Burp Suite – Web Application Security Testing

🧭 Overview

Burp Suite is a powerful integrated platform for performing security testing of web applications. Developed by PortSwigger, it is widely adopted by security professionals, ethical hackers, and penetration testers for finding vulnerabilities in modern web apps.

It provides an intuitive and flexible interface that supports manual testing, while also offering powerful automation capabilities through its scanner and extensions.

🧰 Burp Suite Setup

Burp Suite is available in three editions: Community (Free), Professional (Paid), and Enterprise. Most students and testers start with the Community Edition.

✅ Installation Steps:

# For Debian-based systems:
sudo snap install burpsuite

# Or download from:
https://portswigger.net/burp/releases

Java is required to run the standalone JAR if not using the Snap version.

🔍 Burp Suite Features

• Proxy: Intercept and modify requests between browser and server
• Spider: Map web application structure
• Scanner: Automated vulnerability scanner (Pro)
• Intruder: Fuzzing tool for brute force and injection
• Repeater: Manually modify and resend requests
• Extender: Add community extensions for extra functionality

💡 Example Workflow

1. Configure browser proxy to 127.0.0.1:8080
2. Browse the target application (e.g., DVWA)
3. Intercept login form in Burp Proxy
4. Send intercepted request to Repeater or Intruder
5. Modify and replay the request to test SQLi or XSS

🛡️ Common Use Cases

• Testing login and authentication mechanisms
• Identifying reflected and stored XSS
• Detecting SQL injection vulnerabilities
• Session management testing
• Brute force attacks using Intruder

🌐 Official Resources

• Official Website
• Web Security Academy – Free training
• Latest Releases

⚠️ Disclaimer

Burp Suite should only be used on systems you own or have explicit permission to test. Unauthorized use is illegal and unethical.