Understanding API input validation controls

Input validation is an important process that involves testing received inputs against predefined standards and criteria. For APIs, input validation becomes even more crucial as it directly impacts the integrity and reliability of data exchanged between systems. It can range from simple parameter typing to more advanced methods such as regular expressions (regexes) and business logic validation. Regardless of the complexity of the mechanism, the primary goal remains the same: to verify that the received input is not malicious and is in compliance with the application’s expectations and defined standards.

Any and every input is untrusted and should be validated. This is a crucial principle in ensuring the security and integrity of any application component, including APIs. Whether the input comes from user interactions, external systems, or even internal sources, it’s crucial to validate and sanitize it before processing....