

DAST tools like Burp Suite or OWASP ZAP test your running application for runtime issues such as XSS and CSRF, especially in staging or QA environments.

7. Interactive Application Security Testing (IAST)

IAST tools like Contrast Security combine the strengths of SAST and DAST by observing running applications in real-time while providing code-level insights.

8. Policy Enforcement and Compliance Checks

Automate security governance with policy-as-code tools like OPA or Chef InSpec to ensure compliance with regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS.

Popular DevSecOps Tools by Stage

Stage Tool Examples
Code & SCM GitLeaks, GitGuardian, Talisman
SAST SonarQube, Checkmarx, Veracode
SCA Snyk, WhiteSource, OWASP Dependency-Check
Container Security Trivy, Aqua Security, Anchore, Clair
Secrets Management Vault, Doppler, AWS Secrets Manager
DAST OWASP ZAP, Burp Suite, Netsparker
Policy as Code OPA, Sentinel, Chef InSpec

Best Practices for Implementing DevSecOps

  • Shift Left: Include security testing early in your development process.
  • Automate Everything: Automate scanning, secrets detection, and compliance checks.
  • Collaborate Across Teams: Make security a shared goal among developers, QA, and DevOps.
  • Track Security Issues Like Bugs: Add them to sprints and treat them with equal importance.
  • Stay Up-to-Date: Regularly update tools, policies, and training materials.
  • Train Development Teams: Help devs understand secure coding principles with hands-on examples.

Case Study: DevSecOps in a FinTech CI/CD Pipeline

Objective:
A FinTech company aimed to secure its weekly Node.js microservices deployments.

Implementation:
They integrated SonarQube and GitLeaks with GitHub Actions for static scans, used Snyk for open-source analysis, and deployed Trivy and Aqua Security for container scans. For staging environment testing, they added OWASP ZAP for automated DAST scans.

Outcome:
- 95% code coverage for security tests
- Reduced vulnerability remediation time by 60%
- Passed PCI-DSS audit with zero critical findings

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the difference between DevOps and DevSecOps?
A: DevSecOps integrates security into every stage of DevOps, making it a collaborative and automated responsibility.

Q: Does DevSecOps slow down development?
A: Not at all. It actually reduces delays by preventing last-minute security issues.

Q: Can startups implement DevSecOps?
A: Absolutely. Lightweight, open-source tools make DevSecOps scalable for any team.

Conclusion

DevSecOps is not just about adding more tasks. It focuses on smartly, efficiently, and automatically ensuring security in your workflow. By adding scanning tools and secure coding practices to your CI/CD pipeline, you can lower risks. You also ensure compliance and build stronger applications.

At Testriq QA Lab LLP, we help teams adopt DevSecOps through guided implementation, secure SDLC planning, and toolchain optimization.

👉 Talk to Our DevSecOps Experts

Common Mobile App Security Flaws and How to Prevent Them | Testriq QA Lab LLP

With billions of users depending on mobile applications for everything from banking to social media, ensuring app security is non-negotiable. A single oversight can expose sensitive data, trigger financial fraud, or damage a brand’s reputation. Whether you're building for Android or iOS, knowing the most common mobile app security risks helps developers and QA professionals design and deploy safer applications from the start.

This article highlights the top mobile vulnerabilities and outlines how to mitigate them with best-in-class prevention strategies.

Most Common Mobile App Security Flaws and Their Prevention

1. Insecure Data Storage

Apps that store personal data like tokens or credentials in unencrypted local files are at high risk. If a device is compromised, attackers can easily extract this information.
Prevention: Avoid storing sensitive data on the device. Use encrypted storage options like Android Keystore or Apple Keychain, and apply data minimization strategies to store only what's necessary.

2. Weak Server-Side Controls

Backend services that don’t enforce proper authorization or expose unnecessary APIs become prime targets for exploitation.
Prevention: Enforce strong token-based authentication (OAuth 2.0, JWT), verify access control on the server, and limit API usage through rate limiting and authorization checks.

3. Insecure Communication

Transmitting sensitive data over plain HTTP exposes it to sniffing attacks.
Prevention: Enforce HTTPS with valid SSL/TLS certificates, implement network security configuration files, and use certificate pinning for added protection.

4. Code Tampering and Reverse Engineering

Attackers often reverse-engineer apps to extract secrets or identify logic flaws.
Prevention: Apply code obfuscation (using ProGuard, DexGuard, or R8), monitor runtime integrity, and block access from rooted or jailbroken devices.

5. Improper Platform Usage

Misusing mobile platform components like intents, services, or receivers can lead to privilege escalation or data leaks.
Prevention: Follow platform-specific security guidelines, define strict permissions and ensure minimal component exposure.

6. Inadequate Authentication & Authorization

Weak password policies, poor session control, or insecure biometric handling can lead to unauthorized access.
Prevention: Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA), manage token expiry and revocation properly and monitor session anomalies in real-time.

