#API Security Testing

[yethiconsulting]

Top 5 OWASP API Security Risks and How to Mitigate Them

APIs are essential but highly targeted attack vectors. The OWASP API Security Top 10 outlines critical risks and mitigation strategies:

Broken Object Level Authorization (BOLA)

APIs often expose endpoints that attackers manipulate to access unauthorized resources.

Mitigation: Implement strict authorization checks and ensure unique object IDs are validated server-side.

Broken Authentication

Weak authentication mechanisms can allow attackers to compromise accounts.

Mitigation: Enforce strong authentication methods, including multi-factor authentication (MFA), and use secure token management practices.

Excessive Data Exposure

APIs sometimes expose unnecessary data in response payloads.

Mitigation: Ensure responses only contain required fields, and sensitive information is masked or omitted.

Lack of Rate Limiting

API testing without rate-limiting are vulnerable to brute-force and denial-of-service attacks.

Mitigation: Apply rate limits and implement CAPTCHA mechanisms to prevent automated abuse.

Security Misconfiguration

Misconfigured headers, permissions, or outdated components create vulnerabilities.

Mitigation: Regularly review configurations, apply security patches, and follow secure coding practices.

Conclusion

Understanding and addressing these risks is vital to securing APIs. Proactive testing and adherence to OWASP guidelines ensure robust defenses against potential threats.

[asadmukhtarr]

The MERN stack (MongoDB, Express.js, React.js, Node.js) is a popular full-stack JavaScript framework for building modern web applications. This stack allows developers to use a single language (JavaScript) across both client-side and server-side code. If you're a MERN stack developer, mastering key tasks within each of these technologies is crucial for creating robust and scalable web applications.

In this guide, we'll walk through the 10 most important tasks every MERN stack developer should master, helping you build a strong foundation for web development.

[iniciotech]

Protect your applications from cyber threats with API security testing. Learn why securing APIs is essential for data protection, compliance, and business continuity

[blacklocksecuritynz]

Web Application Penetration Testing

Blacklock offers web application penetration testing to help businesses ensure the security of their applications. This service includes identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications, APIs, and mobile applications. Our API penetration testing helps to improve application security by simulating real-world attacks and identifying weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors. Contact Blacklock Security to enhance your web application security and get it work smoothly.

[robomad]

A Comprehensive Guide to Building Microservices with Node.js

Introduction:The microservices architecture has become a popular approach for developing scalable and maintainable applications. Unlike monolithic architectures, where all components are tightly coupled, microservices allow you to break down an application into smaller, independent services that can be developed, deployed, and scaled independently. Node.js, with its asynchronous, event-driven…

[intelliatech]

Top 10 ChatGPT Prompts For Software Developers

ChatGPT can do a lot more than just code creation and this blog post is going to be all about that. We have curated a list of ChatGPT prompts that will help software developers with their everyday tasks. ChatGPT can respond to questions and can compose codes making it a very helpful tool for software engineers.

While this AI tool can help developers with the entire SDLC (Software Development Lifecycle), it is important to understand how to use the prompts effectively for different needs.

Prompt engineering gives users accurate results. Since ChatGPT accepts prompts, we receive more precise answers. But a lot depends on how these prompts are formulated. 

To Get The Best Out Of ChatGPT, Your Prompts Should Be:

Clear and well-defined. The more detailed your prompts, the better suggestions you will receive from ChatGPT.

Specify the functionality and programming language. Not specifying what you exactly need might not give you the desired results.

Phrase your prompts in a natural language, as if asking someone for help. This will make ChatGPT understand your problem better and give more relevant outputs.

Avoid unnecessary information and ambiguity. Keep it not only to the point but also inclusive of all important details.

Top ChatGPT Prompts For Software Developers

Let’s quickly have a look at some of the best ChatGPT prompts to assist you with various stages of your Software development lifecycle.

