Penva Security
Book a scoping call

API Penetration Testing

Test API authentication, authorisation and data exposure with manual REST and GraphQL testing. Get actionable findings.

  • Manual Testing
  • API Access Controls
  • Actionable Reports
CRESTOWASPSecured 100+ organisations4.9Clutch

Find your pentest price range

few endpoints

Select remaining options
Not calculated yet
Tailor my estimate

Definition

What Is API Penetration Testing?

See how API penetration testing checks endpoint access controls, authentication and business workflows.

API penetration testing is a controlled, manual security assessment where CREST-certified ethical hackers simulate real-world attacks against your REST, GraphQL, SOAP, mobile and backend APIs. The goal is to identify exploitable API vulnerabilities such as broken object level authorisation, broken authentication, excessive data exposure, mass assignment, rate-limiting weaknesses, insecure CORS and business logic abuse before attackers find them.

Unlike automated API scanning, a true API penetration test validates how endpoints behave across users, roles, tenants, tokens and workflows. A skilled tester chains low-severity API issues into high-impact attack paths and produces a short, prioritised list of confirmed, exploitable findings with proof-of-concept evidence, business impact and developer-ready remediation guidance.

For Australian businesses, API penetration testing is strong evidence for ISO/IEC 27001:2022 controls A.8.8 and A.8.29, SOC 2 Trust Services Criterion CC7.1, PCI DSS Requirement 11.4, APRA CPS 234, and customer security reviews.

To understand our wider security service, visit our penetration testing services at Penva Security.

Use Cases

When You Need an API Pentest

Most Australian businesses engage Penva Security for one of six clear API risk triggers; each maps to a compliance requirement, customer assurance request, or high-impact security event.

Pre-Launch Assurance

Before launching a new product, customer portal, or major feature release. Identifies vulnerabilities while remediation is cheapest - pre-production.

Annual Compliance

ISO 27001, SOC 2, and PCI DSS all expect at least an annual web application pentest. Auditors require a CREST-certified report as evidence.

After Major Changes

New authentication flows, payment integrations, role/permission changes, or framework upgrades - PCI DSS Req. 11.4 mandates testing after any significant change.

Vendor Security Questionnaires

Enterprise procurement and government supply-chain customers increasingly demand evidence of independent CREST-accredited penetration testing before signing.

APRA CPS 234

Financial services entities regulated by APRA must regularly test the effectiveness of information security controls - and demonstrate that testing to the regulator.

Post-Incident Review

After a near-miss, breach, or suspicious activity. Validates whether the underlying cause has been remediated and identifies adjacent weaknesses.

Coverage

API Penetration Testing Approach

Every Penva Security API engagement follows the OWASP API Security Top 10, OWASP Web Security Testing Guide, NIST SP 800-115, and PTES. We test REST, GraphQL, SOAP and backend APIs the way attackers do: by chaining authorisation, token, object, workflow and data exposure issues to demonstrate real business impact.

OWASP API Security Top 10 Testing

Coverage of the OWASP API Security Top 10, including BOLA, broken authentication, object property authorisation, unrestricted resource consumption and broken function-level authorisation.

BOLA, IDOR & Access Control

Testing whether users can access, modify or delete API objects, records or tenant data they should not control.

JWT, OAuth & Session Weaknesses

Checking token handling, JWT validation, OAuth flows, refresh tokens, expiry, replay risks and account takeover paths.

Authentication & Rate-Limiting Flaws

Testing login flows, MFA-dependent API calls, brute-force protection, OTP handling and unrestricted resource consumption.

Broken Function-Level Authorisation

Identifying privilege escalation paths where lower-privileged users can call admin, internal or hidden API functions.
Application security testing coverage

REST, GraphQL & SOAP API Testing

Security testing for REST, GraphQL, SOAP, mobile backend and internal/external API endpoints.

Business Logic & Workflow Abuse

Manual testing for payment, booking, onboarding, approval, invite, subscription and role-change workflows that scanners cannot understand.

SSRF & Internal Exposure

Testing API parameters, webhooks, file parsers and integrations for SSRF paths that may expose internal services.

CORS, Headers & Misconfigurations

Verifying CORS, TLS/SSL, security headers, debug endpoints, verbose errors and insecure API gateway configurations.

Injection, Mass Assignment & RCE

Testing SQL/NoSQL injection, command injection, insecure deserialisation, mass assignment and remote code execution paths.