7. Improper Error Handling

Detailed error messages that reveal backend structures give attackers a blueprint to exploit.
Prevention: Show only user-friendly errors to the front end, and log technical details securely on the backend with proper access control.

8. Use of Insecure Third-Party Libraries

Outdated or vulnerable SDKs and libraries can introduce security risks unintentionally.
Prevention: Regularly update all dependencies and use Software Composition Analysis (SCA) tools like Snyk or Black Duck to monitor known CVEs.

9. Hardcoded Secrets and API Keys

Embedding secrets in client-side code makes them easy to extract through APK decompiling.
Prevention: Store API keys securely using OS-level secure storage and avoid hardcoding secrets in the app. Use encrypted configuration files where needed.

10. Lack of Logging and Monitoring

Without logs or telemetry, breaches can go undetected for months.
Prevention: Log critical security events (login, payment, API access), and use tools like Firebase Crashlytics and Sentry for tracking and monitor device behaviour for anomalies.

Best Practices to Secure Mobile Apps

Security needs to be part of your mobile app lifecycle, not an afterthought. Always perform threat modelling in the planning phase. Use static and dynamic analysis tools in your CI/CD pipeline, and enforce least privilege principles for components and permissions. Both automated and manual penetration testing should be done before each release. Tools like MobSF, QARK, and the OWASP Mobile Testing Guide are highly recommended for deep scans.

Case Study: Securing a Mobile Banking App

Challenge:
A fintech client needed to secure their mobile app handling sensitive banking transactions.

Approach:
Implemented biometric authentication fallback mechanisms, protected APIs with JWT and certificate pinning, obfuscated Android builds using DexGuard, and ran continuous DAST using Burp Suite Mobile Assistant.

Result:
The app passed PCI DSS compliance, and no high-severity vulnerabilities were reported in the first 6 months post-launch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should mobile app security be tested?
A: Perform security testing quarterly or with every major app release.

Q: Are Android apps more vulnerable than iOS?
A: Android offers more customization, which can increase risk. However, both platforms have their own unique vulnerabilities.

Q: Is the app store review process enough for security?
A: No. App stores only perform surface-level reviews. Deep penetration testing and secure coding practices are essential.

Conclusion

Mobile app security isn’t a one-time task—it’s a continuous process. By proactively addressing flaws like insecure storage, reverse engineering risks, and weak authentication mechanisms, you can significantly strengthen your mobile defence. Prevention is always cheaper and more effective than remediation after a breach.

At Testriq QA Lab LLP, we provide mobile app security services tailored to real-world threats — combining compliance audits, manual testing, and DevSecOps alignment for maximum resilience.

👉 Request a Mobile Security Audit

Security Testing Checklist Before Go-Live | Testriq QA Lab LLP

Launching a digital product without proper security validation can result in critical data leaks, regulatory penalties, and loss of user trust. Before pushing your application to production, it's essential to verify its security posture across all key layers—from backend logic and APIs to session handling, access control, and infrastructure.

This Security Testing Checklist Before Go-Live is a practical framework designed for QA engineers, DevOps professionals, and security leads to systematically validate readiness and eliminate critical vulnerabilities before the final release.

Comprehensive Security Testing Checklist Before Go-Live

Authentication & Authorization

Ensure multi-factor authentication (MFA) is in place, and that password policies enforce length, complexity, and expiration rules. Every sensitive action—especially those involving user roles—should undergo strict authorization checks based on RBAC principles.

Input Validation and Data Sanitization

Validate every input server-side to prevent SQL injection, XSS, and command injection vulnerabilities. All outputs should be encoded to prevent script execution, and parameterized queries should be used wherever possible. Client-side validation may also improve UX.

Session Management

Sessions should expire after inactivity and regenerate tokens upon login/logout. Cookies must use Secure and HttpOnly flags, and session fixation or reuse should not be possible.

Error Handling and Logging

Ensure 404 and 500 errors don’t reveal stack traces or environment details. Implement custom error pages and sanitize messages. Logging should capture key events like logins, access control changes, and potential abuse attempts—and these logs must be secured.

Transport Layer Security

Enforce HTTPS across all environments. SSL/TLS certificates should be valid and preferably include HSTS policies. Weak cyphers and outdated protocols must be disabled to prevent downgrade attacks.

API Security

APIs should use authentication and rate limiting to protect against brute force and denial-of-service attacks. Sensitive data must not be exposed in responses, and tokens (JWT, OAuth) should be securely issued, validated, and revoked when needed.

Infrastructure & Configuration Security

Remove any unnecessary services, open ports, and default admin panels. Apply all patches for the OS and app libraries. Environment variables and debug tools must be hidden in production. Firewalls should be configured for isolation and protection.

Data Security and Compliance

All personal or sensitive data should be encrypted both in transit and at rest. Compliance requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS must be met, and a privacy policy should be in place. Backup plans and recovery workflows should be tested for resilience.