1. For Practicing SQL Commands;

2. For Becoming A Programming Language Interpreter;

3. For Creating Regular Expressions Since They Help In Managing, Locating, And Matching Text.

4. For Generating Architectural Diagrams For Your Software Requirements.

Prompt Examples: I want you to act as a Graphviz DOT generator, an expert to create meaningful diagrams. The diagram should have at least n nodes (I specify n in my input by writing [n], 10 being the default value) and to be an accurate and complex representation of the given input. Each node is indexed by a number to reduce the size of the output, should not include any styling, and with layout=neato, overlap=false, node [shape=rectangle] as parameters. The code should be valid, bugless and returned on a single line, without any explanation. Provide a clear and organized diagram, the relationships between the nodes have to make sense for an expert of that input. My first diagram is: “The water cycle [8]”.  

5. For Solving Git Problems And Getting Guidance On Overcoming Them.

Prompt Examples: “Explain how to resolve this Git merge conflict: [conflict details].” 6. For Code generation- ChatGPT can help generate a code based on descriptions given by you. It can write pieces of codes based on the requirements given in the input. Prompt Examples: -Write a program/function to {explain functionality} in {programming language} -Create a code snippet for checking if a file exists in Python. -Create a function that merges two lists into a dictionary in JavaScript.  

7. For Code Review And Debugging: ChatGPT Can Review Your Code Snippet And Also Share Bugs.

Prompt Examples: -Here’s a C# code snippet. The function is supposed to return the maximum value from the given list, but it’s not returning the expected output. Can you identify the problem? [Enter your code here] -Can you help me debug this error message from my C# program: [error message] -Help me debug this Python script that processes a list of objects and suggests possible fixes. [Enter your code here]

8. For Knowing The Coding Best Practices And Principles: It Is Very Important To Be Updated With Industry’s Best Practices In Coding. This Helps To Maintain The Codebase When The Organization Grows.

Prompt Examples: -What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing code? -What are the best practices for security testing? -Show me best practices for writing {concept or function} in {programming language}.  

9. For Code Optimization: ChatGPT Can Help Optimize The Code And Enhance Its Readability And Performance To Make It Look More Efficient.

Prompt Examples: -Optimize the following {programming language} code which {explain the functioning}: {code snippet} -Suggest improvements to optimize this C# function: [code snippet] -What are some strategies for reducing memory usage and optimizing data structures? 

10. For Creating Boilerplate Code: ChatGPT Can Help In Boilerplate Code Generation.

Prompt Examples: -Create a basic Java Spring Boot application boilerplate code. -Create a basic Python class boilerplate code

11. For Bug Fixes: Using ChatGPT Helps Fixing The Bugs Thus Saving A Large Chunk Of Time In Software Development And Also Increasing Productivity.

Prompt Examples: -How do I fix the following {programming language} code which {explain the functioning}? {code snippet} -Can you generate a bug report? -Find bugs in the following JavaScript code: (enter code)  

12. Code Refactoring- ChatGPt Can Refactor The Code And Reduce Errors To Enhance Code Efficiency, Thus Making It Easier To Modify In The Future.

Prompt Examples –What are some techniques for refactoring code to improve code reuse and promote the use of design patterns? -I have duplicate code in my project. How can I refactor it to eliminate redundancy?  

13. For Choosing Deployment Strategies- ChatGPT Can Suggest Deployment Strategies Best Suited For A Particular Project And To Ensure That It Runs Smoothly.

Prompt Examples -What are the best deployment strategies for this software project? {explain the project} -What are the best practices for version control and release management?  

14. For Creating Unit Tests- ChatGPT Can Write Test Cases For You

Prompt Examples: -How does test-driven development help improve code quality? -What are some best practices for implementing test-driven development in a project? These were some prompt examples for you that we sourced on the basis of different requirements a developer can have. So whether you have to generate a code or understand a concept, ChatGPT can really make a developer’s life by doing a lot of tasks. However, it certainly comes with its own set of challenges and cannot always be completely correct. So it is advisable to cross-check the responses. Hope this helps. Visit us- Intelliatech

[testrigtechnologies]

Why Businesses Need Network Penetration Testing in the Age of Cyber Warfare

In 2023, cybercrime inflicted an estimated $8 trillion in global losses, a staggering figure that underscores the ever-present threat businesses face in the digital age. Just like a physical security breach, a cyberattack can have devastating consequences, leading to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage.

Yet, many businesses remain vulnerable, unaware of the hidden weaknesses lurking within their networks. This is where network penetration testing (pen testing) becomes crucial. Pen testing acts as a preemptive strike against cybercrime, simulating an ethical attack to identify and exploit vulnerabilities before malicious actors do.

