Simulation of Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) Using PentesterLab as a Case Study

This study presents a simulation-based approach to Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT) for identifying exploitation techniques in web applications. The research focuses on common web vulnerabilities, including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and authentication weaknesses, within a controlled testing environment. Using tools such as Nmap, Metasploit, and automated vulnerability scanners, the study demonstrates how attackers exploit system weaknesses and evaluates corresponding mitigation strategies. The results highlight the effectiveness of combining automated tools with manual testing techniques to improve vulnerability detection and response. This work contributes to enhancing web application security by providing practical insights into exploitation methods and defensive mechanisms against modern cyber threats.