Security testing is a critical component of the software development lifecycle, yet many organizations struggle with knowing where to start. This comprehensive checklist provides a structured approach to security testing that can be adapted to applications of any size.
Why You Need a Security Testing Checklist
A systematic approach to security testing ensures that no critical areas are overlooked. While automated tools are valuable, a comprehensive security assessment requires both automated scanning and manual testing by experienced security professionals.
Important: This checklist should be used as a guide, not a substitute for professional security testing. Every application has unique security requirements based on its architecture, data sensitivity, and threat model.
Pre-Deployment Security Testing Checklist
1. Authentication & Authorization
Test for weak password policies and ensure minimum complexity requirements
Verify multi-factor authentication (MFA) implementation where applicable
Check for broken authentication mechanisms (session fixation, credential stuffing)
Test privilege escalation vulnerabilities
Verify proper session management and timeout settings
Test for insecure direct object references (IDOR)
Verify authorization checks on all sensitive operations
2. Input Validation & Injection
Test for SQL injection vulnerabilities
Check for command injection flaws
Test for LDAP and XML injection
Verify all user inputs are validated and sanitized
Test file upload functionality for malicious file execution
Check for server-side template injection
3. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Test for reflected XSS vulnerabilities
Check for stored XSS in all data storage points
Test for DOM-based XSS
Verify Content Security Policy (CSP) implementation
Check output encoding in all contexts
4. Sensitive Data Protection
Verify encryption of sensitive data in transit (HTTPS/TLS)
Check encryption of sensitive data at rest
Test for exposure of sensitive information in error messages
Verify secure credential storage (proper hashing/salting)
Check for sensitive data in logs and debug information
Test for information disclosure through API responses
5. Security Configuration
Remove or disable default accounts and credentials
Verify secure server configuration
Check for unnecessary services and features
Test for directory listing and file enumeration
Verify security headers (HSTS, X-Frame-Options, etc.)
Check for verbose error messages and stack traces
Verify CORS policy configuration
6. Business Logic
Test for business logic flaws and race conditions
Verify transaction integrity and proper workflow enforcement
Test for price manipulation and payment bypass
Check for account enumeration vulnerabilities
Test rate limiting and anti-automation controls
7. API Security
Test API authentication and authorization
Verify proper rate limiting on API endpoints
Check for excessive data exposure in API responses
Test for mass assignment vulnerabilities
Verify API versioning and deprecation handling
Test for API abuse and resource exhaustion
8. Third-Party Components
Inventory all third-party libraries and dependencies
Check for known vulnerabilities in dependencies
Verify components are up-to-date with security patches
Test integration points with third-party services
Review security of CDN and external resources
Testing Methodology
Automated Testing
Automated tools can quickly identify common vulnerabilities:
- Run SAST (Static Application Security Testing) during development
- Implement DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) in your CI/CD pipeline
- Use dependency scanning tools to identify vulnerable libraries
- Configure automated security scanners for regular testing
Manual Testing
Manual security testing by experienced professionals is essential for:
- Identifying complex business logic flaws
- Testing authentication and authorization thoroughly
- Discovering chained vulnerabilities
- Validating automated findings and eliminating false positives
When to Conduct Security Testing
Security testing should be integrated throughout the development lifecycle:
- During Development: Security code reviews and SAST
- Pre-Production: Comprehensive penetration testing
- Before Major Releases: Focused security assessment of new features
- Regular Schedule: Annual or bi-annual penetration tests
- After Security Incidents: Targeted testing based on lessons learned
Post-Testing Actions
Finding vulnerabilities is only the first step. Organizations must:
- Prioritize findings based on risk and business impact
- Create remediation plans with clear timelines
- Retest after implementing fixes
- Update security testing procedures based on findings
- Train development teams on secure coding practices
Pro Tip: Don't wait until just before deployment to start security testing. Integrate security testing throughout your development process to catch issues early when they're easier and cheaper to fix.
Conclusion
Security testing is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. This checklist provides a foundation for comprehensive security testing, but should be adapted to your specific application's architecture, threat model, and compliance requirements.
Remember: the goal isn't just to check boxes, but to understand your application's security posture and continuously improve it. Regular security testing, combined with secure development practices, forms the foundation of a robust application security program.