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Penetration testing, also known as ethical hacking, plays a crucial role in identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities within web applications. Ethical hackers utilize various tools and techniques to assess the security posture of applications in a controlled environment. One effective method to practice and enhance these skills is through deliberately vulnerable web applications. These platforms provide a safe space for cybersecurity professionals and enthusiasts to explore, exploit, and ultimately secure common web vulnerabilities. In this blog, we will delve into the top 15 vulnerable web applications widely used for penetration testing purposes.
Top 15 Vulnerable Web Applications for Penetration Testing
- OWASP Mutillidae II
- DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web Application)
- bWAPP (Buggy Web Application)
- WebGoat
- Juice Shop
- Vulnerable WordPress
- Hackazon
- WackoPicko
- Security Shepherd
- Altoro Mutual
- Google Gruyere
- XVWA (Xtreme Vulnerable Web Application)
- Bricks
- BodgeIt Store
- VulnHub
1. OWASP Mutillidae II
Overview: OWASP Mutillidae II is an open-source, deliberately vulnerable web application created and maintained by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP). It is designed as a free tool to help users learn about a wide range of common web vulnerabilities in a controlled environment.
Key Features:
- Variety of Vulnerabilities: Mutillidae II includes vulnerabilities such as SQL Injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF), and more.
- Multiple Security Levels: The application features several security levels, allowing users to start with basic vulnerabilities and progress to more complex scenarios as their skills develop.
- Educational Focus: Each vulnerability in Mutillidae II comes with hints, tutorials, and lessons to help users understand how the vulnerability works and how it can be mitigated.
Use Cases:
- Ideal for beginners to learn about web application vulnerabilities.
- Useful for experienced testers to practice and refine their skills.
2. DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web Application)
Overview: DVWA is a PHP/MySQL web application designed with intentional vulnerabilities to provide a legal and safe environment for practicing web security. It is one of the most popular platforms for learning about common vulnerabilities and how to exploit them.
Key Features:
- Multiple Security Levels: DVWA allows users to switch between different security levels, from low (easier to exploit) to impossible (well-secured), which helps users of all skill levels.
- Wide Range of Vulnerabilities: It includes challenges for SQL Injection, XSS, CSRF, Command Injection, and more.
- Active Community Support: DVWA has a strong community of users and contributors who provide support, share tips, and update the application with new challenges.
Use Cases:
- Suitable for both beginners and advanced penetration testers.
- Often used in training and educational courses focused on web security.
3. bWAPP (Buggy Web Application)
Overview:
bWAPP, or Buggy Web Application, is an open-source and deliberately insecure web application. It was developed to help security enthusiasts, developers, and students learn about web vulnerabilities in a safe environment.
Key Features:
- Extensive Vulnerability Coverage: bWAPP includes over 100 different web vulnerabilities, making it one of the most comprehensive platforms available.
- Ease of Setup: The application can be installed on various platforms, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, or run on pre-configured virtual machines.
- Customizable Security Levels: Like DVWA, bWAPP allows users to adjust the security level of the application to suit their skill level.
Use Cases:
- An excellent tool for comprehensive vulnerability training.
- Useful for developers who want to understand how to secure their code against common attacks.
4. WebGoat
Overview: WebGoat is another OWASP project that provides a deliberately insecure web application designed to teach users about web application security. The goal is to teach security concepts by allowing users to exploit vulnerabilities in a controlled setting.
Key Features:
- Educational Modules: WebGoat is structured around lessons that guide users through the exploitation and mitigation of various vulnerabilities, such as XSS, SQL Injection, and insecure direct object references.
- Interactive Learning: The platform is interactive, with exercises and challenges that require users to think critically about how to exploit and fix vulnerabilities.
- OWASP Integration: WebGoat is closely aligned with OWASP’s mission to improve software security, making it a trusted resource for learning about web vulnerabilities.
Use Cases:
- Ideal for structured learning and self-paced study.
- Useful for security professionals preparing for certifications like the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) or Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP).
5. OWASP Juice Shop
Overview: OWASP Juice Shop is a modern, full-stack web application that is intentionally insecure. It is designed to be an educational platform that challenges users to find and exploit security flaws.
