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SEC542 Web Pentest: SQLi, XSS & CSRF

SEC542: Web Application Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking by Koenig Original equips penetration testers, ethical hackers, and security analysts with a repeatable methodology to uncover critical web application flaws that automated scanners miss. You’ll gain hands-on experience exploiting SQL injection, XSS, SSRF, and authentication bypass vulnerabilities in real-world labs, addressing the urgent industry need to secure applications—where 94% of tested sites had exploitable flaws in recent studies.

This course prepares learners for the GIAC GWAPT certification, reinforcing skills with Koenig’s 1-on-1 training model for personalized mastery. You’ll gain practical proficiency in Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, and Python automation, culminating in a capture-the-flag exercise that validates real-world attack and reporting capabilities.

48 Hours (6 Days)
Live Online / Classroom
2+ professionals trained

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1-on-1 USD 2,500
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Public Batch USD 2,000
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Course Overview

SEC542: Web Application Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking by Koenig Original is a comprehensive program designed for security professionals aiming to master modern web application penetration testing. This course prepares candidates for the GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester (GWAPT) certification and serves roles such as penetration testers, ethical hackers, and web application developers. With web-based attacks contributing to over 40% of data breaches according to industry reports, the demand for skilled professionals in this domain continues to grow across financial, healthcare, and government sectors. The curriculum follows a structured methodology based on the OWASP Web Security Testing Guide, equipping learners with the skills to identify, exploit, and remediate critical vulnerabilities in real-world applications.

The course emphasizes hands-on learning through extensive lab environments where students configure and utilize industry-standard tools such as Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, sqlmap, Metasploit, ffuf, and Nuclei. Participants engage in practical exercises including fuzzing, session analysis, API testing, and exploitation of vulnerabilities like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), server-side request forgery (SSRF), and insecure deserialization. A key component is the NetWars-powered Capture the Flag event, where learners apply their skills in a simulated real-world penetration testing tournament to exfiltrate data, bypass authentication, and chain exploits. These labs are conducted in a dedicated virtual environment that mirrors enterprise web infrastructures, allowing students to build and test secure configurations using real security tooling.

By completing SEC542: Web Application Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking, learners gain direct preparation for the highly recognized GIAC GWAPT certification, known for validating practical penetration testing abilities. Certified professionals report average salary increases of 20-30% and are highly sought after for roles in red teaming and application security. Koenig Original differentiates itself with flexible learning formats including Guaranteed-to-Run sessions, 1-on-1 training, and hands-on labs integrated into self-paced and live online options. Graduates emerge with a repeatable, defensible methodology for assessing web applications, positioning them to lead security initiatives and advance into senior offensive security roles.

What You'll Learn

✓Apply the SANS Institute web application penetration testing methodology to identify and document security flaws in accordance with GIAC GWAPT certification standards
✓Execute SQL injection attacks using industry-standard tools like SQLmap to remediate database vulnerabilities and implement secure coding practices
✓Analyze and remediate authentication bypass vulnerabilities by implementing secure session management and multi-factor authentication protocols
✓Identify critical vulnerabilities using industry-standard fuzzing tools like Burp Suite and OWASP ZAP to ensure comprehensive application security coverage
✓Develop custom Python scripts to automate web application testing workflows, improving the efficiency and accuracy of vulnerability assessments
✓Perform hands-on Capture-the-Flag exercises to demonstrate proficiency in exploiting and securing web applications, aligning with GIAC GWAPT practical examination objectives

Skills You'll Gain

Web Application Penetration Testing OWASP Web Security Testing Burp Suite Pro ZAP Fuzzing SQL Injection Exploitation XSS Detection SSRF Attacks XXE Vulnerability JWT Authentication OAuth Security API Penetration Testing Command Injection Directory Traversal Insecure Deserialization Python Scripting SSTI Exploitation CSRF Testing