Vulnerability Scanning & Penetration Testing

Complete automated scans using tools like OWASP ZAP or Nessus, and manually test high-risk areas. Fix all critical vulnerabilities and retest to confirm patch effectiveness. Keep a report log as part of your audit trail.

Third-Party Components and Dependencies

Use software composition analysis (SCA) to assess dependencies for known CVEs. Update all third-party scripts, plugins, and CDNs. Avoid outdated or unsupported components that may introduce silent risks.

Go-Live Risk Matrix Template

Area Status Risk Level Comments
Authentication ✅ Low MFA and role-based access set
API Gateway Security ✅ Medium Rate limiting added
TLS Configuration ⚠️ High Needs HSTS policy implementation
Third-party Libraries ✅ Medium Updated via NPM audit

Use this matrix as a dynamic decision-making tool before sign-off.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When should I start executing this checklist?
A: Ideally, 2–3 weeks before going live to allow sufficient time for fixes and validation.

Q: Who is responsible for maintaining the checklist?
A: QA, DevOps, and the security team should jointly manage it to ensure shared accountability.

Q: Is automated scanning alone enough before production release?
A: No. Combine it with manual code reviews and logic testing for holistic security assurance.

Conclusion

Security readiness isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about protecting your business, users, and reputation from irreversible damage. This go-live checklist ensures that your application is production-ready, resilient, and aligned with industry security standards.

At Testriq QA Lab LLP, we partner with engineering and security teams to validate every layer of your application, helping you launch with confidence.

👉 Request a Pre-Go-Live Security Audit

How to Write Secure Test Cases | Testriq QA Lab LLP

Security isn’t just the job of pen testers or compliance auditors anymore. In DevSecOps practices, QA teams play an essential role in ensuring software safety. Writing secure test cases helps uncover vulnerabilities and misconfigurations during early development phases—reducing the risk of breaches and improving application resilience pre-deployment.

What Are Secure Test Cases?

Secure test cases are specific test scenarios created to evaluate whether an application properly addresses critical security requirements. Unlike regular functional test cases that validate feature behavior, secure test cases simulate malicious inputs, unauthorized access attempts, and boundary-breaking scenarios.

These tests aim to uncover vulnerabilities early—before they can be exploited in production—making them an essential part of every QA strategy in security-conscious development environments.

  • Input validation
  • Authentication and authorization
  • Session management
  • Error handling
  • Access control
  • Data privacy

These cases not only simulate valid user behaviour but also test how the system reacts to potential misuse or malicious input.

Common Security Areas to Cover in Test Cases

1. Input Validation

Test how the system handles user input by checking for injection attacks like SQL Injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), and command injections. Validate edge cases, input length boundaries, and encoding schemes to ensure no malformed input can compromise the application.

Example:
- Test Case: Enter ' OR 1=1 -- in login fields
- Expected Result: Input should be rejected or sanitized

2. Authentication & Authorization

Evaluate login mechanisms, password strength enforcement, and session handling. Also, verify that different roles (admin, user, guest) can only access features appropriate to their permissions, preventing privilege escalation or unauthorized actions.

Example:
- Test Case: Try accessing /admin without authentication
- Expected Result: Redirect to the login page or return 403

3. Session Management

Test how sessions are created, maintained, and terminated. Confirm that session cookies include security flags like HttpOnly and Secure and that sessions expire correctly after logout or inactivity to prevent hijacking. Example:
- Test Case: Reuse session token after logout
- Expected Result: Access should be denied

4. Error Handling & Info Leakage

Simulate broken requests or edge-case input that could cause application errors. Make sure error pages and logs don’t expose sensitive stack traces, database structure, or internal file paths that could aid attackers.

Example:
- Test Case: Trigger 500 error
- Expected Result: Show generic error message

5. Access Control

Check that users cannot bypass access rules by manipulating URLs, form data, or APIs. Attempt unauthorized access to protected areas and validate responses to identify broken access control or IDOR (Insecure Direct Object Reference) risks.

Test IDOR scenarios such as modifying user IDs in URLs to access another user’s data.

6. Data Protection

Test whether sensitive data (passwords, tokens, personal information) is encrypted during transmission (using HTTPS) and storage. Analyze logs, browser responses, and debug outputs to confirm that sensitive data is not accidentally exposed.

Example:
- Try submitting a form with a password and inspect browser console or logs for leakage.

How to Design Secure Test Cases Effectively

  • Use Threat Models: Tools like STRIDE or DREAD can help identify attack surfaces.
  • Include Negative Tests: Test how the system behaves when things go wrong.
  • Automate Security Regression: Use tools like OWASP ZAP or Postman for recurring tests.
  • Align with OWASP Top 10: Use known security risks as a checklist for coverage.
  • Collaborate with Developers: Share scenarios early so both teams can validate together.