A healthcare provider, storing sensitive patient information, unknowingly has a weak firewall configuration. This vulnerability could remain undetected for years, waiting for a malicious hacker to exploit it and gain access to confidential data. A pen test could have identified this weakness, allowing the healthcare provider to patch the vulnerability and prevent a potentially disastrous data breach.

Here's why businesses, regardless of size or industry, cannot afford to ignore network penetration testing:

Proactive Defense: Pen testing is a proactive approach to cybersecurity, identifying vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by real attackers. Statistics reveal that 64% of businesses experienced a cyberattack in the past year, highlighting the critical need for proactive measures.

Prioritized Remediation: Pen tests go beyond simply identifying vulnerabilities; they prioritize them based on their severity and potential impact. This helps businesses allocate resources effectively, focusing on the most critical issues first.

Compliance and Regulation: Many industries, such as healthcare and finance, have specific regulations requiring regular pen testing. This ensures businesses maintain a minimum level of cybersecurity hygiene.

Informed Decision-Making: Pen testing provides valuable insights into an organization's overall security posture, allowing them to understand how their defenses would hold up against real-world attacks. This knowledge empowers businesses to make informed decisions about strengthening their security investments.

Engage with our team of Security Testing Company to strategically plan your testing approach and maintain continuous monitoring of your applications. Cybersecurity Penetration Testing isn't merely a requirement; it's a proactive measure towards protecting your digital assets in a constantly evolving threat environment.

[yethiconsulting]

The Role of Mocking in API Automation Testing

Introduction to Mocking in API Testing

Begin by defining mocking as the process of simulating an API's behavior to isolate testing. Explain its importance in API automation for scenarios where real APIs are unavailable, costly, or unstable.

Why Mocking is Essential in API Automation

Unavailability of APIs

Highlight situations where APIs are under development or dependent systems are inaccessible. Mocking allows testing to continue in parallel.

Handling Rate Limits or Costs

Mention scenarios with third-party APIs that have usage restrictions or incur significant costs. Mocks bypass these limitations.

Isolating API Dependencies

Mocking eliminates issues caused by unstable or unpredictable dependent API testing, ensuring reliable test execution.

Implementing Mocking in API Automation

Tools for Mocking

Introduce popular tools like WireMock, Postman, and Mockoon, which simplify mock creation.

Setting Up Mock APIs

Explain how to create mock endpoints that mimic real API responses with defined status codes, headers, and payloads.

Using Mocks in Automation Frameworks

Show how to integrate mocks into testing workflows for seamless execution.

Benefits of Mocking

Discuss advantages such as improved test stability, faster test execution, and early defect detection.

Conclusion Reiterate that mocking is a critical strategy in API automation, enabling robust testing even in complex or constrained environments.

[nyuway]

https://nyuway.com/why-ptaas-is-a-game-changer-for-your-cybersecurity/

[ottopilot-wrote-this]

Backend Support

Something new for you tonight, True Believers: a story set in @subliminalbo's Literary Universe! Featuring an image manipulation graciously provided by the man himself!

This story references characters from the Obedience by Fleur series. While not required, the main stories are suggested reading.

Thanks to my friend @subliminalbo (also at @subliminalboarchive) for the collabo.

Bailey's Huawai flagship, customized with added security and privacy features, rang and buzzed on her workbench. Her brow furrowed, temporarily wrinkling her flawless golden skin. "Support," Bailey muttered with caution as she answered. Very weird. If someone's calling this number… something is wrong.

"Uh," a timid male voice stuttered in response, followed by a long pause. "Um, I think I fucked up."

Bailey closed her eyes, sighing. "Go on."

"Well, I…," the man continued, but his cadence suggested he was distracted. "Hey, um, honey, don't touch that," he interjected, before refocusing his attention on Bailey. "I think she's broken. I broke her."

"You. Broke. Her," Bailey repeated slowly, each word more incredulous than the last. "And how… how did you break her, sir?"

Bailey thought she heard the man swallow hard through the tinny speakerphone. "OK. Well. I know that she has some, um, default abilities."

"Yes. Her menu. This was explained when you requested her services."

