How Do Hackers Exploit API Vulnerabilities?

Introduction

In 2025, more than 94% of Indian mobile and web applications are completely powered by APIs. From UPI payments to food delivery and stock trading, everything depends on APIs. One weak endpoint can expose millions of users or cause fraud worth hundreds of crores in minutes. Criminals are silently earning crores every month from simple API flaws. At Ethical Hacking Training Institute & Webasha Technologies, our 8000+ placed students legally test real banking, UPI, and e-commerce APIs every single day using licensed tools and guided labs. Enroll now to start from beginner to advanced.

Why APIs Are the #1 Target for Hackers in 2025

APIs are hidden from normal users but control everything behind the scenes. Developers often prioritize speed over security, leaving endpoints unprotected. Many APIs are undocumented (called shadow APIs), so security teams miss them completely. Mobile apps also leak API keys in code that anyone can extract using simple tools.

Top 10 API Vulnerabilities Hackers Exploit Daily

Real Indian API Breaches That Made Headlines

• Fintech lost 1.2 crore user records via simple BOLA in /user/{id}
• Food delivery giant paid ₹18 crore bounty after mass-assignment flaw
• UPI app suffered ₹68 crore fraud due to OTP rate-limit bypass
• Banking app leaked full KYC documents through excessive data exposure
• Ed-tech platform exposed 50 lakh students via undocumented shadow API

Our Real-World API Pentesting Lab

We have built over 60 deliberately vulnerable Indian-style APIs that mimic real banking, UPI, wallet, and e-commerce systems. Students get licensed Burp Suite Professional, Postman, and real payment gateway simulation from day one. Join the top-rated certification program in Pune.

Career & Salary After Mastering API Pentesting

After completing our course, students are placed in top companies within months. Average salary for freshers starts at ₹35 LPA and goes up to ₹80 LPA for experienced roles. Discover the ultimate career path in cybersecurity.

How to Secure Your API in 7 Simple Steps

• Use UUIDs instead of sequential IDs
• Implement strict object-level authorization on every endpoint
• Whitelist allowed fields to block mass assignment
• Never return sensitive data in API responses
• Add proper rate limiting and OTP cooldown
• Disable GraphQL introspection in production
• Use strong 256-bit secrets with HMAC for JWT

Conclusion

APIs are the biggest attack surface in Indian cybersecurity today. Criminals are silently making crores while companies lose trust and money. The demand for skilled API security experts has never been higher. Join Ethical Hacking Training Institute & Webasha Technologies today and master real-world API exploitation legally with 100% job guarantee. New batches start every Monday in Pune and 100% live online. Learn ethical hacking completely online from home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common API bug in India?

BOLA (Broken Object Level Authorization) is found in over 90% of apps.

Can hackers take over accounts using APIs?

Yes, BOLA, rate-limit bypass, and JWT flaws allow instant takeover.

Is GraphQL safer than REST?

No, often worse if introspection is not disabled.

Do I need coding to learn API pentesting?

No, 70% of our students are non-IT and still succeed.

What salary can I expect?

₹35–80 LPA within 6–12 months after course.

Which companies hire your students?

PhonePe, Razorpay, Zerodha, Paytm, Zomato, Deloitte, EY and many more.

Is bug bounty possible with API skills?

Yes, many students earn ₹5–50 lakh per bug.

Do you provide licensed tools?

Yes, Burp Suite Pro, Nessus, Cobalt Strike included.

Is lifetime lab access given?

Yes, practice forever on our 400+ machine lab.

Is 100% job placement guaranteed?

Yes, written guarantee from day one.

Are weekend batches available?

Yes, complete weekend options with lab access.

Do you teach Indian payment gateway testing?

Yes, full UPI and gateway simulation included.

Can I get job abroad?

Yes, many placed in Singapore, USA, Dubai, Israel.

When is the free demo?

Every Saturday 11 AM, open to all.

How to book free demo?

Register here for your free demo class.