Prerequisites

Recommended knowledge before taking this course
  • Basic working knowledge of Linux command line essential for mastering SEC542: Web Application Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking by Koenig Original
  • Understanding of TCP/IP networking fundamentals is crucial for effective web application security testing in this course
  • Familiarity with web protocols such as HTTP/HTTPS and DNS helps learners identify vulnerabilities during penetration testing
  • Experience with command-line security tools like Nmap, cURL, and Burp Suite enhances practical skills in ethical hacking
  • Knowledge of web application architectures, including databases, APIs, and web servers, is vital for comprehensive security assessments
  • Prior completion of foundational security courses such as SEC504 or equivalent experience is recommended to maximize learning outcomes
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Certification Exam

Everything you need to know about the SEC542 certification exam

Exam Details
Exam Name
Format
Multiple choice, labs & case studies
Questions
Duration
Passing Score
Validity
Retake Policy
One free retake within 45 days of the first attempt; if failed again, must wait 45 days between subsequent attempts
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SEC542 Web Pentest: SQLi, XSS & CSRF

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Course Curriculum

Structured learning with hands-on labs and real-world scenarios

1
Day 1– Mastering SEC542 Web Application Penetration Testing
SEC542 Web Application Penetration Testing Methodologies Configuring Interception Proxies for Ethical Hacking Analyzing HTTP Requests and Responses Effectively Advanced Virtual Host Discovery Techniques Target Profiling and Reconnaissance Strategies Testing SSL/TLS Configuration Security Standards Automated Content Discovery via Spidering DNS Reconnaissance and Enumeration Tactics
2
Day 2– Fuzzing, Scanning, and Authentication Testing
Fuzzing for Rapid Vulnerability Detection Comprehensive Information Leakage Analysis Forced Browsing with ffuf and ZAP Modern API Exploitation and Security Testing Rigorous Authentication Mechanisms Review Testing Federated Identity: SAML and OAuth Username Harvesting and Password Guessing Advanced Session Management and Token Analysis
3
Day 3– Advanced Injection Attack Vectors
Command Injection: Blind and Non-Blind Directory Traversal and LFI/RFI Exploitation Core SQL Injection Attack Techniques Error-Based and Blind SQL Injection Analysis Exploiting SQL Injection with sqlmap Tools Insecure Deserialization Vulnerability Overview Java and Python Deserialization Attack Vectors NoSQL Injection Fundamentals and Defense
4
Day 4– XSS, SSRF, and XXE Exploitation
Stored and Reflected XSS Mitigation DOM-Based XSS and BeEF Hooking AJAX and Client-Side Security Hardening Prototype Pollution in JavaScript Environments REST and SOAP API Security Attacks Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) Tactics XML External Entity (XXE) Exploitation Data Exfiltration via XSS Techniques
5
Day 5– CSRF, Logic Flaws, and Final CTF
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) Defense Business Logic Flaw Identification Strategies Security Logging and Monitoring Gap Analysis Python Automation with Requests and httpx WPScan and ExploitDB Usage Protocols Nuclei Scanning for Critical Vulnerabilities Metasploit for Advanced Post-Exploitation Web App Penetration Testing Hands-on CTF

What's Included in Your Training

Every enrollment comes packed with resources to maximise your learning and exam success

Career Outcomes

82%

of SEC542 certified professionals report career advancement within 6 months

Salary Impact

+28%

Average salary increase reported after obtaining the SEC542 certification

Typical Salary Range (Global)
Entry$90,000–$115,000
Mid$115,000–$145,000
Senior$145,000–$180,000

*Source: Glassdoor / LinkedIn 2025

Job Roles

6
  • Penetration Tester
  • Web Application Security Engineer
  • Ethical Hacker
  • Application Security Analyst
  • Security Consultant
  • Vulnerability Assessor

Companies Hiring

5,000+
Deloitte Accenture Google Microsoft IBM JPMorgan Chase Cisco Amazon PwC EY

and 5,000+ organizations worldwide seeking SEC542 certified professionals

Real Transformations

Course Student Reviews

Real results from IT professionals who trained with Koenig — rated 4.9/5 from 18,400+ verified reviews.

