SecValidator API: Security Header Analyzer
Developed a RESTful API service for analyzing and validating HTTP security headers on web applications. The API scans target URLs and evaluates critical security headers including Content-Security-Policy, X-Frame-Options, Strict-Transport-Security, and more, providing detailed compliance reports and remediation recommendations.
Technologies Used
Project Overview
SecValidator Security Header API is a specialized security tool designed to analyze and validate HTTP security headers on web applications. The API performs comprehensive scans of target URLs to evaluate the presence and configuration of critical security headers that protect against common web vulnerabilities such as clickjacking, XSS, and man-in-the-middle attacks. The service provides detailed compliance reports based on security best practices and OWASP guidelines, along with actionable remediation recommendations.
System Architecture
FastAPI Backend: High-performance Python framework handling API requests with automatic validation and documentation.
Header Parser Module: Custom module for fetching and parsing HTTP response headers from target URLs.
Security Rules Engine: Configurable rules engine that evaluates headers against security best practices and compliance standards.
Report Generator: Generates structured JSON reports with findings, scores, and remediation steps.
Docker Containerization: Fully containerized deployment for consistent and scalable operation.
Key Features
Comprehensive Header Analysis: Evaluates all critical HTTP security headers including Content-Security-Policy (CSP), X-Frame-Options, X-Content-Type-Options, Strict-Transport-Security (HSTS), and Referrer-Policy.
Security Score Calculation: Generates an overall security score based on header presence, configuration quality, and compliance with security standards.
Detailed Remediation Guidance: Provides specific recommendations for each missing or misconfigured header with example configurations.
Batch URL Scanning: Supports scanning multiple URLs in a single request for efficient bulk security assessments.
API Documentation: Well-documented RESTful endpoints with OpenAPI/Swagger specification for easy integration.
System Flow
Client sends target URL(s) to the API endpoint.
API fetches HTTP headers from target URL using secure request methods.
Header Parser extracts and normalizes all security-relevant headers.
Security Rules Engine evaluates each header against predefined security criteria.
Report Generator compiles findings into structured response with scores and recommendations.
API returns comprehensive security assessment report to client.
Project Outcome
✓ Automated security header validation API for web application security assessment