Sample Secure Test Case Format

Test Case ID Scenario Input Expected Result Security Risk
TC-SEC-001 SQL Injection in login form ' OR 1=1 -- Reject or sanitize input SQL Injection
TC-SEC-005 Session reuse after logout Old session ID Deny access or redirect Session Hijacking
TC-SEC-010 Unauthorized API call GET /admin 403 Forbidden or redirection Broken Access Control
TC-SEC-015 Error info leakage alert(1) Show generic error page XSS / Info Disclosure

Case Study: Secure QA Practices in an E-commerce Platform

Background:
A B2C client with payment modules and high-traffic sales cycles.

Implementation:
- Added 50+ secure test cases
- Included OWASP checklist in QA review
- Post-release scanning with Burp Suite

Outcome:
- Found 3 IDOR issues pre-launch
- Reduced live security bugs by 75%

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are security test cases different from functional ones?
A: Yes. Security tests focus on edge cases and attack simulation, not just feature validation.

Q: How do I start without prior security experience?
A: Start with the OWASP Top 10 and work closely with developers or your security team.

Q: Should security cases be part of regression?
A: Definitely. Especially for areas like login, access control, and input validation.

Conclusion

Secure test cases are essential for embedding cybersecurity into your development process. They help QA teams detect flaws before attackers do. By applying secure testing principles, using tools wisely, and covering key risk areas, you ensure your software is robust, compliant, and ready for real-world threats.

At Testriq QA Lab LLP, we equip teams to build strong security from the start.

👉 Talk to Our QA Security Experts

Static vs Dynamic Application Security Testing (SAST vs DAST)

In today’s DevSecOps-driven environments, integrating security into every phase of the software development lifecycle is crucial. Two core methodologies widely used in application security testing are Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST).

Both SAST and DAST are important but work in different ways — SAST checks the code itself, while DAST tests the app while it’s running. Knowing what each one is good at, where it falls short, and when to use them helps QA and security teams keep applications safer.

What is SAST (Static Application Security Testing)?

SAST is a white-box testing approach that analyzes source code, bytecode, or binaries before the application runs. It helps identify flaws at the code level before the app is even deployed.

It detects issues like hardcoded credentials, poor input validation, and weak APIs early in the SDLC. These tools are often language-specific and integrate directly into IDEs or CI pipelines.

Common SAST Tools:

  • SonarQube
  • Fortify Static Code Analyzer
  • Checkmarx
  • Veracode (SAST module)

What is DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing)?

DAST is a black-box testing technique that evaluates an application in its running state. It simulates real-world attacks to expose runtime vulnerabilities like injection flaws or broken authentication.

It’s especially valuable in staging and QA environments to test the entire application stack, including integrated APIs and frontends.

Common DAST Tools:

  • OWASP ZAP
  • Burp Suite
  • Netsparker
  • Acunetix

SAST vs DAST: Comparison Table

Feature SAST DAST
Code Access Requires source code No source code access (black-box)
Testing Phase Early in SDLC (pre-build) Post-deployment (runtime)
Vulnerability Detection Code-level issues Runtime issues, misconfigurations
Test Speed Fast once integrated Slower due to interaction
Language Dependency Yes No
False Positives Higher (static analysis) Lower (validated behavior)
Dev Integration IDEs, pipelines Staging & QA environments

When to Use SAST

SAST is best used during the early development phases, especially during code reviews and build time. It helps enforce secure coding standards and prevents vulnerabilities before they reach staging. Developers and DevSecOps engineers should integrate it into CI pipelines for shift-left testing.

When to Use DAST

DAST is effective for full-stack evaluation just before production. It helps test user workflows, integrated APIs, and staging environments. Security analysts and penetration testers often rely on DAST for real-world attack simulation.

Why Combine SAST and DAST? (Hybrid Approach)

A hybrid strategy combining both methods ensures complete coverage. SAST identifies code flaws, while DAST catches runtime issues like logic flaws or server misconfigurations.

Together, they offer full-spectrum protection from development through deployment. This approach is essential for fintech, healthcare, SaaS, and other industries requiring deep-risk coverage.

Real-World Implementation: Fintech SaaS Security Testing

A fintech company using Node.js and React implemented SAST with SonarQube for early development checks. Burp Suite was integrated into their staging phase for DAST. The result? A 65% reduction in production vulnerabilities and faster issue resolution.

XSS flaws were caught in staging that weren’t detectable through static code scans alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can SAST and DAST be used together in DevOps pipelines?
Yes. SAST fits in the build stage, while DAST works during pre-release or staging.

Q: Which is more important — SAST or DAST?
Both. SAST prevents issues early, DAST uncovers runtime problems.

Q: Do SAST tools support open-source projects?
Yes. Tools like SonarQube offer free, community-supported versions.

✅ Conclusion

Choosing between SAST and DAST isn’t a matter of preference — it’s about aligning the right tools with the right stages of your software lifecycle. When used together, these methodologies form a robust defence against vulnerabilities that threaten application integrity and data security.