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    “Passed AZ-104 on first attempt. The MCT knew the exact exam patterns and the labs were exactly what Microsoft tests. Worth every penny.”

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    AZ-104 Certified ✓ Verified
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    “I trained 15 of my team members for SC-200. Koenig's on-site delivery was seamless and all 15 passed within 3 months.”

    Sarah K.

    Sarah K.

    CISO, Financial Services

    Enterprise Client ✓ Verified
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    “The 1-on-1 format was a game changer. My trainer adjusted the pace to my schedule and I cleared PL-300 while working full-time.”

    Ahmed R.

    Ahmed R.

    Business Intelligence Lead

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  • ★★★★★

    “From AZ-900 to AZ-305 in 6 months. Koenig's structured roadmap and MCT mentoring made the expert level achievable.”

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    Cloud Solutions Architect

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  • ★★★★★

    “As an L&D head I've used 5 training vendors. Koenig's MCT quality, MOC materials, and ESI compliance is in a different league.”

    James T.

    James T.

    Head of L&D, UK Enterprise

    100+ Learners Trained ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “SC-900 and SC-300 back to back — both cleared first try. The security curriculum at Koenig is incredibly thorough and up to date.”

    Aisha N.

    Aisha N.

    Security Analyst

    SC-300 Certified ✓ Verified
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    “AI-102 was daunting but the trainer broke it down perfectly. Real Azure OpenAI labs made the difference. Highly recommend.”

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    Data Platform Engineer

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  • ★★★★★

    “Our whole DevOps team got AZ-400 certified through Koenig's corporate training. Smooth logistics and top-tier MCTs throughout.”

    Carlos R.

    Carlos R.

    Engineering Manager

    AZ-400 Team Training ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “Passed AZ-104 on first attempt. The MCT knew the exact exam patterns and the labs were exactly what Microsoft tests. Worth every penny.”

    Rahul M.

    Rahul M.

    Azure Administrator

    AZ-104 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “I trained 15 of my team members for SC-200. Koenig's on-site delivery was seamless and all 15 passed within 3 months.”

    Sarah K.

    Sarah K.

    CISO, Financial Services

    Enterprise Client ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “The 1-on-1 format was a game changer. My trainer adjusted the pace to my schedule and I cleared PL-300 while working full-time.”

    Ahmed R.

    Ahmed R.

    Business Intelligence Lead

    PL-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “From AZ-900 to AZ-305 in 6 months. Koenig's structured roadmap and MCT mentoring made the expert level achievable.”

    Priya S.

    Priya S.

    Cloud Solutions Architect

    AZ-305 Expert ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “As an L&D head I've used 5 training vendors. Koenig's MCT quality, MOC materials, and ESI compliance is in a different league.”

    James T.

    James T.

    Head of L&D, UK Enterprise

    100+ Learners Trained ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “SC-900 and SC-300 back to back — both cleared first try. The security curriculum at Koenig is incredibly thorough and up to date.”

    Aisha N.

    Aisha N.

    Security Analyst

    SC-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “AI-102 was daunting but the trainer broke it down perfectly. Real Azure OpenAI labs made the difference. Highly recommend.”

    David L.

    David L.

    AI Engineer

    AI-102 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “DP-600 Fabric certification done in 3 weeks of part-time study. The customised schedule around my timezone was a lifesaver.”

    Mei W.

    Mei W.

    Data Platform Engineer

    DP-600 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “Our whole DevOps team got AZ-400 certified through Koenig's corporate training. Smooth logistics and top-tier MCTs throughout.”

    Carlos R.

    Carlos R.

