Bypassing Geo-Restrictions in Web Testing with TypeScript on a Zero Budget

#security #typescript #webdev

In the realm of web application testing, geo-restrictions and geo-blocked features pose significant challenges. Often, developers and security researchers face the hurdle of verifying location-specific content without incurring additional expenses or relying on costly VPN services. Surprisingly, with a strategic approach leveraging TypeScript and open-source tools, it’s possible to test geo-blocked features effectively without a budget.

Understanding the Challenge

Geo-restrictions are commonly implemented via IP-based geolocation, server-side logic, or CDN configurations. Testing these features typically requires access from different geographic locations. Conventional methods involve VPNs or proxies, which might be paid or require complex setup.

The Zero-Budget Solution: Geo-Spoofing via Browser Geolocation API

Modern browsers support the navigator.geolocation API, which allows scripts to simulate location data. While this API is intended for user privacy and security, some websites rely on JavaScript-based geolocation checks, which can be overridden or faked.

Step 1: Overriding Geolocation in the Browser

Using TypeScript, you can create a script that redefines the navigator.geolocation object, injecting a custom location. Here's a typical approach:

// Define the fake position
const fakePosition = {
  coords: {
    latitude: 40.7128, // New York
    longitude: -74.0060,
    accuracy: 100,
    altitude: null,
    altitudeAccuracy: null,
    heading: null,
    speed: null
  },
  timestamp: Date.now()
};

// Override geolocation
(function() {
  const geolocation = navigator.geolocation;
  // @ts-ignore
  navigator.geolocation.getCurrentPosition = function(cb) {
    cb(fakePosition);
  };
  // @ts-ignore
  navigator.geolocation.watchPosition = function(cb) {
    cb(fakePosition);
    return 1;
  };
})();

This code temporarily overrides the browser's geolocation API to return the location you specify. You can easily change latitude and longitude to test different regions.

Step 2: Automate and Integrate Testing

While manual override works, automating this process ensures consistency and efficiency. Integrate this script into your testing framework, such as Playwright or Puppeteer, which allows for scripting browser actions.

import { chromium } from 'playwright';

(async () => {
  const browser = await chromium.launch();
  const context = await browser.newContext({
    viewport: { width: 1280, height: 800 }
  });
  // Inject geolocation override
  await context.addInitScript(`
    const fakePosition = {
      coords: {
        latitude: 34.0522, // Los Angeles
        longitude: -118.2437,
        accuracy: 100
      },
      timestamp: Date.now()
    };
    // @ts-ignore
    navigator.geolocation.getCurrentPosition = function(cb) {
      cb(fakePosition);
    };
    // @ts-ignore
    navigator.geolocation.watchPosition = function(cb) {
      cb(fakePosition);
      return 1;
    };
  `);

  const page = await context.newPage();
  await page.goto('https://your-target-website.com');
  // Perform your tests here
  // e.g., check if geo-blocked content loads
  await browser.close();

})();

Limitations & Considerations

Some geo-restrictions rely on server-side IP checks; this method won’t work in such cases.
To simulate different GeoIP locations, consider using open-source proxy networks or DNS-based methods. For example, modifying DNS responses with local DNS servers can reroute domain queries.
Always respect privacy and legal considerations when testing geo-restricted content.

Final Thoughts

Using TypeScript to override the browser's geolocation API offers a practical, zero-budget workaround for testing location-specific features. Combined with automated tools like Playwright or Puppeteer, it provides a robust platform for comprehensive testing without additional costs. While this method has limitations against server-side IP geolocation checks, it significantly simplifies testing workflows for front-end behavior tied to geographic data.

By leveraging open web standards and scripting, developers and security researchers can continue to ensure their applications perform reliably across different regions and comply with geo-specific policies, all without breaking the bank.

🛠️ QA Tip

I rely on TempoMail USA to keep my test environments clean.

DEV Community