In the rapidly evolving landscape of software development, Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) have become pivotal in enabling seamless communication between disparate systems. This presentation delves into the comprehensive domain of API penetration testing (pentesting), aimed at identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities within APIs. Beginning with an introduction to APIs, it categorizes the various types and elucidates their fundamental components, establishing a foundational understanding essential for effective security assessment. The discussion advances to API reconnaissance, detailing both active and passive reconnaissance techniques that are instrumental in mapping and analyzing API endpoints without disrupting their functionality. Furthermore, the presentation explores reverse engineering methodologies, providing insights into deconstructing APIs to uncover hidden vulnerabilities and understand underlying architectures.

A significant portion is dedicated to the OWASP Top 10 API Security Risks, highlighting prevalent threats such as injection flaws, broken authentication, and excessive data exposure. By examining these critical vulnerabilities, the presentation underscores the importance of adhering to best practices and robust security frameworks. The exploitation segment illustrates practical attack vectors and demonstrates how identified vulnerabilities can be leveraged to compromise API integrity and data security. Through case studies and real-world examples, the session offers actionable strategies for strengthening API defenses, emphasizing proactive measures and continuous security assessments. Concluding with recommendations for enhancing API security posture, this presentation serves as a vital resource for cybersecurity professionals seeking to safeguard APIs against emerging threats and ensure resilient, secure integrations in modern applications."