At Testriq QA Lab LLP, we offer end-to-end application security testing solutions leveraging both SAST and DAST to secure codebases, runtime environments, and everything in between.

👉 Book a Security Assessment Consultation

Using Burp Suite for Security Testing – Beginner to Pro | Testriq

Burp Suite is one of the most widely used tools in the field of web application security testing. Developed by PortSwigger, it offers a powerful suite of integrated tools for intercepting, analysing, and manipulating HTTP/S traffic between browsers and servers.

Whether you're a beginner just starting with security testing or an experienced tester conducting advanced penetration tests, Burp Suite provides a flexible environment for discovering vulnerabilities like XSS, SQL injection, CSRF, and more.

🧭 Burp Suite Editions: Free vs Professional

Feature Burp Suite Community (Free) Burp Suite Professional
Manual Testing Tools ✅ ✅
Intercept Proxy ✅ ✅
Spider (Crawler) ✅ ✅
Scanner (Automated DAST) ❌ ✅
Intruder (High-speed attack) ✅ (limited) ✅ (full)
Extensibility (BApp Store) ✅ ✅
Advanced Reporting ❌ ✅

For enterprise-grade testing, Burp Suite Pro is recommended due to its automated vulnerability scanning and advanced features.

Getting Started: Basic Setup for Beginners

Installation:
Download Burp Suite from PortSwigger’s website. It runs on Java, so ensure Java Runtime Environment (JRE) is installed. It supports Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.

Browser Configuration:
Set your browser (commonly Firefox) to route traffic through Burp by using 127.0.0.1:8080 as a proxy. Import the SSL certificate generated by Burp to avoid HTTPS errors.

Intercepting Traffic:
Navigate to Proxy → Intercept and enable the interception to capture and analyze HTTP/S requests manually before forwarding.

Core Features and Modules

Proxy:
Intercepts and allows modification of HTTP traffic. Useful for examining authentication flows and session cookies.

Repeater:
Sends customized requests repeatedly to observe server responses. Helpful in testing parameter inputs and response behaviours.

Intruder:
Automates brute force, fuzzing, and manipulation attacks. It’s efficient for testing login, form inputs, and access control.

Scanner (Pro):
Offers automated scanning for XSS, SQLi, and other common web vulnerabilities with detailed reports.

Decoder:
Encodes and decodes data such as Base64, URL, or hex formats. Assists in analyzing tokens or obfuscated data.

Comparer:
Highlights differences between requests or responses to identify access control flaws or leakage.

Advanced Techniques for Pro Users

Session Handling Rules:
Automate login tokens and session regeneration to keep scans authenticated.

Extension Integration:
Use BApp Store extensions like Authorize, Logger++, and ActiveScan++ to extend Burp’s capabilities.

Target Scope Definition:
Mark the application’s base URLs as “in-scope” to limit scanning only to desired domains.

Common Vulnerabilities Detected Using Burp Suite

  • SQL Injection (SQLi)
  • Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
  • Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
  • Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR)
  • Open Redirects
  • Security Misconfigurations

Tips for Effective Security Testing with Burp Suite

  • Always define your scope to avoid legal risks
  • Use Repeater and Intruder strategically for edge cases
  • Export findings for reproducibility using project files
  • Balance manual and automated scans for better coverage

Use Case Example: Banking Application Pen Test

A banking portal was tested using Burp’s Proxy to monitor login and fund transfers. Intruder was used to manipulate transaction parameters. The scanner revealed stored XSS in the internal message centre. After remediation, 5 vulnerabilities were resolved before go-live.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is Burp Suite suitable for beginners?
A: Yes. The Community Edition is ideal for learning and experimentation.

Q: Can Burp Suite test APIs?
A: Absolutely. It supports REST, SOAP, and GraphQL endpoints.

Q: Is Burp Suite legal to use?
A: Yes, as long as it’s used with permission or within your own environments.

Conclusion

Burp Suite remains a cornerstone tool in the security tester’s toolkit — versatile enough for beginners and powerful enough for experts. Mastering Burp Suite enables QA professionals and ethical hackers to identify critical flaws, validate application behaviour, and strengthen security postures effectively.

At Testriq QA Lab LLP, we use Burp Suite extensively as part of our manual and automated security testing services, helping clients build secure, compliant, and resilient web applications.

👉 Book a Security Testing Demo with Burp Suite

Penetration testing (or pen testing) is a proactive security measure that simulates real-world cyberattacks on your web application to identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors can exploit them. It is an essential component of a comprehensive security testing strategy, helping organizations detect flaws in authentication, input validation, session management, and more.
This guide provides a step-by-step approach to conducting penetration testing for web applications, covering preparation, execution, tools, and reporting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Web Application Penetration Testing

Define the Scope and Objectives

The first step is to clearly define the boundaries of your penetration test. This involves identifying which components of the web application are in scope—such as login pages, API endpoints, dashboards, or file upload forms. You should also decide on the methodology to be used: black-box testing for zero-knowledge scenarios, white-box testing for full-access assessments, or grey-box testing for a combination of both. Before beginning, ensure that all legal permissions are in place, including approvals from stakeholders and non-disclosure agreements. This helps avoid any ethical or legal conflicts during the test.

