Top Learning Vulnerable Web Applications to Test Web Security Skills

Learning web application security is a critical step for aspiring ethical hackers, penetration testers, and developers who want to build secure software. One of the safest and most effective ways to gain hands-on experience is by practicing on intentionally vulnerable web applications. These platforms are designed for educational purposes and allow learners to understand both client-side and server-side web vulnerabilities without risking real-world systems.

Below is a curated list of the top learning vulnerable web applications to test, widely used by the cybersecurity community. These tools are ideal for beginners as well as intermediate learners who want practical exposure to common web security flaws.

Why Use Vulnerable Web Applications for Learning?

Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand their value:

• They provide a legal and controlled environment for testing
• Help learners understand real-world attack vectors
• Improve secure coding and defensive thinking
• Cover vulnerabilities listed in the OWASP Top 10

Using these applications helps bridge the gap between theory and real-world security testing.

1. bWAPP (Buggy Web Application)

Website: http://www.itsecgames.com/

bWAPP, short for Buggy Web Application, is one of the most popular platforms for learning web application security. It is specifically designed to help students, developers, and security professionals understand common web vulnerabilities.

Key Features:

• Over 100 web vulnerabilities to practice on
• Covers both client-side and server-side attacks
• Includes vulnerabilities like SQL Injection, XSS, CSRF, and file inclusion
• Simple interface suitable for beginners
• Supports different security levels for progressive learning

bWAPP is especially useful for those preparing for ethical hacking certifications or learning secure development practices. Its wide vulnerability coverage makes it a strong foundation for web security training.

2. DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web Application)

GitHub: https://github.com/digininja/DVWA

DVWA stands for Damn Vulnerable Web Application, and it is one of the most widely used vulnerable web apps in cybersecurity education. It focuses on teaching developers and security learners how vulnerabilities work and how to prevent them.

Key Features:

• Adjustable difficulty levels (low to impossible)
• Helps understand vulnerabilities such as:
  • SQL Injection
  • Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
  • Command Injection
  • Authentication flaws
• Open-source and community-supported
• Ideal for self-paced learning

DVWA is highly recommended for beginners because it allows learners to gradually increase complexity as their skills improve.

3. OWASP Mutillidae

GitHub: https://github.com/webpwnized/mutillidae

OWASP Mutillidae is a deliberately vulnerable web application maintained by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP). It is designed to align closely with the OWASP Top 10 vulnerabilities, making it an excellent educational resource.

Key Features:

• Extensive coverage of OWASP Top 10
• Works well with popular security testing tools
• Includes hints and documentation for learners
• Can be integrated into security labs and classrooms
• Supports multiple attack scenarios

Mutillidae is particularly useful for learners who want structured exposure to industry-recognized security risks and best practices.

4. WebGoat

GitHub: https://github.com/WebGoat/WebGoat

WebGoat is another OWASP project, but it stands out due to its lesson-based approach. Instead of just presenting vulnerabilities, WebGoat teaches users step by step through interactive exercises.

Key Features:

• Java-based educational platform
• Guided lessons with explanations
• Focuses on secure coding principles
• Covers authentication, access control, and session management
• Ideal for developers learning security fundamentals

WebGoat is especially effective for those who prefer structured learning rather than free-form testing.

Practicing on vulnerable web applications is one of the best ways to learn web security safely and effectively. Platforms like bWAPP, DVWA, OWASP Mutillidae, and WebGoat provide hands-on exposure to real-world vulnerabilities while promoting ethical and responsible learning.

Whether you are a student, developer, or aspiring penetration tester, these tools can significantly improve your understanding of web application security and help you build more secure systems in the future.

By mastering these learning platforms, you take an important step toward becoming proficient in identifying, understanding, and preventing web vulnerabilities—an essential skill in today’s digital world.