What is Burp Suite? Guide to Tools, Features, and Usage in 2025!

Burp Suite is a widely-used web vulnerability scanner and interception tool that helps ethical hackers, penetration testers, and bug bounty hunters assess and exploit security flaws in web applications. Developed by PortSwigger, Burp Suite has become an industry standard for web app testing.

What is Burp Suite?

Burp Suite is an integrated platform for performing security testing of web applications. It works as a proxy server that intercepts all traffic between the browser and the server, allowing users to inspect, modify, and replay requests.

Key Tools in Burp Suite:

• Proxy: Captures HTTP/HTTPS requests and responses for manual inspection
• Repeater: Allows you to modify and resend individual requests
• Intruder: Automates fuzzing and brute-force attacks on forms, cookies, etc.
• Scanner (Pro only): Automatically scans web apps for common vulnerabilities
• Decoder: Encodes and decodes data in various formats (Base64, URL, Hex, etc.)
• Comparer: Compares two pieces of data (e.g., requests/responses)
• Extender: Allows you to load custom extensions or plugins using BApp Store

Burp Suite Editions:

• Burp Suite Community: Free version with core tools (manual only)
• Burp Suite Professional: Paid version with advanced scanning and automation
• Burp Suite Enterprise: Designed for automated scanning across large infrastructures

How to Download and Install Burp Suite (2025)?

Visit the official website portswigger.net/burp and choose your version (Community or Pro). It's available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Single File Under 1GB

How to Use Burp Suite:

1. Install Burp Suite and launch it.
2. Configure your browser to use Burp as a proxy (usually 127.0.0.1:8080).
3. Install Burp’s SSL certificate in the browser to intercept HTTPS.
4. Browse your target site; Burp will capture all requests.
5. Use tools like Repeater, Intruder, or Scanner based on your goal.

Common Use Cases for Burp Suite:

• Testing login forms and session management
• Finding XSS, SQLi, CSRF, SSRF, and IDOR vulnerabilities
• Intercepting and modifying cookies, headers, and parameters
• Testing APIs and mobile apps (by proxying device traffic)
• Running automated scans on target URLs

Pro Tips for 2025:

• Use Burp with browser extensions like FoxyProxy for faster switching
• Leverage the BApp Store for custom extensions like ActiveScan++ and Logger++
• Combine Burp with tools like Nmap, Dirb, or ffuf for complete recon

Learning Resources:

• PortSwigger Web Security Academy
• YouTube channels like STÖK and LiveOverflow
• Practice platforms: HackTheBox, TryHackMe, PortSwigger Labs

Career Tip

Proficiency with Burp Suite is a must-have for bug bounty hunters, web app pentesters, and cybersecurity analysts. Mastering it not only increases your efficiency but also boosts your potential earnings and job value.

Final Thoughts

Burp Suite remains the go-to toolkit for web application security testing. In 2025, with the growth of APIs, Single Page Applications, and mobile apps, Burp's role is more critical than ever. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned ethical hacker, learning Burp Suite will significantly enhance your security testing capabilities.