Methodology

Our Four-Phase API Pentest Process

Aligned to the OWASP API Security Top 10 2023, OWASP WSTG v4.2, NIST SP 800-115, and the Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES).

STEP 01

Planning and Scoping Definition

We confirm the systems, testing goals and dates with you. You approve the scope and give us permission to begin.

Two people discussing which applications and systems to include in a penetration test, with selected systems marked on a shared board.

Outcome

Benefits of API Penetration Testing Service

With Penva's human-led, AI-assisted API penetration testing services, you can find exploitable API vulnerabilities before attackers do, protect customer data, strengthen client and stakeholder confidence, and prove your API security posture with a clear, audit-ready report.

  1. Find Hidden Weaknesses Before Hackers Do

    Penetration testing uncovers hidden weaknesses in your system before real attackers can exploit them, allowing you to address issues promptly.

  2. Avoid Costly Data Breaches

    A single cyberattack can lead to stolen customer info, lawsuits, or fines. Penetration testing helps prevent this.

  3. Meet Legal Requirements & Compliance in Australia

    Industry standards (such as ISO 27001) and Australian regulations, including the ACSC Essential Eight and the Privacy Act 1988, mandate regular security checks. Penetration testing ensures compliance and helps avoid fines and data breaches.

  4. Build Customer Trust

    Customers feel safer knowing you care about their data, and it boosts your reputation as a secure and reliable business.
A secured application beside a handshake and five-star feedback card, illustrating protected systems, customer trust and satisfaction.

Compliance

Audit-Ready for Every Major Framework

Every Penva Security report is purpose-built to satisfy auditors, with the executive summary, CVSS 3.1 scoring, evidence appendix, and formal letter of attestation that compliance assessors require.

HIPAA

Technical safeguards for healthcare applications handling protected health information.
View HIPAA testing

ST4S

Safer Technologies for Schools framework, applications used in Australian education.
View ST4S testing

CASE STUDIES

Pentest Results that Pass Audits

How Penva Security helped businesses pass ISO 27001 and SOC 2 audits with penetration testing reports that satisfied assessors, closed critical gaps, and gave clients the confidence to scale securely.

CASE STUDY 01

[ISO 27001] Project Management Application - SAAS

The penetration test for the Project Management Saas platform, initially conducted to achieve ISO 27001 compliance, uncovered and helped remediate several critical and high-risk vulnerabilities, including SQL injection and XSS flaws.

Although the client approached us only for compliance, we identified serious security gaps and helped secure their application. This proactive assessment demonstrates a strong commitment to data protection, risk mitigation, and adherence to internationally recognised security standards.

[ISO 27001] Project Management Application - SAAS

CASE STUDY 02

[SOC 2] School Web App Pentest

In pursuit of SOC 2 compliance, we conducted a comprehensive penetration test on the School Web Application, uncovering critical vulnerabilities such as outdated software and SQL injection across multiple domains.

The findings provide clear, actionable insights to strengthen the application's security posture, ensuring it meets SOC 2 trust principles, especially around data confidentiality, availability, and integrity.

[SOC 2] School Web App Pentest

CASE STUDY 03

[Annual Audit] Internal Network Pentest for Financial Institute

In a recent engagement with a financial institution, our internal network penetration test revealed multiple critical vulnerabilities that could have led to full domain compromise and unauthorised access to sensitive systems. We identified severe issues such as exposed administrative privileges, legacy protocols like SMBv1, and remote code execution flaws in key servers.

Our findings enabled the client to prioritise remediation, strengthen their internal security posture, and prevent potential exploitation that could have severely impacted operations and data integrity.

[Annual Audit] Internal Network Pentest for Financial Institute
1 / 3

Why Penva Security

Why Choose Us

Get to know our testing approach, professional credentials and focus on findings your team can act on.

Experience across sectors

We have partnered with organisations across critical sectors, including finance, education, e-commerce, and healthcare, to enhance their security posture, meet compliance requirements, and confidently pass audits.

Findings backed by evidence

We've identified critical vulnerabilities in 70% of tested applications, including server compromises and leaked credentials, and helped secure their applications and infrastructure.

Clients Served
100+
Critical issues found
70%
Organisations Protected
100+
Client Satisfaction Rate
98%

Client feedback

Reviews and Clients

Read feedback from organisations that have worked with Penva Security on their penetration testing requirements.