Key Features:
- Modern Web Technologies: Juice Shop uses modern web development technologies like Angular, making it relevant for testing vulnerabilities in contemporary web applications.
- Gamified Challenges: The platform includes a wide range of hacking challenges, from basic to advanced, with a scoreboard to track progress.
- OWASP Top Ten: The vulnerabilities in Juice Shop are based on the OWASP Top Ten, ensuring that users learn about the most critical web security risks.
Use Cases:
- Suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced users.
- Ideal for developers and security professionals looking to stay up-to-date with modern web security practices.
6. Vulnerable WordPress
Overview: Vulnerable WordPress is a version of the popular content management system (CMS) that has been deliberately configured with outdated plugins, themes, and settings to introduce security vulnerabilities.
Key Features:
- CMS-Specific Vulnerabilities: This platform is particularly useful for testing vulnerabilities commonly found in WordPress, such as SQL Injection, XSS, and plugin exploitation.
- Realistic Environment: By using an actual WordPress installation, users can experience a realistic environment similar to what they might encounter in real-world scenarios.
- Wide Range of Plugins and Themes: The vulnerable version includes a variety of plugins and themes that are known to have security issues, providing a broad testing ground for CMS security.
Use Cases:
- Ideal for penetration testers focusing on CMS security.
- Useful for WordPress developers who want to learn how to secure their sites.
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7. Hackazon
Overview: Hackazon is a web application that mimics an e-commerce site but is intentionally riddled with vulnerabilities. It provides a realistic environment for practicing advanced web exploitation techniques.
Key Features:
- Realistic E-Commerce Platform: Hackazon simulates an online shopping experience, complete with user accounts, shopping carts, and payment systems, all of which are vulnerable to attack.
- Variety of Vulnerabilities: The platform includes common vulnerabilities like SQL Injection, XSS, CSRF, and more, providing a comprehensive testing ground for penetration testers.
- Customizable Environment: Hackazon can be customized to simulate different security settings, making it a versatile tool for testing a wide range of attack scenarios.
Use Cases:
- Ideal for penetration testers focusing on e-commerce security.
- Useful for developers working on securing e-commerce platforms.
8. WackoPicko
Overview: WackoPicko is a deliberately vulnerable web application designed to teach and practice web security skills. It features several known vulnerabilities, including SQL Injection, Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), and more.
Key Features:
- Educational Focus: WackoPicko is designed with an educational focus, making it easy for users to learn about different types of web vulnerabilities.
- Multiple Vulnerabilities: The platform includes a variety of vulnerabilities, each with detailed explanations and examples to help users understand how they work.
- Simple Setup: WackoPicko is easy to set up and run, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.
Use Cases:
- Suitable for beginners learning about web security.
- Useful for instructors and educators looking to teach web security concepts.
9. Security Shepherd
Overview: Security Shepherd is an OWASP project that offers a series of web security challenges within a vulnerable web application environment. It is designed to help users learn how to secure web applications and practice their penetration testing skills.
Key Features:
- Challenge-Based Learning: Security Shepherd provides a variety of challenges that users must complete by exploiting vulnerabilities and then securing them.
- Comprehensive Coverage: The platform covers a wide range of web vulnerabilities, including SQL Injection, XSS, CSRF, and more.
- OWASP Integration: As an OWASP project, Security Shepherd aligns with OWASP’s mission to improve software security, making it a trusted resource for learning about web vulnerabilities.
Use Cases:
- Ideal for structured learning and self-paced study.
- Useful for security professionals preparing for certifications like CEH or OSCP.
10. Altoro Mutual
Overview: Altoro Mutual is a deliberately insecure web application that simulates an online banking site. It is widely used for practicing web security and penetration testing techniques, particularly in the context of financial services.
Key Features:
- Financial Services Simulation: Altoro Mutual mimics a real-world banking application, complete with login systems, account management, and transaction processing, all of which are vulnerable to attack.
- Common Vulnerabilities: The platform includes vulnerabilities like SQL Injection, XSS, and authentication flaws, making it a comprehensive testing ground for penetration testers.
- Realistic Environment: Altoro Mutual provides a realistic environment for testing, making it a valuable tool for security professionals working in the financial services industry.
Use Cases:
- Ideal for penetration testers focusing on financial services security.
- Useful for security professionals working in the banking industry.
