What is dynamic web page for VAPT

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Prashant
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What is a Dynamic Web Page in Terms of VAPT?

When it comes to vulnerability assessment and penetration testing (VAPT), understanding the nature of web pages—whether static or dynamic—is crucial. Dynamic web pages pose unique challenges and opportunities for security testing compared to static ones. Hence missing a dynamic page potentially means a left out vulnerability. This article explains what constitutes a dynamic web page from the perspective of VAPT and how to calculate those pages.

Defining Dynamic Web Pages in VAPT Context

Dynamic web pages are those that interact with users and process data, often by communicating with server-side resources. These pages accept inputs from users, process them, and may generate different outputs based on the data provided or retrieved from backend systems.

From a VAPT perspective, dynamic pages can be broadly classified into two types:

  1. Authenticated Dynamic Pages:

    Pages that require the user to log in, fill in data, and submit it to the server. For example:

    • A profile update form that is requiring authentication.
    • A dashboard page that dynamically displays user-specific data.
    • An internal page that accepts some user input and either stores it or displays data based on those inputs
  2. Unauthenticated Dynamic Pages (Also called as dynamically static pages):

    Pages that accept data from users without requiring authentication. Examples include:

    • Search bars or feedback forms available to all visitors.
    • Query parameters in URLs that modify displayed content.

What we need from you for VAPT?

  • Number 1 as explained above
  • Number 2 explained above

How to Calculate Authenticated Dynamic Web Pages for VAPT

To identify and calculate authenticated dynamic pages in your application, follow this step-by-step formula:

  1. Start with Total Authenticated Pages:

    Count all pages requiring a user to log in, including dashboards, reports, or profile pages.

    Example: Total login-required pages = 50.
  2. Identify Pages with User Inputs:

    Count all authenticated pages with input fields like forms, file uploads, or search bars.

    Example: Input-enabled pages = 30.
  3. Add Query Parameter-Driven Pages:

    Include authenticated pages that use query strings in the URL to modify displayed content.

    Example: Query-driven pages = 10.
  4. Include API-Dependent Pages:

    Add pages that fetch dynamic content via backend APIs, even without visible user inputs.

    Example: API-based pages = 5.
  5. Add Non-Interactive Dashboard Pages:

    Include dashboards or reporting pages that display dynamic content but do not accept user inputs.

    Example: Non-interactive dashboard pages = 8.
  6. Sum Up All Unique Pages:

    Combine the above categories while avoiding double-counting.

    Formula:

    Dynamic Pages = B + C + D + E (as subsets of A)

    Where:

    1. B = Pages with user inputs.
    2. C = Query parameter-driven pages.
    3. D = API-dependent pages.
    4. E = Non-interactive dashboard pages.

Example Calculation: 30 (B) + 10 (C) + 5 (D) + 8 (E) = 53 total dynamic pages.

Additional Info: Dynamic vs. Static Pages in VAPT

Static Pages:

Static pages are built with pure HTML and do not involve user interactions that modify backend data. These pages:

  • Contain fixed content.
  • Lack forms, input fields, or query parameters that can be manipulated.
  • Typically serve informational purposes, such as company “About Us” pages or privacy policies.

Dynamic Pages:

Dynamic pages, in contrast, involve user interactions and backend processes. Characteristics include:

  • Interactive Elements: Presence of forms, input fields, dropdown menus, or upload buttons.
  • Data Manipulation: Query string parameters or hidden fields that affect server-side processing.
  • Backend Communication: Pages linked to databases, APIs, or content management systems (CMS) that retrieve or store data dynamically.

Additional Info: VAPT Considerations for Dynamic Pages

Dynamic pages are a primary focus in VAPT due to their susceptibility to security vulnerabilities. Key risks include:

  • Injection Attacks: Exploiting inputs in forms, query strings, or hidden fields.
  • XSS Vulnerabilities: Injecting malicious scripts into poorly validated input fields.
  • Unauthorized Data Access: Compromising dashboards or reports with sensitive data.

By identifying and securing all authenticated dynamic pages using the formula, businesses can ensure comprehensive VAPT coverage.

Conclusion

Dynamic web pages form the backbone of modern websites, enabling interactivity and personalized user experiences. From a VAPT perspective, any page that processes user input—whether via forms, query strings, or APIs—or fetches backend data dynamically requires careful testing. This formula provides a systematic way to calculate and prioritize these pages, ensuring robust protection against cyber threats.

Categories: Web VAPT