Michael Wendland
Michael WendlandPartner at Bonsai

Reliable and professional penetration testing partner

5 out of 5 stars

"Penva Security provided a quick and efficient pentest report that satisfied our needs and certification criteria. I would highly recommend them for penetration testing, and will be using their services again in the future."

Clutch4.9 / 514 verified reviews
Review 1 of 3

Instant Estimate Quote

Get an Instant Penetration Testing Estimate

Answer a few scoping questions to get a practical estimate for web, API, mobile, infrastructure, and cloud penetration testing.

    01

    What type of penetration testing do you need?

    Choose the main service you want quoted.

    Team credentials

    Our Team's Certifications

    Our team holds industry-recognized pentest certifications that take years to achieve.

    • OSCP
      OSCP
    • CREST CRT
      CREST CRT
    • AWS Security Specialty
      AWS Security Specialty
    • eJPT
      eJPT
    • HTB CPTS
      HTB CPTS
    • OSCP+
      OSCP+
    • OSEP
      OSEP
    • OSWE
      OSWE
    • GIAC GPEN
      GIAC GPEN
    • CompTIA PenTest+
      CompTIA PenTest+
    • eCPPT
      eCPPT
    • PNPT
      PNPT

    FAQ

    API Penetration Testing - Common Questions

    Direct answers to the API security testing questions Australian businesses ask most often.

    What is penetration testing?
    Penetration testing is a controlled, simulated cyberattack on systems, networks, or applications designed to identify security vulnerabilities before malicious hackers exploit them. This ethical hacking process uses manual and automated penetration testing tools to assess risks, improve defences, and ensure compliance with standards like ISO 27001, SOC 2, and PCI DSS.
    How much does penetration testing cost in Australia?
    The cost of penetration testing in Australia varies based on factors like the scope of the test, complexity of systems, type of testing (web, mobile, network, cloud), and compliance requirements. Larger environments or ongoing testing packages typically cost more. Certified testers using advanced tools and methodologies provide detailed reports that add value by improving security and meeting regulatory standards.
    What are the key stages in a penetration testing methodology?

    Here's a simple and concise explanation of the pentest methodology in numbered steps:

     

    1. Planning and Scope Definition: Define test objectives, target systems, and agree on a detailed quotation with the client to set clear expectations.

    2. Execution of Penetration Test: Use certified penetration testing tools and manual techniques to gather information, identify vulnerabilities, and simulate real-world cyberattacks to exploit weaknesses.

    3. Reporting: Deliver a comprehensive penetration testing report that highlights discovered security flaws, risk ratings, and actionable remediation recommendations.

    4. Remediation and Retesting: Collaborate with the client to fix vulnerabilities and perform retesting to confirm the effectiveness of security controls.

     
    Are you compliant with regulatory standards?
    Our penetration testing is conducted by OSCP and CREST-certified experts, and our reports are globally recognised and trusted by regulatory bodies and stakeholders.
    Please don't hesitate to contact us and ask for the certifications to verify.
     
    Will you conduct Manual testing or use Automated scanners?
    Automated scanners are typically limited in detecting complex vulnerabilities. Our team performs a detailed and comprehensive manual penetration test, leveraging industry standards such as the OWASP Top 10, to provide a deeper, more accurate security assessment.
    How long does a penetration test take?
    The duration of penetration testing depends on the scope, complexity, and type of testing, whether it's web application, mobile app, network, or cloud penetration testing. Typically, tests take anywhere from several days up to a few weeks. Our certified penetration testers provide a clear timeline tailored to your specific environment and compliance needs.
    Why should you trust us?

    Please explore our reviews and see feedback from past clients.

    What is cybersecurity penetration testing?

    It's a simulated cyberattack to identify vulnerabilities in your systems before attackers exploit them.

    Why hire penetration testers from Penva Security?

    Our CREST-certified experts provide manual, in-depth testing with actionable remediation plans.

    Let's talk security

    Get In Touch

    Book a scoping call or share your systems, testing requirements and preferred timeline with our team.

    Book a scoping call

    Choose a time that works for you.

    30 min

    Tell us what you need

    Share your scope, priorities and deadline.

    Share your scope and we'll help you plan the next step.

    A clear next step

    We'll review your requirements with you and confirm the scope before testing begins.

    Prefer to get in touch directly? [email protected]