How to perform an API security audit?
An API (Application Programming Interface) security audit is the process of reviewing and testing the security measures of an API to ensure that it is configured correctly and free from vulnerabilities. This is important because APIs are often used to facilitate the exchange of sensitive data and information, and a security breach could have serious consequences for both the API provider and the API consumers.
There are several steps involved in performing an API security audit:
- Planning and scope definition: The first step in any security audit is to define the scope and objectives of the audit. This includes identifying the APIs to be tested, the types of threats to be considered, and the resources required to conduct the audit.
- Information gathering: The next step is to gather as much information as possible about the API and its architecture. This includes reviewing documentation, studying the API's code and design, and conducting interviews with the API developers and other relevant stakeholders.
- Threat modeling: Once you have a good understanding of the API and its architecture, the next step is to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities. This can be done using a variety of techniques, such as threat modeling frameworks like STRIDE or DREAD, or by reviewing common API attack vectors like injection attacks, broken authentication and session management, and sensitive data exposure.
- API Testing: Once you have identified potential threats and vulnerabilities, the next step is to test the API to see if it is indeed vulnerable. This can be done using a variety of tools and techniques, such as automated scanners, manual testing, or by conducting penetration testing.
- API Evaluation and reporting: After the testing is complete, the next step is to evaluate the results and prepare a report detailing any vulnerabilities that were discovered, along with recommendations for addressing those vulnerabilities.
- API Remediation: Based on the findings of the audit, the API developer will need to implement appropriate measures to address any vulnerabilities that were discovered. This may include fixing vulnerabilities in the code, implementing new security controls, or modifying the API's architecture.
- API Run-time protection: Continuous monitoring of all APIs to understand baseline behavior and using context based behavioral analytics, determine if any abnormal abusive behavior is occurring.
- API Verification and validation: Once the remediation measures have been implemented, it is important to verify that they are effective and that the API is now secure. This can be done through additional testing, such as re-running the original tests or conducting new tests to confirm that the vulnerabilities have been properly addressed.
Overall, conducting an API security audit requires a combination of technical expertise, knowledge of API security best practices, and a thorough understanding of the API and its architecture. By following these steps and working closely with the API developers, it is possible to identify and address any vulnerabilities in the API and ensure that it is secure and fit for purpose.
What is Shadowhunt?
Shadowhunt is a managed threat hunting service provided by API security vendor Neosec. It is the human expertise that augments its API Detect and Response (ADR) security platform. Shadowhunt is built for companies whose security teams are short-staffed and don’t have access to expertise needed to identify threats in business API traffic.