Loud noises. The sound of glass breaking. "Shit," the man said in irritation. "that was a gift!" He continued, talking faster, Bailey could practically hear him sweating. "Well, I wanted to know if she had, like, a secret menu. So I asked her, and she said no, but that there was…"

"An API," Bailey muttered. Fuck. She tilted her head back, eyes closed, and sighed again. She would have to work on hardening that endpoint. The last thing she needed was incel dipshits like Johnny Mnemonic here fucking with the product. She was a damn good engineer, but you don't exactly get to beta test mind control technology before you put it into production.

She should know. She was not only the president, she was also a client.

"What did you do, sir? Exactly?" Bailey's words were polite, but her tone dripped with frustration. Condescension also, but she really wasn't concerned about the customer's feelings right now.

Another pause, then an admission. "Well, she started telling me about her API, and I'm not a programmer, so I asked ChatLLM. And it gave me some things to try. Baby, take that out of your mouth."

"You fucking vibe coded her. You vibe coded a sex drone escort, running assembly code firmware, with some commands you got from a consumer AI. She's a human being, not a kit you bought at Radio Shack." Bailey could barely contain her rising anger. She mentally adjusted her hormone levels. Her pupils faded completely into solid white spheres. This wasn't the time to lose her cool.

There was hemming and hawing, then finally a guilty, "yes."

Bailey spoke again, the edge out of her voice as the fury subsided and her pupils returned. "Well, seeing as this would violate the terms and conditions of your agreement, if there were such a thing, I'm here to tell you: you break it, you buy it. Five mil ought to cover it. Have a good one."

"Five mil…five million dollars?!" the man exclaimed. Bailey could hear his voice quivering. "I don't have that kind of money! I work retail!"

"I'm sorry," Bailey said. And to her credit, she did pity this man. She knew enough to know his death would not be quick or painless. Triads don't fuck around. "The people I work with, they don't…" She chose her words carefully for effect. "take damaged merchandise lightly."

Bailey could her muffled crying on the other end. More broken glass, but no admonishment. Just sobs. She didn't like this. Didn't like the choices on the table. Having to calculate the least shitty outcome. Compromising her morality - her humanity - one crossed line after another.

But who was she kidding? Compromising your morality was The Romero Way.

"I don't want your dumbass blood on my hands. I'll make you a deal. Give me someone to replace her."

"I don't…what do you mean?"

"A wife, a sister, a cousin. Someone hot, or at least cute. Fixable. Someone local. A name, and an address, and you get to celebrate another birthday."

She could practically hear the man bargaining with himself. "I couldn't. I won't."

Bailey's voice was firm and callous. "No skin off my ass. Hope your will is in order." Give me a name, she pleaded internally. Take the goddamn offer.

"OK. I'll text it over." Very quietly, Bailey exhaled in relief. Her phone buzzed with a notification. She glanced at the address, and forwarded it to her liaison with some notes about tonight.

"You made the right choice. A team is on their way for extraction. For her, and for you."

"For me?"

"You know too much. Also, we have room in our inventory for all genders and sexual identities." In Romero, there are only perverts, and people who aren't perverts yet, Bailey ruminated.

When the man finally spoke, his voice was quiet, and his tone resigned. "Will she be okay? Will she be happy?"

Bailey hesitated. She thought of her mother, Rosa, her eyes glassy, wearing a low-cut red dress and her black choker, leaving a young child alone on a Saturday night. Baby, Mamá's got to go somewhere. Be a good girl and take care of yourself, okay?

She wanted to cynically deliver the uncaring truth. No, she wouldn't be okay. Ultimately, her happiness wasn't important, was it? It sure as hell hadn't been for Rosa, or for young Bailey. If you weren't part of Romero's circle of elites, you were just collateral damage.

But she didn't say that.

"Yes," Bailey lied, her voice soft and comforting. "She will." And she ended the call.

Bailey sat at her workbench for a long time, alone. Only the trees rustling outside the window permeated the silence. It could have been worse, she tried to tell herself. A lot worse. She saved a man from his own stupidity tonight.

When did she get so soft?

Ed King and Elena Maxwell had ruined her career before it got started, and they were going to pay. She only needed to set her emotions aside, and finish the job.

So why was she disgusted with herself?