    Engineering Manager

    AZ-400 Team Training ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “Passed AZ-104 on first attempt. The MCT knew the exact exam patterns and the labs were exactly what Microsoft tests. Worth every penny.”

    Rahul M.

    Rahul M.

    Azure Administrator

    AZ-104 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “I trained 15 of my team members for SC-200. Koenig's on-site delivery was seamless and all 15 passed within 3 months.”

    Sarah K.

    Sarah K.

    CISO, Financial Services

    Enterprise Client ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “The 1-on-1 format was a game changer. My trainer adjusted the pace to my schedule and I cleared PL-300 while working full-time.”

    Ahmed R.

    Ahmed R.

    Business Intelligence Lead

    PL-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “Passed AZ-104 on first attempt. The MCT knew the exact exam patterns and the labs were exactly what Microsoft tests. Worth every penny.”

    Rahul M.

    Rahul M.

    Azure Administrator

    AZ-104 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “I trained 15 of my team members for SC-200. Koenig's on-site delivery was seamless and all 15 passed within 3 months.”

    Sarah K.

    Sarah K.

    CISO, Financial Services

    Enterprise Client ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “The 1-on-1 format was a game changer. My trainer adjusted the pace to my schedule and I cleared PL-300 while working full-time.”

    Ahmed R.

    Ahmed R.

    Business Intelligence Lead

    PL-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “From AZ-900 to AZ-305 in 6 months. Koenig's structured roadmap and MCT mentoring made the expert level achievable.”

    Priya S.

    Priya S.

    Cloud Solutions Architect

    AZ-305 Expert ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “As an L&D head I've used 5 training vendors. Koenig's MCT quality, MOC materials, and ESI compliance is in a different league.”

    James T.

    James T.

    Head of L&D, UK Enterprise

    100+ Learners Trained ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “SC-900 and SC-300 back to back — both cleared first try. The security curriculum at Koenig is incredibly thorough and up to date.”

    Aisha N.

    Aisha N.

    Security Analyst

    SC-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “From AZ-900 to AZ-305 in 6 months. Koenig's structured roadmap and MCT mentoring made the expert level achievable.”

    Priya S.

    Priya S.

    Cloud Solutions Architect

    AZ-305 Expert ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “As an L&D head I've used 5 training vendors. Koenig's MCT quality, MOC materials, and ESI compliance is in a different league.”

    James T.

    James T.

    Head of L&D, UK Enterprise

    100+ Learners Trained ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “SC-900 and SC-300 back to back — both cleared first try. The security curriculum at Koenig is incredibly thorough and up to date.”

    Aisha N.

    Aisha N.

    Security Analyst

    SC-300 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “AI-102 was daunting but the trainer broke it down perfectly. Real Azure OpenAI labs made the difference. Highly recommend.”

    David L.

    David L.

    AI Engineer

    AI-102 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “DP-600 Fabric certification done in 3 weeks of part-time study. The customised schedule around my timezone was a lifesaver.”

    Mei W.

    Mei W.

    Data Platform Engineer

    DP-600 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “Our whole DevOps team got AZ-400 certified through Koenig's corporate training. Smooth logistics and top-tier MCTs throughout.”

    Carlos R.

    Carlos R.

    Engineering Manager

    AZ-400 Team Training ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “AI-102 was daunting but the trainer broke it down perfectly. Real Azure OpenAI labs made the difference. Highly recommend.”

    David L.

    David L.

    AI Engineer

    AI-102 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “DP-600 Fabric certification done in 3 weeks of part-time study. The customised schedule around my timezone was a lifesaver.”

    Mei W.

    Mei W.

    Data Platform Engineer

    DP-600 Certified ✓ Verified
  • ★★★★★

    “Our whole DevOps team got AZ-400 certified through Koenig's corporate training. Smooth logistics and top-tier MCTs throughout.”

    Carlos R.

    Carlos R.

