Security Testing for Single Page Applications

Single page applications (SPAs) are increasingly popular due to their dynamic nature and improved user experience, but they introduce unique security challenges that traditional testing methods struggle to address. Unlike conventional web applications, SPAs rely on a changing document object model (DOM) and javascript execution, which complicates the use of HTML spiders for security testing since these tools miss dynamic elements. While ajax spiders offer a partial solution by better handling the dynamic nature of SPAs, they are often too slow and incomplete for modern development practices. To effectively test SPAs for vulnerabilities, companies should focus on the underlying APIs, as these remain consistent despite front-end changes. The process involves selecting a suitable security tool, configuring it for API testing, conducting scans, and automating security testing within continuous integration and deployment pipelines. This approach ensures most vulnerabilities are identified early and efficiently, helping teams maintain secure applications without accruing security-related technical debt.