OWASP Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP)


OWASP Zed Attack Proxy (ZAP) is an open-source interception proxy and web application assessment tool.

  • parallels Burp Suite’s features and functionality
  • available to use via an open-source license
  • many features to support automated scanning, input manipulation, and API testing
  • key features:
    • interception proxy
      • for intercepting and modifying requests and responses between the browser and web application
    • active scanner
      • automate the discovery of content and vulnerabilities within a web application
      • can identify vulnerabilities such as SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS)
      • can be modified and extended by installing add-ons
  • plugins can extend its capabilities
    • allows users to create and share custom scripts and plugins
  • provides detailed reports and alerts
    • helps quickly identify and prioritize security issues
  • provides a browser preconfigured to send all data through the proxy

How it Works

  • indexes all the files and directories it can see on the target web server, a process called spidering
  • then locates and reports on any potential issues