GraphQL API Penetration Testing Services in KSA
GraphQL API penetration testing in Saudi Arabia simulates real attacks on a GraphQL endpoint to find flaws before attackers do. Apprise Cyber, Approved Cybersecurity company, tests GraphQL APIs against NCA, SAMA, and PDPL requirements.
Modern web and mobile applications use GraphQL APIs for fast data delivery, flexible queries, and rapid development. Traditional REST APIs use multiple endpoints. GraphQL uses a single endpoint and lets the client request exactly the data it needs. This prevents over-fetching and under-fetching.
Do you run web or mobile applications for your business in KSA? Apprise Cyber tests your GraphQL APIs under the supervision of experienced penetration testers. The team includes advanced and AI-focused penetration testers and has served hundreds of local and international clients in KSA. Do not wait for the next exploit. Chat with the experienced penetration testers at Apprise Cyber KSA today and secure your business.
What Is GraphQL API Penetration Testing?
GraphQL API penetration testing is a controlled attack simulation that finds exploitable flaws in a GraphQL endpoint. Testers send custom queries and mutations to the endpoint and record every weakness.
Each test produces 3 outputs: verified vulnerabilities, severity ratings, and fix instructions. Verified vulnerabilities include missing access checks, excessive data exposure, and uncapped query depth.
Automated tools detect known patterns. Manual testing finds logic flaws, such as one user reading another user’s records through a nested query.
How Does GraphQL Testing Differ From REST API Testing?
GraphQL testing differs from REST testing because clients choose their own fields, so every field requires its own access check. A REST endpoint returns a fixed response. A GraphQL endpoint returns whatever fields the query names.
GraphQL adds 3 attack paths that REST test plans miss: schema introspection, batched operations, and nested queries. OWASP advises checking access on every object, field, and mutation.
What Does Apprise Cyber Test in a GraphQL API?
Apprise Cyber tests 6 GraphQL areas: authorization, introspection, batching and aliasing, query limits, injection, and error handling.
| Area | Risk |
|---|---|
| Authorization | Reading objects or fields by guessing IDs |
| Introspection | Schema exposed in production |
| Batching and aliasing | Many operations in one request evade per-request monitoring and allow brute force |
| Query limits | Nested or very large queries cause denial of service |
| Injection | Unvalidated arguments reach SQL, NoSQL, or OS commands |
| Error handling | Stack traces and debug output reveal internals |
What Are the 5 Steps of the GraphQL Testing Process?
The process has 5 steps: scoping, schema mapping, attack testing, reporting, and re-testing. Apprise Cyber works with your team at every step.
- Define the scope: Apprise Cyber agrees which GraphQL endpoints to test (customer API, payment API, partner API) and the rules of engagement.
- Map the schema: Testers record which types, queries, and mutations reach which data.
- Attack the API: Experts test the 6 areas above with automated tools and manual techniques.
- Deliver the report: You receive a prioritized report that ranks each vulnerability by severity and lists the fix.
- Re-test the fixes: After your team applies the fixes, Apprise Cyber re-tests to confirm each issue is closed.
Saudi Regulations
Which Saudi Regulations Cover GraphQL API Penetration Testing?
3 Saudi frameworks require penetration testing of in-scope systems: NCA ECC-2:2024, NCA NCNICC-1:2025, and the SAMA Cyber Security Framework. A GraphQL API serving an in-scope system carries the same testing requirement. The PDPL sets no testing rule but penalizes the breaches that testing prevents.
| Framework | Regulator |
|---|---|
| NCA ECC-2:2024 | National Cybersecurity Authority |
| NCA NCNICC-1:2025 | National Cybersecurity Authority |
| SAMA Cyber Security Framework | Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) |
| PDPL | SDAIA |
Banks and insurers face both NCA and SAMA requirements.
Why Choose Apprise Cyber for GraphQL API Penetration Testing in Saudi Arabia?
Apprise Cyber offers 6 advantages: CREST approval, dual-method testing, framework-mapped reports, prioritized findings, low-disruption scheduling, and custom quotes.
- CREST approval: Apprise Cyber is a CREST Approved company and follows CREST testing standards.
- Dual-method testing: Automated tools and manual techniques find access flaws and logic flaws that scans miss.
- Framework-mapped reports: Each finding maps to NCA, SAMA, or PDPL requirements for audit use.
- Prioritized findings: Reports rank each vulnerability by severity and list one fix per finding.
- Low-disruption scheduling: Testing runs around your daily operations.
- Custom quotes: Apprise Cyber quotes each project after scoping the GraphQL endpoints and schema.
A finance-sector client found highest-severity issues during testing and fixed them before release.
How Much Does GraphQL API Penetration Testing Cost in Saudi Arabia?
Cost depends on 3 factors: the number of GraphQL endpoints, schema size, and the depth of manual testing. Apprise Cyber sets no flat rates and quotes each project after scoping.
- Endpoint count: Each additional endpoint (customer API, partner API, mobile backend) adds testing hours.
- Schema size: Schemas with more queries, mutations, and types take longer to map and test.
- Manual testing depth: Logic flaws require manual attack paths, so broader manual coverage raises the effort.
A test before launch costs less than remediation after a breach or a PDPL fine.
Frequently Asked Questions About API Pentesting in KSA
Does REST API Testing Cover GraphQL APIs?
No, REST test plans miss attack paths that exist only in GraphQL, such as introspection, batching, and nested queries. GraphQL requires an access check on every field, while REST plans test
Is GraphQL Introspection Safe in Production?
OWASP advises disabling introspection in production or public environments, or restricting it to approved users. Introspection exposes the full schema. OWASP gives the same advice for GraphiQL.
How Does GraphQL Batching Create Risk?
Batching lets one request carry many operations, which evades per-request monitoring and allows brute-force attacks. OWASP advises capping the number of operations per request and blocking batching for sensitive objects.
Does the NCA Require Penetration Testing?
Yes, penetration testing is mandatory for organizations in scope of the NCA ECC. In-scope organizations include government entities and national infrastructure operators. The ECC places testing in Domain 2 (Cybersecurity Defence) and names no fixed interval.
Does SAMA Require Penetration Testing for Banks?
Yes, SAMA expects regular, structured penetration testing from every SAMA-regulated entity. Regulated entities include banks, insurers, and finance companies. Supervisors review test results as proof that technical controls work. SAMA issued the framework in May 2017.
Does SAMA Require Penetration Testing for Banks?
Yes, SAMA expects regular, structured penetration testing from every SAMA-regulated entity. Regulated entities include banks, insurers, and finance companies. Supervisors review test results as proof that technical controls work. SAMA issued the framework in May 2017.
How Often Do Saudi Businesses Test GraphQL APIs?
A common baseline is 1 test per year and a re-test after each major release. The NCA ECC names no fixed interval and requires periodic review. Higher-risk systems (payment gateways, customer portals) get more frequent tests.
What Does a GraphQL Penetration Test Report Contain?
A report contains 3 items for each finding: the verified vulnerability, a severity rating, and a fix instruction. Apprise Cyber ranks findings by severity and maps each to NCA, SAMA, or PDPL requirements. After your team applies the fixes, Apprise Cyber re-tests to confirm each issue is closed.
How Do You Get a GraphQL API Penetration Testing Quote in Saudi Arabia?
Send 3 inputs to Apprise Cyber for a custom quote: endpoint count, schema size, and target audit. Target audits include NCA ECC-2:2024, SAMA, and PDPL readiness.
Apprise Cyber scopes the engagement, quotes the project, and schedules testing around your launch or audit date.
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