GraphQL Security Testing

GraphQL Security Testing

GraphQL APIs require specialized testing approaches due to their query-based nature. ZAP's GraphQL support enables testing these modern APIs effectively. Start by importing the GraphQL schema through introspection queries. If introspection is disabled, manually construct queries based on documentation or observed traffic. The schema provides ZAP with understanding of available types, queries, mutations, and subscriptions.

GraphQL-specific vulnerabilities include query depth attacks, where nested queries consume excessive resources. Test by creating deeply nested queries and observing server responses. Alias-based attacks use GraphQL's alias feature to bypass rate limiting by requesting the same field multiple times with different aliases. Field-based authorization bypasses attempt to access restricted fields through query manipulation.

# Example GraphQL security test queries

# Query depth attack
query DeepQuery {
  users {
    posts {
      comments {
        author {
          posts {
            comments {
              # Continue nesting...
            }
          }
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

# Alias-based resource exhaustion
query AliasAttack {
  a1: expensiveQuery(id: 1)
  a2: expensiveQuery(id: 2)
  a3: expensiveQuery(id: 3)
  # Repeat many times...
}

# Authorization bypass attempt
query UnauthorizedAccess {
  users {
    id
    email
    sensitiveData  # Attempting to access restricted field
  }
}