11. Google Gruyere
Overview: Google Gruyere is a web application intentionally created with multiple security bugs. It is an educational tool designed to help people learn about web security issues, including XSS, XSRF, and more.
Key Features:
- Educational Focus: Google Gruyere is designed as a teaching tool, with a focus on helping users learn about common web vulnerabilities and how to exploit them.
- Interactive Challenges: The platform includes a variety of challenges that require users to exploit vulnerabilities and learn about how they work.
- Simple Setup: Google Gruyere is easy to set up and run, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.
Use Cases:
- Suitable for beginners learning about web security.
- Useful for instructors and educators looking to teach web security concepts.
12. XVWA (Xtreme Vulnerable Web Application)
KEY FEATURES:
- Expertise: Qualified Security Assessors (QSAs) with a variety of industry experiences, security specialists, and certified ethical hackers make up Suma Soft’s team.
- Methodology: Suma Soft adapts a standardized VAPT methodology to match your unique demands and compliance requirements. This methodology is in line with international standards like OWASP and PTES.
- VAPT Services: Suma Soft provides a wide range of services including vulnerability assessments for cloud environments, IoT devices, infrastructure, and applications. In addition, they offer a range of penetration testing techniques, cloud security assessments, IoT security assessments, mobile app security testing, web application security testing etc.
13. Bricks
Overview: Bricks is an intentionally vulnerable web application based on PHP/MySQL. It is designed to help users learn about common web vulnerabilities and how to exploit them.
Key Features:
- Educational Focus: Bricks is designed with an educational focus, making it easy for users to learn about different types of web vulnerabilities.
- Multiple Vulnerabilities: The platform includes a variety of vulnerabilities, each with detailed explanations and examples to help users understand how they work.
- Simple Setup: Bricks is easy to set up and run, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.
Use Cases:
- Suitable for beginners learning about web security.
- Useful for instructors and educators looking to teach web security concepts.
14. BodgeIt Store
Overview: The BodgeIt Store is a vulnerable web application that simulates an online store. It is designed to help users learn about web vulnerabilities and how to exploit them.
Key Features:
- E-Commerce Focus: The BodgeIt Store simulates an online shopping experience, complete with user accounts, shopping carts, and payment systems, all of which are vulnerable to attack.
- Multiple Vulnerabilities: The platform includes a variety of vulnerabilities, including SQL Injection, XSS, and CSRF, providing a comprehensive testing ground for penetration testers.
- Simple Setup: The BodgeIt Store is easy to set up and run, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.
Use Cases:
- Ideal for penetration testers focusing on e-commerce security.
- Useful for developers working on securing e-commerce platforms.
15. VulnHub
Overview: VulnHub is not a single application but a platform offering a collection of vulnerable virtual machines (VMs). These VMs include intentionally vulnerable web applications, making it an excellent resource for comprehensive penetration testing practice.
Key Features:
- Diverse Challenges: VulnHub offers a wide range of vulnerable VMs, each with its own set of challenges and vulnerabilities, providing a diverse testing ground for penetration testers.
- Community Support: VulnHub has a strong community of users and contributors who share tips, tutorials, and solutions, making it a valuable resource for learning and practicing web security.
- Easy Access: The VMs on VulnHub can be easily downloaded and run on local machines, making them accessible to users of all skill levels.
Use Cases:
- Ideal for penetration testers looking for a diverse range of challenges.
- Useful for security professionals preparing for certifications like CEH or OSCP.
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
1. What is a vulnerable web application?
A vulnerable web application is a web-based platform intentionally designed with security flaws. These applications are used by penetration testers, cybersecurity professionals, and students to practice identifying, exploiting, and fixing vulnerabilities in a controlled environment.
2. Why should I use vulnerable web applications for penetration testing?
Using vulnerable web applications allows you to safely practice and hone your ethical hacking skills without the risk of legal repercussions. They provide a realistic environment to explore common vulnerabilities, test different attack vectors, and learn how to secure web applications.
3. Are these vulnerable web applications legal to use?
Yes, these applications are designed specifically for educational and training purposes and are legal to use. They are typically hosted on your own server or a virtual machine, ensuring that no unauthorized access or damage is done to real-world systems.
Useful Resources:
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