Full Answer Section

Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary
2. Introduction
   • Purpose and Scope
   • Target Web Application Overview
3. Type of Test: White Box vs. Black Box
   • Rationale for Hybrid Approach
4. Penetration Testing Tools
   • Automated Tools
   • Manual Tools
5. Overview of Tests to be Performed (OWASP WSTG Categories)
   • Information Gathering (WSTG-INFO)
   • Configuration and Deployment Management Testing (WSTG-CONF)
   • Identity Management Testing (WSTG-IDNT)
   • Authentication Testing (WSTG-AUTHN)
   • Authorization Testing (WSTG-AUTHZ)
   • Session Management Testing (WSTG-SESS)
   • Input Validation Testing (WSTG-INPV)
   • Error Handling Testing (WSTG-ERRH)
   • Cryptography Testing (WSTG-CRYP)
   • Business Logic Testing (WSTG-BUSL)
   • Client-Side Testing (WSTG-CLNT)
6. Rationale for Including Each Test
7. Corrective Action Recommendation Format
8. Conclusion

2. Introduction

2.1. Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this test plan is to define the methodology and procedures for a security assessment of the designated web application. The assessment aims to:

• Identify security vulnerabilities in the application and its underlying infrastructure.
• Assess the potential impact of identified vulnerabilities.
• Provide clear, prioritized recommendations for remediation.
• Enhance the overall security posture of the web application in accordance with industry best practices and OWASP standards.

The scope of this assessment includes the web application’s front-end, back-end APIs, database interactions, associated server configurations, and any third-party components utilized.

2.2. Target Web Application Overview

(Note: In a real report, this section would include specific details about the target application, such as its name, primary function, architecture (e.g., front-end technologies, back-end frameworks, database type), user roles, and any relevant third-party integrations. For this generic template, it’s left as a placeholder.)

3. Type of Test: White Box vs. Black Box

For this assessment, a hybrid approach combining both Black Box and White Box testing will be employed.

• Black Box Testing: This approach simulates an external attacker with no prior knowledge of the application’s internal structure, source code, or infrastructure. Testers interact with the application solely through its public interfaces (e.g., web browser, APIs).
  • Rationale: This provides a realistic view of how an unauthenticated or external attacker would perceive and attempt to exploit the application. It helps identify vulnerabilities exposed through external access points and misconfigurations visible from the outside.
• White Box Testing (or Grey Box, given typical access levels): This approach involves having full knowledge of the application’s internal workings, including access to source code, architectural diagrams, configuration files, and potentially even direct database access.
  • Rationale: While a pure White Box test is comprehensive, in many professional scenarios, a “Grey Box” approach is more common, where testers have some level of privileged access (e.g., authenticated user accounts, API keys, partial source code access, or documentation). This allows for a deeper dive into the application’s logic, identifying vulnerabilities that might not be apparent from the outside (e.g., logical flaws, insecure coding practices, unhandled exceptions, hidden parameters). It is crucial for covering the OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities like Insecure Design and Software and Data Integrity Failures which often require code review.