Gather Intelligence (Reconnaissance Phase)

Next, collect as much information about the application and its environment as possible. This includes identifying DNS records, IP ranges, subdomains, tech stack details, and exposed APIs. Reconnaissance can be passive (gathering data without direct interaction) or active (interacting with the system). Tools like Whois, Shodan, NSLookup, and Google Dorks are particularly useful in uncovering public-facing information that could aid an attacker.

Map the Application and Entry Points

Once initial data is gathered, begin mapping the application’s structure. This involves crawling the site either manually or using automated tools like OWASP ZAP or Burp Suite Spider to understand how users interact with the application. Create a comprehensive inventory of entry points such as input fields, request headers, session cookies, and exposed parameters. This mapping helps in determining the most vulnerable and impactful areas for further testing.

Enumerate Vulnerabilities

Now it’s time to actively look for vulnerabilities in the application. Use a mix of manual techniques and automated tools to discover weaknesses like SQL injection (SQLi), Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR), and missing or insecure HTTP headers. Tools like Nikto, Wapiti, Acunetix, SQLMap, and Nmap can automate much of this process and provide detailed insights into security misconfigurations and flaws in logic or architecture.

Exploit Vulnerabilities

Once vulnerabilities are identified, simulate their exploitation in a controlled and ethical manner to assess their real-world impact. This involves demonstrating what an attacker could achieve—such as accessing sensitive data, escalating privileges, or compromising user sessions. Every exploit attempt should be documented with payload details, screenshots, and logs to provide clear evidence for the development and security teams.

Post-Exploitation and Cleanup

After exploiting vulnerabilities, the next step is to analyze the depth of compromise. Evaluate how far an attacker could pivot through the system after the initial breach, including lateral movement and data exfiltration possibilities. Once this analysis is complete, restore the system by revoking tokens, resetting passwords, removing test accounts, and cleaning any test artifacts. This step ensures the application returns to a secure and stable state.

Reporting and Recommendations

Finally, compile all findings into a detailed report. This document should include an executive summary, a categorized list of discovered vulnerabilities, their risk severity levels, and clear reproduction steps. Most importantly, it should contain actionable recommendations for fixing each issue, along with a proposed remediation timeline. The report serves as both a roadmap for fixing vulnerabilities and a compliance artifact for audits and stakeholders.

Popular Tools for Web App Penetration Testing

Tool Purpose
Burp Suite Manual & automated proxy-based vulnerability testing
OWASP ZAP Open-source scanner for automated web scans
SQLMap SQL injection detection & exploitation
Nikto Web server misconfiguration scanner
Metasploit Exploitation framework for PoC execution
Nmap Port scanning and OS fingerprinting
Dirb/Gobuster Directory and file enumeration

Common Vulnerabilities Found During Web Penetration Tests

  • SQL Injection (SQLi)
  • Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
  • Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
  • Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR)
  • Broken Authentication & Session Management
  • Unvalidated Redirects and Forwards
  • Missing Security Headers

Tips for Effective Web App Penetration Testing

  • Follow OWASP Testing Guide v4
  • Combine automated scans with manual testing
  • Maintain app availability during testing
  • Use staging/non-prod environments
  • Collaborate with developers post-assessment

Case Study: Penetration Testing for an EdTech Platform

Objective:
Secure a multi-tenant student data platform

Scope:
Login workflows, API endpoints, dashboard, and file uploads

Findings:
- Discovered 6 vulnerabilities (2 critical, 4 medium)
- Resolved XSS and misconfigured role escalation
- Improved cookie flags and session timeout settings

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What’s the difference between penetration testing and vulnerability scanning?
A: Vulnerability scanning detects possible flaws. Pen testing goes a step further by exploiting them to evaluate real-world risk.

Q: How often should penetration testing be done?
A: At least annually, and after major feature changes or infrastructure updates.

Q: Can penetration testing impact live systems?
A: Yes, if improperly executed. Always conduct it in staging environments or under strict supervision.

Conclusion

Penetration testing is a critical step in protecting your web applications from real-world threats. Simulating attacks, uncovering hidden flaws, and providing actionable remediation steps, allow teams to strengthen their security posture before attackers strike.

At Testriq QA Lab LLP, we deliver structured penetration testing services tailored to your compliance and risk management needs.

👉 Talk to Our Security Testing Experts

Security is no longer optional — it's a fundamental part of modern software development. The OWASP Top 10 is a globally recognized list of the most critical security risks to web applications, published by the Open Worldwide Application Security Project (OWASP).
This list serves as an industry-standard reference point for developers, testers, security professionals, and decision-makers to understand where application threats are most likely to occur.

