How often should API Penetration Testing be conducted?

API Penetration Testing should be conducted regularly, especially after major updates or when new features are added to the API.

What types of APIs does Xium Labs test?

We test a wide range of APIs, including RESTful, SOAP, and GraphQL APIs.

How disruptive is API Penetration Testing?

Our tests are designed to be non-disruptive, allowing your API to continue functioning during the assessment.

What are the most common API vulnerabilities?

Common vulnerabilities include broken authentication, lack of encryption, injection flaws, and excessive data exposure.

Does Xium Labs help with fixing vulnerabilities found in the API?

Yes, we provide detailed recommendations and post-testing support to help your team address identified vulnerabilities.

How long does API Penetration Testing take?

The duration depends on the complexity of the API. Testing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.

How much does an API penetration test cost?

Pricing follows the number of endpoints and the complexity of authentication and business logic in scope. After a free scoping call reviewing your API documentation, we provide a fixed quote.

What access do you need to test our APIs?

API documentation or a collection export, test credentials for each role, and a non-production environment where possible. If documentation is thin we can map the API ourselves, exactly as an attacker would.

API Penetration Testing

Securing the Backbone of Modern Applications

APIs are the connective tissue of today’s digital ecosystems, enabling communication between systems and services. However, unsecured APIs can expose your sensitive data and compromise your entire infrastructure. At Xium Labs, our API Penetration Testing service helps you safeguard your APIs against potential threats, ensuring secure and seamless communication across all your applications.

What is API Penetration Testing?

API Penetration Testing involves assessing the security of your Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) by simulating real-world attacks to identify vulnerabilities. APIs often serve as gateways to sensitive data, making them prime targets for attackers. Our penetration testing thoroughly examines your APIs to identify security gaps and offers solutions to mitigate risks.

Who Needs API Penetration Testing?

APIs now carry the majority of business-critical traffic: they sit behind every mobile app, partner integration and SaaS product. They are also where some of the most damaging breaches start, because a single broken authorisation check can expose an entire customer database. If you publish APIs to partners, run a mobile backend, expose integrations to customers or operate in open banking, your APIs deserve dedicated testing rather than being an afterthought in a web test.

What You Receive

Each API engagement produces:

Findings across authentication, authorisation, input handling and data exposure for every endpoint in scope.
Proof of exploitation with severity ratings and reproduction steps.
Remediation guidance mapped to your API framework and gateway.
A debrief call and a free re-test within six weeks.

Standards and Compliance

Testing is structured around the OWASP API Security Top 10, the definitive reference for API-specific risk. Reports support ISO 27001 and SOC 2 testing requirements, PCI DSS where payment flows cross your APIs, open banking security expectations, and UK GDPR Article 32 obligations for personal data moving through your integrations.

Benefits of Our API Penetration Testing.

Comprehensive API Security

Identify potential vulnerabilities in both RESTful and SOAP APIs.

Mitigation of Data Exposure

Ensure that sensitive data is protected from unauthorised access or leaks.

Compliance with Industry Standards

We evaluate both internal and external network components, ensuring end-to-end protection.

Free Re-testing

Enjoy free re-testing within six weeks to verify that all vulnerabilities have been resolved.

Remediation Support

Our experts provide tailored remediation steps to fortify your API infrastructure

Common API Vulnerabilities

Broken Authentication

Weak authentication mechanisms can allow unauthorised users to gain access to the API.

Excessive Data Exposure

APIs that send too much information back to the client, potentially exposing sensitive data.

Injection Attacks

Code injection flaws such as SQL injection or command injection that allow attackers to manipulate API queries.

Inadequate Rate Limiting

APIs that don’t properly restrict the number of requests a user can make, enabling denial-of-service attacks.

Improper Access Control

Poor access control allows attackers to interact with resources that should be restricted.

How Does API Penetration Testing Work?

Our API Penetration Testing service is designed to ensure that your APIs are secure against evolving threats. Our team of certified experts tests your APIs manually and with advanced tools to uncover security gaps that automated scanners often miss. Here’s how the process works:

Discovery & Mapping:We analyse your API endpoints and functionality to understand how the API is structured.
Threat Modelling:We identify potential attack vectors based on the API’s intended use and data flow. We assess network assets to identify exposed entry points.
Exploitation: Simulated attacks are launched to test the resilience of your defences.
Post-Exploitation: We analyse the extent of access that attackers could gain if successful.
Reporting & Remediation: A detailed report is provided with vulnerabilities identified and steps for remediation.