    Engineering Manager

    AZ-400 Team Training ✓ Verified

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the SEC542 training course

Is the certification exam included in the SEC542: Web Application Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking course fee, and what is the cost if purchased separately?
The GIAC GWAPT certification exam is not included in the SEC542: Web Application Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking course fee. The exam costs $999 when purchased separately. This fee applies to alumni registering after training. Tuition covers expert instruction and materials, but the proctored certification attempt must be scheduled and paid for independently through GIAC.
What training formats are available for SEC542: Web Application Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking, and does Koenig offer Guaranteed-to-Run scheduling?
SEC542: Web Application Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking is a SANS Institute course. SANS provides three formats: In-Person, Live Online, and OnDemand self-paced. Live Online and In-Person sessions are Guaranteed-to-Run, ensuring they proceed regardless of enrollment. Students gain hands-on lab access during the course and retain access to recorded lectures for four months post-completion.
How long is lab access provided for SEC542: Web Application Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking, and what environment is used?
Lab access for SEC542: Web Application Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking lasts for the 6-day course and extends four months post-completion via OnDemand. The environment is a custom virtual machine containing vulnerable applications, Burp Suite, and sqlmap. This VM allows students to practice SQL injection, XSS, and SSRF attacks in a realistic, isolated setting.
What is the rescheduling and cancellation policy for SEC542: Web Application Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking training?
SANS permits rescheduling to another course by paying a processing fee and any tuition difference. Refunds are available if requested by the event-specific deadline, minus a processing fee. No refunds are issued after the deadline or once online materials are accessed. Substitutions are allowed before the event starts. GIAC exams are non-refundable after access is granted.
What is the format, number of questions, time limit, and passing score for the SEC542: Web Application Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking certification exam?
The GIAC GWAPT exam for SEC542: Web Application Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking features 115 questions to be completed in 3 hours. The minimum passing score is 71%. This proctored, open-book exam includes multiple-choice and hands-on questions. Candidates are tested on real-world skills, including the exploitation of critical vulnerabilities like SQLi, XSS, and SSRF.
How long is the GWAPT certification valid, and what is the renewal process and cost?
The GIAC GWAPT certification is valid for four years. Renewal requires earning 36 CPEs and paying a $499 maintenance fee, or retaking the exam. The renewal process begins at the two-year mark before expiration. All CPEs must be earned within the active certification period to maintain validity and professional standing.
What post-training support does SANS provide after completing SEC542: Web Application Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking?
SANS offers post-training support via GIAC-Certified Subject Matter Experts available through email or live chat for OnDemand students. Participants receive four months of extended access to course materials and labs. Additionally, SANS provides practice exams and access to recorded lectures for six months after the course, facilitating thorough preparation for the GWAPT certification attempt.
What are the prerequisites or recommended experience for SEC542: Web Application Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking?
SEC542: Web Application Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking recommends foundational knowledge in Linux, networking, and web technologies. Prior penetration testing experience is helpful but not mandatory. Familiarity with Burp Suite and basic Python scripting enhances learning. The course is designed for security practitioners, penetration testers, and developers seeking to deepen their web application security skills.
What is the typical salary impact or career benefit after earning the GWAPT certification from SEC542: Web Application Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking?
Professionals with the GIAC GWAPT certification earn salaries ranging from $95,000 to $155,000 annually, averaging $117,000. The certification aligns with roles like Penetration Tester and Ethical Hacker. It meets DoD 8570 requirements, which is critical for government and defense sectors, significantly enhancing career advancement, job market competitiveness, and professional credibility.
How does SEC542: Web Application Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking compare to self-study options for web application penetration testing?
SEC542: Web Application Penetration Testing and Ethical Hacking provides a structured, hands-on curriculum with expert instruction and a specialized VM environment that self-study lacks. While free resources like OWASP Juice Shop are cheaper, SEC542 provides validated skills, CPE credits, and a certification that enhances professional credibility. The comprehensive methodology offers a depth of learning difficult to replicate independently.

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