What Is the OWASP Top 10?

The OWASP Top 10 is a regularly updated report outlining the most pressing security vulnerabilities in web applications. It reflects real-world threat intelligence gathered from bug bounty programs, academic research, and penetration testing results.

Organizations use the OWASP Top 10 as a baseline for:

  • Security awareness and training
  • Code reviews and secure coding standards
  • Risk assessment and remediation planning

OWASP Top 10 Security Vulnerabilities (Latest Edition)

  1. Broken Access Control
    Unauthorized users can access restricted functions or data.
    Mitigation: Enforce role-based access and deny by default.

  2. Cryptographic Failures
    Weak or improperly implemented cryptography leads to data exposure.
    Mitigation: Use strong encryption and secure key management.

  3. Injection
    Attacker injects malicious code via input fields.
    Mitigation: Use parameterized queries and validate all input.

  4. Insecure Design
    Poor architecture or design choices lead to system-level flaws.
    Mitigation: Apply secure design patterns early in development.

  5. Security Misconfiguration
    Default settings or exposed services increase risk.
    Mitigation: Harden configurations and conduct regular reviews.

  6. Vulnerable and Outdated Components
    Unpatched libraries or frameworks introduce known exploits.
    Mitigation: Use SCA tools and update dependencies regularly.

  7. Identification and Authentication Failures
    Weak login handling or poor session tracking.
    Mitigation: Enforce MFA, secure password policies, and session timeouts.

  8. Software and Data Integrity Failures
    CI/CD pipeline or update mechanisms are exploited.
    Mitigation: Use checksums, signed packages, and secure deployment.

  9. Security Logging and Monitoring Failures
    Delayed response to attacks due to lack of visibility.
    Mitigation: Implement centralized logging and alerts.

  10. Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
    App makes requests to unintended internal resources.
    Mitigation: Whitelist destinations and validate URLs.

Practical Use of OWASP Top 10 in QA & Dev Teams

  • Integrate into SDLC: Use OWASP categories in threat modeling and testing.
  • Automated Scanning: Tools like OWASP ZAP and Burp Suite catch common flaws early.
  • Training & Awareness: Train QA and developers regularly on secure coding practices.

Tools That Help Detect OWASP Vulnerabilities

Tool Use Case
OWASP ZAP DAST scanning and security testing
SonarQube Static code analysis
Burp Suite Manual and automated penetration testing
Fortify SCA Static security scanning of source code
Nessus/Qualys Infrastructure and network-level vulnerability scans

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often is the OWASP Top 10 updated?
A: Every 2–3 years, based on real-world data and expert input.

Q: Are mobile applications also covered by OWASP?
A: Yes, OWASP maintains dedicated lists for mobile and API security.

Q: Can OWASP vulnerabilities be completely eliminated?
A: Not entirely, but awareness and proactive practices significantly reduce risks.

Conclusion

The OWASP Top 10 serves as a foundation for secure web development. Addressing these vulnerabilities reduces your attack surface, improves compliance, and boosts application trustworthiness.

At Testriq QA Lab LLP, we help implement OWASP-aligned security testing strategies that protect your applications from modern threats.

👉 Talk to a Security Testing Expert

A great mobile app doesn’t just look good — it must perform consistently across devices, networks, and user scenarios.

Even a well-designed app can fail if not thoroughly tested. That’s why QA teams rely on structured test cases to validate UI, logic, security, and performance.

In this guide, you’ll find a checklist of 20 essential mobile test cases, grouped by testing type, applicable to both Android and iOS platforms.

Mobile App Test Case Categories

To ensure complete test coverage, this checklist includes test cases across:

  • Functional Testing
  • UI/UX Testing
  • Performance Testing
  • Compatibility Testing
  • Security Testing
  • Network Testing

Checklist: 20 Must-Have Mobile App Test Cases

Functional Test Cases

Test Purpose
App Launch Validate app launch across OS versions/devices
Login Flow Test valid/invalid credentials, MFA, error messaging
Navigation Flow Verify consistency across menus/screens
Input Field Validation Check character limits, types, edge cases
Form Submission Ensure correct behavior and user feedback

UI/UX Test Cases

Test Purpose
Responsive Layout Verify screen rendering on phones & tablets
Touch Interactions Test buttons, sliders, gestures
Orientation Change Ensure stable UI when switching portrait ↔ landscape
Font/Icon Rendering Consistency and readability
Dark Mode Compatibility UI correctness in dark/light themes

Performance Test Cases

Test Purpose
App Load Time Measure initial load speed
Memory Usage Detect RAM spikes and leaks
Battery Drain Ensure optimized power usage

Compatibility Test Cases

Test Purpose
OS Version Support Run on both legacy and latest OS versions
Device Fragmentation Validate on multiple devices, screen sizes, and chipsets

Network Test Cases

Test Purpose
Offline Mode Ensure fallback behaviors and cache handling
Slow Network Simulation Test usability under 2G/3G speeds
Interruption Handling Validate app stability post phone calls, push alerts, etc.

