Vulnerability Research (Principal Application Security Analyst - Senior Vice President)

CITIBANK N.A.; Singapore; On-site; SGD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Singapore is seeking a Principal Application Security Analyst. This role involves conducting vulnerability research, performing whitebox penetration testing, and reviewing source code. Candidates should have over 8 years of experience in application security and a strong proficiency in programming. Responsibilities also include mentoring junior team members and preparing technical reports for various audiences. The position promises a dynamic work environment with opportunities for knowledge sharing.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in penetration testing, ethical hacking, or application security.
• Proven expertise in vulnerability research and exploit development.
• Strong proficiency in major programming languages, including Java, C#, Python.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth vulnerability research and exploitation.
• Perform comprehensive whitebox penetration testing.
• Review source code across various programming languages.

Skills

Penetration testing

Vulnerability research

Source code review

Effective communication

Knowledge of OWASP Top 10

Education

8+ years of experience in application security

Tools

Static Application Security Testing (SAST) tools

Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST) tools

Cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure)

Container security (Docker, Kubernetes)

Job description

What you’ll do

As a principal application security analyst on our Offensive Security & Vulnerability Management team, you are responsible for:

• Vulnerability Research & Exploitation: Conduct in-depth research to discover new attack vectors and zero-day vulnerabilities in enterprise applications, systems, and third-party components. Develop proof-of-concept exploits to effectively demonstrate risk.

• Whitebox Penetration Testing: Perform comprehensive whitebox penetration tests, leveraging access to source code, design documentation, and internal system knowledge to uncover sophisticated security flaws that blackbox testing might miss.

• Source Code Review: Conduct manual and automated source code reviews across various programming languages (e.g., Java, C#, Python, JavaScript) to identify security vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and adherence to secure coding practices.

• Third-Party Component Analysis: Evaluate the security of third-party libraries, frameworks, and open-source components integrated into Citi's applications. Identify known vulnerabilities (e.g., CVEs) and assess potential risks.

• Remediation Guidance: Provide clear, concise, and actionable remediation recommendations to development teams, offering expert advice on secure coding, configuration, and architectural solutions.

• Tooling & Automation: Utilize and contribute to the development of advanced security testing tools, static analysis (SAST), and dynamic analysis (DAST) solutions to improve efficiency and coverage.

• Reporting & Communication: Prepare detailed technical reports outlining findings, risk levels, and recommended mitigations for both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: Mentor junior penetration testers and security engineers, sharing expertise in vulnerability research, source code analysis, and whitebox testing techniques.

• Stay Current: Continuously research and stay abreast of the latest security threats, vulnerabilities, attack techniques, and industry best practices.

Job Skills/Qualifications:

• 8+ years of experience in penetration testing, ethical hacking, or application security, with a significant focus on whitebox testing and/or source code review.

• Proven expertise in vulnerability research, including the ability to identify novel vulnerabilities and develop reliable exploits.

• Strong proficiency in at least one major programming language (e.g., Java, C#, Python) and familiarity with others.

• In-depth understanding of common web application vulnerabilities (OWASP Top 10) and API security best practices.

• Experience with static application security testing (SAST) tools and dynamic application security testing (DAST) tools.

• Strong understanding of cloud computing platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) and experience in securing applications and infrastructure deployed in these environments.

• Experience with microservices architecture and securing containerized applications (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).

• Experience with mobile application penetration testing (iOS and Android).

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex security issues to diverse audiences.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

• Relevant industry certifications such as OSCE, GIAC GWAPT, GPEN, GXPN, or similar.