If you’re keen on understanding web application security, the Vulnerable-Web-Application is a fantastic tool designed specifically for you. This platform is user-friendly and allows you to practice penetration testing with ease. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step guide on how to install and configure it.

What is Vulnerable-Web-Application?

The Vulnerable-Web-Application serves as a training ground for enthusiasts of web penetration testing. It encompasses various vulnerabilities, including Command Execution, File Inclusion, File Upload, SQL Injection, and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). This application sets up a local database seamlessly, making it simple to practice and learn.

Installation Guide

To get started, follow the installation instructions tailored for your operating system:

• For Windows: Download and install XAMPP from Xampp. After installation, place the files into the xampp/htdocs folder.
• For macOS: Install MAMP from Mampp and copy the files to the mamp/htdocs folder.
• For Linux: Start your Apache server, then move the files to /var/www/html.

Running the Application in Docker

You can also set up the Vulnerable-Web-Application using Docker. Execute the following command:

docker run -it --name vuln_app -p 9991:80 santosomar/vuln_app:latest /bin/bash

Note: Feel free to alter the port (9991) to any other port that suits your implementation.

Other Configurations

Before you proceed with the application setup, make sure to modify the php.ini file by changing the following settings:

• allow_url_include = on – Enables Remote File Inclusion
• allow_url_fopen = on – Facilitates Remote File Inclusion
• safe_mode = off – Essential for SQL Injection (if PHP version is v5.4)
• magic_quotes_gpc = off – Also necessary for SQL Injection (if PHP version is v5.4)

Application Setup

Once you’ve adjusted the configuration, proceed as follows:

• Open the XAMPP Control Panel and start Apache and MySQL.
• Keep your MySQL credentials as default (username: root, password: empty).
• Open the index.php file in the Vulnerable-Web-Application directory and follow the instructions to create the database.

Note: You can reset the database at any point if you encounter issues. After setting up the database, you’re ready to visit the homepage and start exploring vulnerabilities.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you come across any issues during the installation or setup, consider the following suggestions:

• Issue with database setup: Check if Apache and MySQL services are running properly.
• Configuration errors: Double-check the php.ini settings to ensure they have been altered correctly.
• Port conflicts: Ensure that the chosen Docker port is not in use by another application.

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Conclusion

The Vulnerable-Web-Application is an indispensable tool for learning web security. Try it out, experiment, and enhance your penetration testing capabilities. With its straightforward installation and utility, you’re on the way to becoming proficient in safeguarding applications!