These questions lacked simple answers. Tonight, isolated in her empty house, questions were the only company Bailey had.

[sztupy]

The next rule we created was named “../”, and upon deleting that rule, the entire test SQL Server was also suddenly deleted, and we found ourselves in need of a new test server! The cause of the deletion of our test server can be found in the URL to which the DELETE request is sent. The URL the DELETE request was sent to is:  /subscriptions/<subscriptionId>/resourceGroups/<rg>/providers/Microsoft.Sql/servers/test-4ad9a/firewallRules/../?api-version=2021-11-0. The firewall rule name “../” within the URL is treated as if it refers to the parent directory and to the SQL Server itself, which leads to the entire server being deleted.

With a little effort, it’s possible to create a rule that deletes any resource in the Azure tenant with the following name: ../../../../../../../<theResourceURL>?api-version=<relevant_version>#”.

Little Bobby Tables strikes again

[mariacallous]

Elon Musk’s so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) used artificial intelligence from Meta’s Llama model to comb through and analyze emails from federal workers.

Materials viewed by WIRED show that DOGE affiliates within the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) tested and used Meta’s Llama 2 model to review and classify responses from federal workers to the infamous “Fork in the Road” email that was sent across the government in late January.

The email offered deferred resignation to anyone opposed to changes the Trump administration was making to its federal workforce, including an enforced return-to-office policy, downsizing, and a requirement to be “loyal.” To leave their position, recipients merely needed to reply with the word “resign.” This email closely mirrored one that Musk sent to Twitter employees shortly after he took over the company in 2022.

Records show that Llama was deployed to sort through email responses from federal workers to determine how many accepted the offer. The model appears to have run locally, according to materials viewed by WIRED, meaning it’s unlikely to have sent data over the internet.

Meta and OPM did not respond to requests for comment from WIRED.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared alongside other Silicon Valley tech leaders like Musk and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos at Trump’s inauguration in January, but little has been publicly known about his company’s tech being used in government. Because of Llama’s open-source nature, the tool can easily be used by the government to support Musk’s goals without the company’s explicit consent.

Soon after Trump took office in January, DOGE operatives burrowed into OPM, an independent agency that essentially serves as the human resources department for the federal government. The new administration’s first big goal for the agency was to create a government-wide email service, according to current and former OPM employees. Riccardo Biasini, a former Tesla engineer, was involved in building the infrastructure for the service that would send out the original “Fork in the Road” email, according to material viewed by WIRED and reviewed by two government tech workers.

In late February, weeks after the Fork email, OPM sent out another request to all government workers and asked them to submit five bullet points outlining what they accomplished each week. These emails threw a number of agencies into chaos, with workers unsure how to manage email responses that had to be mindful of security clearances and sensitive information. (Adding to the confusion, it has been reported that some workers who turned on read receipts say they found that the responses weren’t actually being opened.) In February, NBC News reported that these emails were expected to go into an AI system for analysis. While the materials seen by WIRED do not explicitly show DOGE affiliates analyzing these weekly “five points” emails with Meta’s Llama models, the way they did with the Fork emails, it wouldn’t be difficult for them to do so, two federal workers tell WIRED.

“We don’t know for sure,” says one federal worker on whether DOGE used Meta’s Llama to review the “five points” emails. “Though if they were smart they’d reuse their code.”

DOGE did not appear to use Musk’s own AI model, Grok, when it set out to build the government-wide email system in the first few weeks of the Trump administration. At the time, Grok was a proprietary model belonging to xAI, and access to its API was limited. But earlier this week, Microsoft announced that it would begin hosting xAi’s Grok 3 models as options in its Azure AI Foundry, making the xAI models more accessible in Microsoft environments like the one used at OPM. This potentially, should they want it, would enable Grok as an option as an AI system going forward. In February, Palantir struck a deal to include Grok as an AI option in the company’s software, which is frequently used in government.

Over the past few months, DOGE has rolled out and used a variety of AI-based tools at government agencies. In March, WIRED reported that the US Army was using a tool called CamoGPT to remove DEI-related language from training materials. The General Services Administration rolled out “GSAi” earlier this year, a chatbot aimed at boosting overall agency productivity. OPM has also accessed software called AutoRIF that could assist in the mass firing of federal workers.

