What is Fuzz?
Fuzz testing, also known as fuzzing, is a software testing technique that involves providing invalid, unexpected, or random data to the inputs of a software application. The goal of fuzz testing is to discover vulnerabilities or bugs that could potentially be exploited by hackers.
Types of Fuzzing
- Black Box Fuzzing: This type of fuzzing involves testing the application without any knowledge of its internal structure or code.
- White Box Fuzzing: In white box fuzzing, the tester has access to the source code of the application, allowing for more targeted testing.
- Grey Box Fuzzing: Grey box fuzzing combines aspects of both black box and white box testing, providing a balance between coverage and efficiency.
Benefits of Fuzz Testing
Fuzz testing can help identify vulnerabilities in software applications that may go undetected by traditional testing methods. By exposing applications to unexpected inputs, fuzzing can uncover bugs and security flaws that could be exploited by attackers.
Case Study: Heartbleed Vulnerability
One of the most well-known examples of a vulnerability discovered through fuzz testing is the Heartbleed bug. In 2014, security researchers found a critical vulnerability in the OpenSSL encryption library using fuzzing techniques. This vulnerability allowed attackers to access sensitive information transmitted over SSL/TLS connections.
Statistics on Fuzz Testing
According to a study by Synopsys, 71% of organizations surveyed reported finding vulnerabilities using fuzz testing. Additionally, the same study found that 27% of the vulnerabilities detected through fuzzing were classified as high or critical severity.
