What is API Security Testing?
API Security Testing is the process of identifying and fixing vulnerabilities in APIs. It checks authentication, authorization, data validation, and configuration to ensure APIs don’t expose sensitive data or allow unauthorized access
APIs are used to connect with various integrations, from mobile apps, SaaS platforms to microservice and third-party integrations. This widespread use significantly widens the attack surface, making APIs vulnerable to attacks.
Why API Security Testing Matters
APIs power modern software, from mobile apps and SaaS platforms to cloud integrations. But this connectivity also creates a large attack surface. If APIs aren’t properly tested, attackers can exploit them to steal, modify, or delete sensitive data.
Here’s why API security testing is essential:
- APIs expose direct access to critical data. They connect systems and users to databases, payments, and customer information. A single exposed or weak API endpoint can compromise an entire application.
- Traditional testing tools often miss API-specific flaws. Password protection alone can’t stop attackers if the API logic itself is flawed. For instance, a healthcare company discovered a serious issue when its regular web scanner failed to detect a vulnerability in an API endpoint that exposed patient records. Only specialized API security testing revealed the flaw, proving that traditional scanners aren’t built to catch these risks.
- Attackers actively target APIs. API-specific attacks like credential stuffing, broken object-level authorization (BOLA), and excessive data exposure have become some of the top causes of major breaches in SaaS and cloud environments.
- It supports Shift-Left security. Integrating API testing early in the DevSecOps pipeline ensures vulnerabilities are caught during development, not after release. This “test early, fix early” approach saves time, reduces cost, and strengthens security posture before code ever reaches production.
How API Security Testing Works
- Find all API endpoints: Start by mapping every API route, parameter, and authentication flow to know exactly what’s being exposed. For example, an unlisted “debug” endpoint left from development could reveal sensitive system data if overlooked.
- Check authentication and access control: Test how users log in and what data they can access. For instance, if a regular user can access admin-only routes by changing their user ID in the request, it signals broken access control, one of the most common API vulnerabilities.
- Test how inputs are handled: Send unexpected or malicious inputs to uncover injection flaws. For example, inserting SQL commands into an API query could reveal customer data if proper validation isn’t in place.
- Review business logic: Look for ways attackers could misuse how the API works. For instance, an attacker might exploit a logic flaw to apply unlimited coupon codes, causing a $50,000 revenue loss within weeks.
- Inspect configurations and libraries: Review API security settings and third-party components. A misconfigured CORS policy or outdated dependency (like a vulnerable version of Log4j) can give attackers an easy entry point.
- Automate and monitor: Integrate API testing into your CI/CD pipeline for ongoing protection. For example, when new code is pushed, automated scans catch issues early, preventing vulnerabilities from ever reaching production.
Common API Vulnerabilities
- Broken authentication or access control
- Excessive data exposure
- Injection attacks (e.g., SQL, command, NoSQL)
- Missing rate limiting
- Unsecured endpoints or tokens
- Logic flaws and misconfigurations
Example in Practice
A fintech company runs an API for mobile banking. During testing, the team discovers an endpoint that returns all user transaction data without verifying ownership.
The team secures its API by using an API security testing tool. Then they improve some security aspects :
- Implements strict access control per user
- Adds rate limiting and encryption
- Integrates the test into CI/CD for continuous monitoring
Result: The security issue is fixed before release, preventing a major data leak.
Related Terms
- SAST (Static Application Security Testing)
- DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing)
- SCA (Software Composition Analysis)
- IAST (Interactive Application Security Testing)
- DevSecOps
FAQ: API Security Testing
What’s the difference between API functional testing and security testing?
Functional testing checks if APIs work correctly; security testing checks if they’re safe from misuse or attacks.
When should API Security Testing be performed?
Throughout the development lifecycle, ideally automated in CI/CD to “shift left.”
What tools are used for API testing?
Tools like Traceable API Security, Postman, OWASP ZAP, and Plexicus ASPM integrate into pipelines for automated security checks. Check this to find API security testing tool options.
Is API security testing part of DevSecOps?
Yes. It’s a core part of DevSecOps, ensuring security is built into APIs early, not after deployment.