Setting up an API hacking system

1. Postman - The Swiss Army Knife for API Testing

Postman is more than just a tool for API testing; it's a comprehensive platform that allows developers and security researchers to send requests, inspect responses, and automate testing. Its user-friendly interface and extensive documentation capabilities make it an essential tool for understanding and testing API endpoints.

2. Burp Suite - The Guardian of Web Security

Burp Suite is a powerful tool for assessing web application security. It can intercept, inspect, and modify traffic between a client and a server, making it invaluable for testing API security. Its array of features, from scanning to spidering functionalities, helps in identifying vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting (XSS) within APIs.

3. OWASP Amass - The Reconnaissance Expert

Performing reconnaissance is a critical first step in ethical hacking. OWASP Amass excels in mapping the digital surface area of an application by discovering domains, subdomains, and associated IP addresses. This information is crucial for understanding the scope of an API and preparing for a more targeted security assessment.

4. Kiterunner - The Pathfinder to API Endpoints

Discovering hidden or undocumented API endpoints is a challenge that Kiterunner addresses with finesse. By utilizing a large database of known API paths, Kiterunner can quickly identify potential endpoints in an application, making it easier for security professionals to assess the full extent of an API's attack surface.

5. Nikto and OWASP ZAP - The Vulnerability Scanners

Nikto and OWASP ZAP are two of the most renowned tools for scanning web applications and APIs for vulnerabilities. Nikto is known for its speed and comprehensive database of known vulnerabilities, while OWASP ZAP offers a more interactive experience, allowing for manual testing in addition to automated scans. Both tools are indispensable for identifying weaknesses like misconfigurations, outdated software, and potential points of entry for attackers.

6. Wfuzz - The Master of Fuzzing

Fuzzing is a technique used to discover coding errors and security loopholes by inputting massive amounts of random data, or "fuzz," into an application. Wfuzz is a tool designed for such purposes, capable of identifying vulnerabilities in web applications and APIs by bombarding them with unexpected and malformed inputs.

7. Arjun - The HTTP Parameter Discoverer

Understanding the parameters that an API endpoint accepts is crucial for thorough testing. Arjun aids in this process by automating the discovery of HTTP parameters, which can then be tested for vulnerabilities. This tool is particularly useful for uncovering hidden parameters that could be exploited in an attack.