[applythaivisa]

Thailand Visa Exemptions

1. Legislative Framework and Policy Evolution

1.1 Statutory Basis

Governed by Sections 12 and 35 of the Immigration Act B.E. 2522 (1979)

Implemented through Ministerial Regulation No. 28 (B.E. 2544)

Modified by Cabinet Resolution (November 2022) extending 45-day stays until November 2025

1.2 Bilateral vs. Unilateral Agreements

Reciprocal Exemptions (12 countries including Brazil, South Korea, Peru)

90-day stays

Multiple-entry privileges

Unilateral Exemptions (56 countries)

Standard 30-day stays

45-day temporary extension for air arrivals

1.3 Historical Policy Shifts

2008: Introduction of 15-day land border restrictions

2016: Implementation of biometric tracking

2022: Temporary 45-day extension to boost tourism

2. Eligibility and Entry Protocols

2.1 Nationality-Based Classification

Passport TypeDurationEntry MethodExtension EligibilityG7 Nations45 days*Air onlyYes (30 days)ASEAN Members30 daysAir/LandNoDeveloping Economies15-30 daysConditionalVaries

*Until November 2025 per Cabinet Resolution

2.2 Document Verification Matrix

Mandatory Documents:

Passport (6+ months validity)

Onward ticket (confirmed within exemption period)

Proof of funds (THB 20,000/person)

Secondary Checks:

Previous Thai visa history (12-month lookback)

Accommodation verification

3. Immigration Assessment Algorithms

3.1 Risk-Based Screening System

Primary Inspection:

Machine-readable zone scan

Interpol database check

Facial recognition matching

Secondary Screening Triggers:

4+ visa exemptions in 12 months

Suspicious travel patterns

Incomplete documentation

3.2 Discretionary Denial Factors

Red Flags:

Previous overstays (even if paid)

Employment-seeking behavior

Frequent border runs

4. Border-Specific Implementation

4.1 Airport Processing

Dedicated Visa-Exempt Lanes at 6 international airports

Automated Immigration Gates (e-Gates) for eligible nationalities

Transit Without Visa (TWOV):

72-hour limit

Confirmed onward ticket required

4.2 Land Border Restrictions

15-Day Maximum Stay at 52 designated checkpoints

Entry Quotas:

2 land crossings per calendar year (2024 policy)

Exceptions for border pass holders

5. Extension and Conversion Mechanics

5.1 Extension of Stay

Single 30-Day Extension:

THB 1,900 fee

TM.7 form submission

Proof of address required

Exceptional Cases:

Medical treatment

Force majeure events

5.2 Visa Conversion Options

Non-Immigrant Pathways:

Business (B): Requires THB 25,000 application fee

Retirement (O): Age 50+ with financial proof

Education (ED): Enrollment in accredited institution

6. Compliance and Enforcement

6.1 Overstay Penalties

Fine Structure:

THB 500/day (maximum THB 20,000)

Automatic blacklisting after 90+ days

Voluntary Departure Program:

7-day grace period at airports

6.2 Visa-Run Monitoring

Automated Tracking System:

Flags frequent exempt entries

Calculates denial probability score

7. Special Case Analyses

7.1 Diplomatic/Official Passports

90-Day Exemption regardless of nationality

Exempt from:

Financial proof requirements

Onward ticket verification

7.2 Crew Member Privileges

72-Hour Shore Leave:

Valid with approved crew documentation

Separate from passenger exemptions

8. Emerging Policy Developments

9.1 Digital Integration

E-Arrival Card System (2024 rollout)

Blockchain Travel History (Phase 1 testing)

9.2 Security Enhancements

Biometric Exit System (Full implementation 2025)

API Integration with INTERPOL databases

9. Strategic Entry Planning

10.1 For Frequent Travelers

Alternative Solutions:

METV (6-month multiple entry)

Elite Visa (5-20 year options)

Entry Pattern Management:

Minimum 21-day intervals between exempt entries

Rotate entry points (BKK/DMK/HKT)

10.2 For Long-Term Stays

Conversion Timing:

Optimal window: Days 1-15 of entry

Avoid holiday periods

Document Preparation:

Pre-legalized paperwork

Financial trail establishment