PWAS

Practical Web Application Security Assessment

The breadth of knowledge required to be a proficient Web Application Security consultant can be staggering. Web applications are becoming more complicated by the day, meaning full-coverage web application security assessments require an ever expanding amount of technical knowledge and experience. To make matters worse, the complexity of modern applications creates massive blind spots for automated tooling, leaving people as the lone means of discovery for potential security issues concealed by these limitations. With a desire to prepare people to fill this gap, Practical Security Services designed PWASA to provide comprehensive web application security assessment training with a variety of application architectures.

Description

PWASA provides comprehensive training on the latest open source tools and manual techniques for performing end-to-end web application security assessments. After a quick overview of the web application security assessment methodology, the instructor will lead students through the process of assessing the security of multiple applications using the techniques and approaches developed from a career of real world web application security assessment and development experiences. Students will be introduced to the best tools currently available for the specific steps of the methodology, including Burp Suite Pro, and taught how to integrate these tools with automated and manual testing techniques and vulnerability knowledge to maximize discovery potential during full-coverage engagements. Where relevant, students will be led through the source code to discover or validate vulnerabilities and gain a better understanding of how and why they exist. A major goal of this course is teaching students the glue that brings the tools, techniques, knowledge, and methodology together to successfully perform full-coverage web application security assessments that disclose a high percentage of the security issues. The end result is an individual with the confidence and skill to perform web application security assessments as a Web Application Security professional.

The majority of the course will be spent performing a hands-on simulated web application security assessment of several target applications. These targets consist of custom built server-side and client-side rendered frontends, REST and GraphQL APIs, and various authentication schemes, in order to demonstrate modern architectural design and real vulnerability patterns as encountered in the wild.

PWASA is a PortSwigger preferred Burp Suite Training course. PWASA students will learn basic and advanced usage techniques for Burp Suite Pro, as well as discover obscure functionality hidden within the vast capabilities of the tool. Students will also receive a trial license for Burp Suite Pro to use during and after the course.

Skill Requirements

Students taking this course should have introductory knowledge of the OWASP Top 10 and a thorough understanding of the HTTP protocol. Students do not need to be comfortable finding or exploiting common web vulnerabilities, but a general understanding is ideal. However, understanding the HTTP protocol is vital. PWASA does not cover basic HTTP, but will reference it repeatedly assuming students are familiar with the protocol. PWASA may also do this with some vulnerabilities, but will discuss them in further detail at a later time during the class. Knowledge of web technologies and programming constructs will also be helpful, but are not required, as PWASA uses code to discover and validate vulnerabilities where relevant. Practical Security Services offers an optional HTTP primer add-on that covers the basics of HTTP, Object-Oriented programming as it applies to the Document Object Model, and architectural design patterns for web applications.

While this is not an advanced course, PWASA will strive to cover advanced topics if the ability level of the student population allows. Please prepare yourselves for the above requirements if you do not already meet them coming into the course. Anyone looking to get into Web Application Security or hone their craft should be working on their software development skills. If not already doing so, this is a good time to get started.

Technical Requirements

  • Laptop with the latest VMware Player, VMware Workstation, or VWware Fusion installed. Other virtualization software such as Parallels or VirtualBox will probably work if the attendee is familiar with its functionality. However, VMware Player should be prepared as a backup.
  • Ability to disable all security software on their laptop such as Antivirus and/or firewalls (Administrator).
  • At least twenty (20) GB of hard drive space.
  • At least eight (8) GB of RAM.
  • WARNING: Due to virtualization limitations, systems using Apple silicon are not supported and cannot be used.

Testimonials

  • "I just completed my first paid pen test as an after hours gig. Thanks to your class, I had a solid methodology to follow. I went down the list and it went better than I expected. I found stored XSS, IDOR, Session Fixation, insecure JWT storage, CSRF and more. I would have never been able to do this without you. Thank you so much. I can’t wait to take the class again!!"

    - Joe S.
  • "This is the most beneficial, real-world applicable course I have ever attended on web application penetration testing. In three days, Tim walked us through his expert methodology on assessing web applications and provided insight on the most recent vulnerabilities that are currently being found and how to test for them. Excellent course."

    - Steve D.
  • "I've been in IT for 24 years and have taken dozens and dozens of training classes. I've left most of those classes feeling like the value of the class for the cost wasn't worth it. That was completely the opposite for your class. I left wondering why it was so cheap. Without a doubt it was some of the best training I've received in my career."

    - Jeremy Archer
  • "I've taken several different trainings/certifications to include: OSCP, eMAPT, ePPT, Sans (GCFE and GMOB); your training and method of instruction blew these away. You've given me the gift of knowledge and I greatly appreciate it!"

    - DJ Phishes
  • "Thank you for an amazing class! Truly inspirational. I'm probably one of the newest from your Springfield class to the security world, but you were able to teach and present all of the information in a way that was not only at a level that could be easily understood, but was engaging and fun!"

    - Blaise Lacktis
  • "Seriously can't recommend the PWAPT and any other PractiSec's trainings enough. Learned so much and will be using the course content as a resource for a long, long time."

    - Jake Servaty
  • "If you are a Web App Pen Tester and have not taken a class from PractiSec you are missing out! Do yourself a favor and check it out! Without a doubt the best training I have ever taken!"

    - Gh0stHax
  • "If you prefer in-person training, the best out there, hands down, is PractiSec."

    - Heath Adams
  • "Had the opportunity to attend PBAT & PWAPT by PractiSec last week. Tremendous insight and tradecraft within this Burp-centric course. Great content, highly energetic instructor, tons of real-world examples, many hands-on exercises. Highly recommended!"

    - Grumpy
  • "It has been a long time since I have taken a course where I gained new knowledge and insights plus be able to immediately implement it within my team!! Good for beginners and experienced testers."

    - Jennifer
  • "Just finished best security training I’ve done yet! Learned everything, high level methodology, foundational concepts, tools, tips, tricks, everything. ABSOLUTELY worth your time! Thanks PractiSec!"

    - warrenkopp
  • "Just wrapped up PWAPT with PractiSec! By far, one of the best technical courses I have ever taken with an exceptional instructor. Putting Tim’s methodology immediately into action to get the job done! Amazing value! Thanks for all you do for the community, Tim!"

    - Michael Holcomb
  • "I recently attended the PWAPT taught by PractiSec. By far the best security training that I have attended in my career. Tim built and executed this course like a Jedi master. Not only great content, but the wisdom to deliver on the materials at every step."

    - Bob Thibodeaux
  • "Tim did an awesome job teaching PWAPT. One of the best teachers in this industry. Went back to work with immediate value to enhance Security of my workplace web app Security."

    - Trell Williams
  • "I can't say enough good things about PractiSec's Practical Web Application Penetration Testing course. Tim delivers information in a very digestible, and immediately useful way. I highly recommend this course to all AppSec professionals."

    - Joshua Dow

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