I am currently performing my first few web app assessments and I feel like I am missing things. I usually run Burp Suite and look for the OWASP Top 10, but I feel my manual testing is weak. What are the common pitfalls or "blind spots" that junior testers usually have when they are starting out?
3 answers
Don't ignore the low-hanging fruit like descriptive error messages or outdated headers. They often provide the clues needed for a much larger exploit chain later on.
The biggest mistake is over-relying on automated scanners. While Burp Suite is powerful, the scanner won't find complex logic flaws or IDOR vulnerabilities that require human understanding of the application's flow. Another mistake is not spending enough time on the reconnaissance phase. You need to map out every hidden directory and parameter before you start firing off payloads. Also, juniors often forget to test for rate-limiting or session management issues, which are critical in modern web apps. Slow down, understand the business logic, and then try to break the intended workflow.
Are you strictly following the OWASP testing guide, or are you just checking off the Top 10 list? Sometimes the most critical bugs are specific to the unique architecture of the application you are testing.
Using the OWASP Web Security Testing Guide (WSTG) is a game changer. It provides a structured framework that ensures you don't miss those obscure edge cases. For the logic flaws you mentioned, I find that drawing out the application's data flow on paper helps me visualize where the developers might have made assumptions about user input that shouldn't be trusted.
Great point, Amanda. Information disclosure is often the first step in a successful breach. Those small details are the building blocks for professional testers.