Cracking the Code: VAPT Interview Questions and Answers

What distinguishes a penetration test from a vulnerability assessment?

This is an excellent VAPT Interview Question. One can answer in a lot of ways- one such way can be as down below.

The process of locating and evaluating security flaws in the computer systems of an organization is known as an evaluation of vulnerabilities. It entails finding vulnerabilities via the use of automatic tools and procedures, which are subsequently graded relative to their degree. 

With this Network VAPT Interview Question, one can add- The goal of a penetration examination, on the contrary, is to evaluate if a hacker might obtain unauthorized entry to an infrastructure or system by trying to capitalize on known flaws.

• What is the purpose of a source review of code, and what are some of the applications that are open source?

The evaluation of the source code, also known as white box testing, aims to identify vulnerabilities that may have gone unnoticed during the development stage. There are two methods for performing source code reviews.

Static Evaluation. The fundamental idea is to carefully examine the app’s source code, bit by bit, to look for weaknesses.

The Network VAPT Interview Question that follows lists many vulnerability categories that can be discovered during a source code examination.

Dynamic Examination. In essence, this involves executing the source code, collecting the inquiries, and then interacting with the requests in real time to look for vulnerabilities.

Various open-source solutions are available for source code analysis

• Gerrit
• AppScan. Plugin for Visual Studio Coding
• Reviewable
• Codebrag

• Describe the variations between ARP along with RARP

This is a tricky Web VAPT Interview Question 

It can also be answered this way- The Protocol for Address Resolution is referred to as ARP. Reverse the protocol for address resolution is known as RARP. ARP converts 48-bit Physical (MAC) Addresses from 32-bit IP Addresses. While RARP converts 32-bit Internet Protocol (IP) addresses from 32-bit physical (MAC) identifiers.

• What kinds of bypassing authentication methods may you use on a web page?

The following are the many authentication bypass methods for the VAPT Interview Question.

1. Modifying the status code. 4xx is changed to 200.
2. Manipulation of the response codes. They are converting 0 to 1, false into true, etc.
3. Examining the HTTP History and Response for evidence of leaking code.
4. 0000 using OTP, along with the use of %00 alongside username, etc., are examples of inputting null contents.
5. Examining JS files and any security logic that is encoded.
6. Screening for usernames with mixed cases. Further, for instance, establishing and logging in as the account’s admin using the user name administrator.
7. Experiment with the username and password reset feature.
8. Modifying the reply’s id parameter.

• In another Web VAPT Interview Question- What distinguishes a white box test from a black box exam?

The white box test refers to one in which the individual conducting the test has knowledge of the source code and the inner workings of the technology under scrutiny. This kind of test is helpful in locating flaws that might not be obvious at first glance. On the other hand, a black box test is one in which the tester is unaware of the device’s inner workings under examination. This kind of test is helpful for mimicking a perpetrator who is unfamiliar with the system beforehand.

• How does serialization work? How can unsafe deserialization happen, and what exactly can deserialization be?

In a language that uses object-oriented programming, serialization involves the process of transforming a class into an arrangement that can be employed to store in a relational database or which can be sent to the website server. It is a typical strategy found in applications built with Java, Python, and PHP. You can also add some points to this VAPT Interview Question.

1. Serialization is precisely the opposite of deserialization. Whenever a hacker has the ability to alter the serialized data and upset the program’s logic, improper deserialization represents a risk that develops.
2. Therefore, if the program used an improper deserialization procedure containing a username and a hacker inserted an instruction within the place of the login information, the command might be performed at the backend site.

The following information may be employed to determine if the online application employs the serialization approach for VAPT Interview Question.

1. The existence of characters in cookies or parameters like rO0 in Base64 or AC ED 00 05 within Hex.
2. HTTP reaction’s content-type line has been modified to application/x-java-serialized-object.

It can also be employed as a good Mobile VAPT Interview Question. So you can also add on some extra points like- The program known as Ysoserial may be used to chain susceptible devices, develop an exploit by producing various payloads, and assist in obtaining an RCE.

• What exactly is SQL injection?

When a hacker enters fraudulent SQL code inside an online app’s entry fields, it is known as a sort of attack called SQL injection. The software’s system then runs the code, giving the hacker access to private information or possibly complete command of its database. 

This is also a good Mobile VAPT Interview Question from experienced interviewers. 

• What exactly defines cross-site scripting (XSS)?

A sort of attack known as cross-site scripting (XSS) happens when a perpetrator inserts harmful code into a website’s app, and the target’s web browser subsequently executes. Important details, including login passwords or private data, are frequently stolen via the technique.

• How well-versed are you in WSDL and SOAP?

In this VAPT Interview Question, the interviewer wants to know how much you understand your networks. 

UDDI employs the XML-formatted language known as Web Services Descriptive Language (WSDL). It essentially explains internet services and how to access them.

On the opposite hand, applications may share data through HTTP using the Simple Objects Accessibility standard (SOAP), an XML-based standard. The XML queries are transmitted using SOAP-formatted web services. 

With the Web VAPT Interview Question, you can also add: SOAP communication is then transmitted to the web server by a SOAP client. Finally, the server provides the requested service and a SOAP request in response. 

• What exactly constitutes a buffer overflow?

An attack that successfully exploits a system that manages memory defects in software is known as a buffer overflow. This flaw gives the attacker the opportunity to insert unwanted code into memory regions, taking charge of the application or possibly the whole system.

• How do you define a zero-day vulnerability?

A zero-day vulnerability refers to one that has not yet been reported to the program manufacturer or the field of security and has been found and used by attackers. Considering there is currently an unidentified patch or remedy for this kind of vulnerability, intruders can take advantage of it for quite a while before it is identified and fixed.

• What role does reporting play in VAPT?

Since it enables businesses to inform important stakeholders of the findings of their evaluations, communication is a crucial part of VAPT. The safety record of the company is outlined in reports, along with any vulnerabilities which were recently found and fixed. Additionally, reporting offers an itinerary for future advancements, enabling firms to set goals for security expenditures and make knowledgeable security planning choices.

• What role does ongoing monitoring play in VAPT?

Continuous surveillance is the practice of regularly checking on a firm’s security state to ensure that risks are found and fixed as soon as possible. VAPT requires constant monitoring as it enables firms to keep ahead of changing risks and react rapidly to emerging vulnerabilities. 

When answering the following VAPT interview question: VAPT is a continuous procedure that necessitates regular monitoring and assessment; this is vital to keep in mind. 

Therefore, enterprises must guarantee that their VAPT personnel have the knowledge and expertise necessary to remain ahead of developing risks and act swiftly in the face of fresh vulnerabilities. This can also be used in the context of a Mobile VAPT Interview Question.