GraphQL Resources

GraphQL

GraphQL is a query language for APIs and a runtime for fulfilling those queries with your existing data. It gives clients the power to ask for exactly what they need, makes it easier to evolve APIs over time, and enables powerful developer tools.

From a security perspective, GraphQL introduces a unique attack surface that differs significantly from traditional REST APIs. Introspection queries can expose the entire schema — every type, field, and relationship — giving attackers a detailed map of the application's data model. Deeply nested queries enable denial-of-service through resource exhaustion, while batch queries can bypass rate limiting designed for REST endpoints.

Common GraphQL security issues include broken authorization on field-level resolvers, information disclosure through verbose error messages, and injection vulnerabilities in custom directives or filters. Many applications disable introspection in production but forget to restrict it in staging environments, or expose schema details through autocomplete suggestions.

Testing GraphQL requires specialized tools and techniques. Unlike REST APIs where endpoints are enumerable, GraphQL consolidates everything behind a single endpoint, requiring schema-aware fuzzing and query manipulation.

This page collects security research, testing methodologies, and real-world vulnerabilities specific to GraphQL APIs — from introspection abuse to authorization bypasses and injection attacks.

From graphql.org