Security Test Cases

Test Purpose
Data Encryption Verify no sensitive data stored in plain text
Permission Requests Validate proper handling of camera, location, etc.

Tools to Support These Test Cases

Tool Use Case
Appium Cross-platform UI test automation
BrowserStack Real device cloud testing
Postman API + security validation
Applitools Visual regression
Firebase Test Lab Performance testing
Burp Suite Security scanning & proxy testing

Case Study: E-Commerce App QA

  • Used 18 of 20 checklist items in regression
  • Detected 24 UI bugs + 2 major security flaws pre-release
  • 35% improvement in app store ratings
  • 97.6% crash-free sessions in the first month

FAQs

Q1: Should I use the same checklist for Android and iOS?
A: Mostly yes — but customize for platform-specific behaviors (UI layouts, permission flows, gestures).

Q2: How often should these test cases be run?
A: After every major release. Automate wherever possible.

Q3: Can this checklist be used for hybrid apps like Flutter or React Native?
A: Yes. It applies broadly to native, hybrid, and cross-platform apps.

Conclusion: Start With the Essentials

A reliable mobile QA strategy begins with covering the right test cases. This checklist helps ensure your app performs well across real-world use conditions — from login to load time to security.

At Testriq QA Lab LLP, we help QA teams design, run, and automate test cases for faster, cleaner launches.

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Real-World Examples of Performance Testing Failures and Fixes

While performance testing is a cornerstone of software quality assurance, many organizations still face post-deployment failures due to overlooked bottlenecks, poor planning, or incomplete test coverage. Learning from real-world cases of performance testing failures can help QA teams build more resilient, efficient, and scalable applications.

This article shares actual case studies from various industries, revealing what went wrong, how issues were diagnosed, and the corrective actions taken.

Case Study 1: Retail E-Commerce – Flash Sale Crash

An online retailer experienced a complete system crash during a major flash sale. The failure stemmed from underestimating user load. Testing was conducted for 10,000 concurrent users, but the live traffic surged beyond 50,000. The CDN failed to cache promotional images, and the backend database pool wasn't scaled to handle the spike.

After identifying these root causes, engineers re-tested using JMeter with a scaled environment, corrected the caching strategy, and applied autoscaling rules to the database pool. The result was a 3x improvement in homepage load time and stability with over 70,000 users during the next event.

Case Study 2: Banking App – API Timeouts

A leading digital banking application faced API timeouts during peak periods. The underlying issues were a lack of benchmarking, untested long-duration sessions, and synchronous microservices architecture. The team introduced soak testing with k6 for 72-hour endurance runs, implemented async messaging patterns, and tuned memory management.

As a result, they cut latency by 45% and doubled API throughput during peak hours, significantly improving reliability.

Case Study 3: EdTech Platform – Slow Quiz Submissions

During peak exam season, students on an EdTech platform experienced quiz submission lags. This was traced to the frontend never simulating realistic concurrency and backend systems handling submissions as individual transactions.

The fix involved using Locust to simulate 10,000 concurrent submissions, implementing batch processing for database writes, and adding latency-focused monitoring. The average submission time dropped from 5.2 seconds to under 1.5 seconds, boosting user satisfaction scores by 30%.

Case Study 4: Healthcare SaaS – Downtime During Updates

A healthcare SaaS solution encountered severe slowdowns during mid-deployment updates. Performance testing had not accounted for partial rollout scenarios or rollback contingencies. The QA team added performance checks in Jenkins CI, introduced canary deployment validation, and enabled automatic rollbacks based on SLA breaches.

This improved the update experience, reducing downtime during releases by 90% and adding intelligent rollback logic.

Key Lessons from Performance Testing Failures

Each failure revealed valuable takeaways:

  • Simulate traffic based on real-world patterns, not just estimations.
  • Set performance baselines and monitor them consistently across releases.
  • Include spike and endurance tests to expose hidden bottlenecks.
  • Observe the full stack: frontend, backend, APIs, and networks.
  • Automate performance rollbacks for safer and faster recoveries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the most common reason performance testing fails to prevent incidents?
A: Lack of realistic test coverage for user behaviour and scale.

Q: Can failures be prevented with automation alone?
A: Automation helps but must be combined with thoughtful test design, real metrics, and observability.

Q: Should all teams include performance testing in CI/CD pipelines?
A: Absolutely. For customer-facing apps, CI/CD-integrated performance testing is a must.

Conclusion

Performance testing failures offer some of the most valuable insights into what it takes to build resilient systems. By learning from real-world examples, QA teams and DevOps engineers can proactively design better testing scenarios, prevent regressions, and strengthen system reliability.

At Testriq QA Lab LLP, we specialize in helping clients avoid such pitfalls by combining deep domain expertise with modern performance engineering practices.

👉 Request a Performance Risk Assessment