How does MeshaSec handle MFA and SSO authentication?

MeshaSec does not bypass MFA—it natively orchestrates it. You provide test credentials and the engine fulfills MFA/TOTP challenges during the scan just as a real user would.

Can MeshaSec scan modern SPAs like React, Vue, or Angular?

Yes. MeshaSec treats SPAs as dynamic state machines rather than static pages, navigating JavaScript-rich environments natively to map the complete attack surface.

What is authenticated API discovery?

Authenticated API discovery is the process of identifying hidden API endpoints that are only accessible after a successful login (including MFA/SSO). Without it, up to 80% of your API attack surface remains untested.

Why is endpoint coverage important in an API audit?

Coverage ensures that every undocumented or "shadow" endpoint is identified. In an audit, an untested endpoint is a potential vulnerability that your security program is blind to.

2026 API Security Audit Checklist: Mastering Authenticated Discovery

In 2026, API security has moved beyond simple rate-limiting. As microservices become more complex and identity boundaries more rigid, the biggest risk to your organization is The Unknown Attack Surface. If your security audit only covers your documented Swagger files, you are scanning with one eye closed.

The Core Checklist

Identity Handshake Validation

Verify that your scanner can natively handle MFA (TOTP) and SSO without custom scripting.

Shadow API Enumeration

Identify endpoints that exist in production but are missing from your OpenAPI/Swagger specs.

Session Persistence

Ensure the scan maintains authenticated state even during token rotation or session heartbeats.

Broken Authorization Coverage

Test if sensitive resources are accessible via unauthenticated or low-privilege sessions.

Protocol Truth Verification

Ensure findings are backed by raw HTTP evidence to eliminate false positive fatigue.

1. Why Authenticated Discovery is Step Zero

Most API breaches happen on endpoints that developers forgot were public or were hidden behind a login screen that the scanner couldn't bypass. As we covered in our MFA scanning guide, the ability to natively orchestrate identity handshakes is the only way to reach the deep application state where critical logic flaws reside.

"APIs are now the most common attack vector — yet most organizations only test what's documented."

— OWASP API Security Project

2. The Evidence-First Audit

Don't let your security team waste hours every week on triage. Every finding in your API audit should be backed by Proof-Based Evidence. If a tool reports a vulnerability but can't show you the exact request and response that triggered it, it's a guess, not a finding.

Building this evidence-first culture is what separates world-class security programs from those that fail under the weight of false-positive noise.

Audit FAQ

How often should I audit my APIs?

Frequency depends on your release velocity. However, a formal authenticated audit should be performed at least once per major release to ensure that no new "shadow" endpoints have been introduced.

Does this checklist apply to GraphQL?

Yes. While the transport layer is different, the core principles of identity, discovery, and evidence-proof remain the same for GraphQL, REST, and gRPC services.