A Valid Request Can Still Be the Wrong Request
HOW WE BREAK IN
We Test the Rules Behind Every Endpoint
A secure API must enforce the right rules for every user, role, tenant, token, and workflow.
We test OAuth 2.0, OIDC, JWT, API keys, mTLS, SSO, and rate limiting when in scope. We look for authentication bypasses, token-handling errors, and access that remains active when it should not.
We test requests across users, roles, tenants, and token states. This can uncover BOLA/IDOR, BFLA, role escalation, cross-tenant access, and unauthorized actions.
We manipulate parameters, object states, and request sequences to find mass assignment, excessive data exposure, SSRF, unsafe API consumption, and business logic abuse.
Testing uses human-led validation, OWASP API Security guidance, and NIST SP 800-115-aligned assessment practices.
HUMANS VS. ROBOTS
Scanners See Status Codes. Humans See Broken Rules.
Automated tools can find known issues and common misconfigurations. They cannot understand whether a valid action becomes dangerous when used by the wrong role, tenant, or workflow.
Our testers change roles, tokens, object identifiers, parameters, and request sequences to determine what your API actually allows. You receive validated findings, not a list of unverified alerts.
THE PROCESS
How We Work
Frequently Asked Questions
What is API penetration testing?
API penetration testing is authorized security testing of in-scope API endpoints and workflows. It focuses on risks such as broken authorization, authentication weaknesses, mass assignment, excessive data exposure, business logic flaws, and other OWASP API Security Top 10 categories.
What types of APIs can Red Sentry test?
REST, GraphQL, gRPC, and WebSocket APIs can be included in scope. We tailor the assessment around the API technologies, authentication model, environments, endpoints, user roles, and workflows you actually use.
How do you handle authentication and rate limiting?
We work with your team to provision test credentials for the roles and privilege levels included in scope. Rate limits, source IP allowlisting, WAF behavior, test windows, and escalation contacts are coordinated before testing begins.
Will API penetration testing affect production?
We prefer staging or production-mirror environments when they are available. If production testing is required, we coordinate approved testing windows, rate limits, source IPs, and escalation contacts. Destructive testing is not performed. Higher-impact techniques are controlled through the agreed rules of engagement.
Can API penetration testing support compliance requirements?
Yes. API penetration testing can support compliance and audit evidence requests when APIs are part of the assessed environment. When included in scope, applicable findings can be mapped to relevant framework areas. Reports include evidence, impact, and remediation guidance your team can use during auditor review. Red Sentry does not certify compliance.
What is the difference between API scanning and API penetration testing?
Automated API scanning can help identify known issues, exposed endpoints, and common misconfigurations. API penetration testing goes deeper by manually validating authentication, authorization, role boundaries, tenant isolation, business logic, data exposure, and workflow abuse. The result is evidence-based reporting with demonstrated impact and remediation guidance.
How is API penetration testing priced?
Pricing depends on the size and complexity of the API environment. Scoping factors include endpoint count, authentication model, user roles, business logic, documentation, sensitive data, testing restrictions, and reporting requirements. Red Sentry confirms the scope, assumptions, and full price before testing begins.
Is remediation testing included?
Yes. One round of remediation testing is included for findings identified in the final report when requested within 90 days of report delivery.