Testing for business logic flaws in a multi-functional dynamic web application requires thinking in unconventional ways. If
an application’s authentication mechanism is developed with the intention of performing steps 1,2,3 in order to
authenticate, what happens if you go from step 1 straight to step 3? In this simplistic example, does the application provide
access by failing open, deny access, or just error out with a 500 message? There are many examples that can be made, but
the one constant lesson is “think outside of conventional wisdom”. This type of vulnerability cannot be detected by a
vulnerability scanner and relies upon the skills and creativity of the penetration tester. In addition, this type of vulnerability
is usually one of the hardest to detect, but, at the same time, usually one of the most detrimental to the application, if
exploited.
Business logic may include:
an application’s authentication mechanism is developed with the intention of performing steps 1,2,3 in order to
authenticate, what happens if you go from step 1 straight to step 3? In this simplistic example, does the application provide
access by failing open, deny access, or just error out with a 500 message? There are many examples that can be made, but
the one constant lesson is “think outside of conventional wisdom”. This type of vulnerability cannot be detected by a
vulnerability scanner and relies upon the skills and creativity of the penetration tester. In addition, this type of vulnerability
is usually one of the hardest to detect, but, at the same time, usually one of the most detrimental to the application, if
exploited.
Business logic may include:
- Business rules that express business policy (such as channels, location, logistics, prices, and products); and
- Workflows based on the ordered tasks of passing documents or data from one participant (a person or a software system) to another.
Attacks on the business logic of an application are dangerous, difficult to detect, and are usually specific to the application
being tested.
being tested.
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