GraphQL's flexibility is also its attack surface. A single endpoint exposes your entire schema, and per-resolver authorization gaps are easy to introduce and hard to spot. Our GraphQL security testing targets exactly these weaknesses.
We map the schema through introspection or field suggestion, then attack authorization at the resolver level, abuse aliases and batching for rate-limit and DoS bypass, and probe for injection reachable through queries and mutations.
Our GraphQL security testing targets the risks unique to GraphQL APIs: schema disclosure via introspection or field suggestion, per-resolver authorization gaps (the GraphQL form of IDOR), denial of service through deep or complex queries, and rate-limit bypass via aliases and batching. We test queries, mutations and subscriptions, and we assess how your GraphQL layer authorizes access to each object and field — the place where most serious, exploitable GraphQL bugs are found.
Why it matters
GraphQL exposes your entire schema through a single flexible endpoint, and per-resolver authorization gaps are easy to introduce and hard to spot — making authorization and denial-of-service the dominant real-world risks. Generic scanners rarely understand GraphQL well enough to find them.
Dedicated GraphQL security testing targets exactly these weaknesses: resolver-level access control, query-depth and batching abuse, and injection reachable through queries and mutations.
What we test
- Introspection & schema disclosure
- Per-resolver authorization (IDOR) gaps
- Alias/batching rate-limit bypass
- Query-depth & complexity denial of service
- Injection via arguments and variables
- Mutation and business-logic abuse
Common vulnerabilities we uncover
- Per-resolver authorization (IDOR) gaps
- Introspection and schema disclosure
- Alias and batching rate-limit bypass
- Query-depth and complexity denial of service
- Injection via arguments and variables
- Business-logic abuse through mutations
Our GraphQL Security Testing methodology
- Scoping & rules of engagement. We agree objectives, targets and boundaries for your graphql security testing, so testing is safe, authorized and focused on what matters to your business.
- Reconnaissance & mapping. We enumerate the full attack surface in scope, building a complete picture before any exploitation begins.
- Manual exploitation. Our senior testers chain vulnerabilities by hand — going far beyond automated scanners — to prove real, demonstrable impact.
- Analysis & reporting. Every finding is triaged, risk-rated with CVSS and written up with a copy-paste reproduction and clear remediation.
- Remediation support & free retest. We support your team through the fixes and retest the remediated issues to confirm they are genuinely closed.
Tools & techniques
We test GraphQL manually with Burp Suite, GraphQL-specific tooling and custom queries. We map the schema through introspection or field suggestion, build a resolver-level authorization matrix, and attack access control, query depth and complexity, alias and batch abuse, and injection through arguments and variables. Testing covers queries, mutations and subscriptions across Apollo, Hasura, AWS AppSync and custom servers.
When you need GraphQL Security Testing
- For any application exposing a GraphQL API to clients or partners
- When per-object or per-field authorization is complex
- To prevent query-depth and batching denial-of-service
- As part of a broader API security assessment
What you receive
- Schema & resolver authorization map
- Findings with GraphQL query PoCs
- Severity ratings and hardening guidance
- Free retest after remediation
What’s included in your report
Every graphql security testing engagement concludes with a comprehensive, board-ready report and a working session to walk your team through it. Your report includes:
- An executive summary with overall risk posture for non-technical stakeholders
- Detailed technical findings, each with a step-by-step, copy-paste reproduction
- CVSS v3.1 severity ratings and business-impact context for every issue
- Prioritized, actionable remediation guidance your engineers can apply directly
- A complimentary retest to confirm fixes and update finding status
- A formal attestation letter for customers, auditors and compliance programs
Standards & frameworks
OWASP API Security Top 10
OWASP WSTG
GraphQL security best practices
Outcomes you can expect
After your graphql security testing, you will have clear, evidence-based visibility into your real security risk — not a scanner’s guesswork. You will know exactly which weaknesses an attacker could exploit, what the business impact would be, and the precise steps to fix them in priority order. Teams use our findings to close critical gaps, satisfy customer and regulator security requirements, and demonstrate due diligence to their board. With a complimentary retest included, you also get documented proof that the issues are genuinely resolved.
Engagement details & logistics
Every graphql security testing starts with a short, no-obligation scoping call to understand your goals, environment and constraints, followed by a fixed-price proposal and a clear statement of work. Most engagements are delivered fully remotely, with on-site work arranged where it genuinely adds value. Throughout testing we maintain an agreed communication cadence and escalate any critical, high-impact finding to you immediately rather than waiting for the final report. All work is performed under a signed NDA with strict data-handling controls, using safe, non-disruptive techniques and carefully coordinated rules of engagement to protect your production systems. On completion you receive your report and a walkthrough session, followed by a complimentary retest once your fixes are in place. Typical engagements are booked one to three weeks in advance, and urgent or pre-deadline testing can often be accommodated — just ask at hi@agentoffense.com.
Why organizations choose AgentOffense for GraphQL Security Testing
Our graphql security testing is delivered by senior offensive-security engineers who test the way real attackers do — manually, creatively and with a relentless focus on proving genuine, demonstrable impact. Here is what sets our engagements apart:
- Manual, exploit-driven testing that chains vulnerabilities the way a real attacker would, going far beyond what automated scanners can find.
- Reproducible proof for every finding, with copy-paste reproduction steps your engineers can follow and independently verify.
- Honest severity calibration so you invest in fixing what genuinely matters and avoid wasting effort on false positives and noise.
- Clear, business-focused reporting that speaks to engineers and executives alike, tying every issue to real-world impact.
- A complimentary retest included, so you get documented proof that your fixes actually close the attack path.
- Responsible, collaborative delivery with a named point of contact and secure handling of all data throughout the engagement.
Explore related services
GraphQL Security Testing is frequently scoped alongside our other offensive-security services for broader coverage. Explore related engagements that complement it:
Frequently asked questions
Is GraphQL introspection being enabled always a vulnerability?
No. Public APIs often expose introspection by design. We calibrate severity honestly and focus on authorization and DoS issues that carry real impact.
Can you test GraphQL if introspection is disabled?
Yes. We use field-suggestion and error-based enumeration to reconstruct the schema even when introspection is turned off.
Do you cover subscriptions and mutations?
Yes — queries, mutations and subscriptions are all in scope, including business-logic abuse through state-changing mutations.
Is enabling introspection automatically a vulnerability?
No. Many public APIs expose introspection by design. We calibrate severity honestly and focus on authorization and DoS issues with real impact.
Can you test when introspection is disabled?
Yes. We use field-suggestion and error-based enumeration to reconstruct the schema even when introspection is turned off.
Do you test GraphQL subscriptions?
Yes — queries, mutations and subscriptions are all in scope, including business-logic abuse through state-changing mutations.
Can you assess Apollo, Hasura or AWS AppSync?
Yes. We test Apollo, Hasura, AWS AppSync and custom GraphQL servers, calibrating findings to each platform's defaults.
How long does GraphQL security testing take?
Typically one to two weeks depending on schema size and the complexity of authorization, plus a retest window.
Can this be part of a wider API test?
Yes. GraphQL testing is often scoped alongside REST and gRPC testing as part of a broader API security assessment.