What is the OWASP Top 10 list of web application security risks?

The OWASP Top 10 is a widely recognized list of the most critical web application security risks, published by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP). It helps developers and security professionals prioritize security measures to protect against the most common vulnerabilities in web applications. Here’s a breakdown of the OWASP Top 10:

1. Injection

>Attackers inject malicious code (e.g., SQL, XML) into input fields to manipulate the application’s execution.

Example: SQL injection attacks.

2. Broken Authentication

>Weak or flawed authentication mechanisms allow attackers to impersonate legitimate users.

Example: Password-based attacks or session hijacking.

3. Sensitive Data Exposure

>Improper protection of sensitive data (e.g., credit card info, personal details) can lead to data breaches.

Example: Insufficient encryption or insecure data storage.

4. XML External Entities (XXE)

>Vulnerabilities in XML parsers allow external entities to be processed, leading to data theft or server access.

Example: Exploiting XML parsers to access files or execute remote code.

5. Broken Access Control

>Insufficient access controls allow unauthorized users to gain access to restricted resources.

Example: Users accessing admin functionalities without proper authorization.

6. Security Misconfiguration

>Insecure default settings or incomplete configurations lead to vulnerabilities in the application.

Example: Exposing sensitive information in error messages or not disabling unnecessary services.

7. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

>Malicious scripts are injected into web pages viewed by other users, compromising their data or session.

Example: Script injections that steal cookies or session tokens.

8. Insecure Deserialization

>Attackers exploit insecure deserialization processes to execute malicious code or escalate privileges.

Example: Tampering with serialized objects to modify application behavior.

9. Using Components with Known Vulnerabilities

>Applications using outdated or unpatched third-party libraries can be compromised through known exploits.

Example: Using old versions of libraries with public vulnerabilities.

10. Insufficient Logging & Monitoring

>Failure to log and monitor application activity can delay detection of malicious activities.

Example: Not recording failed login attempts or unusual API calls.

By understanding and addressing these risks, organizations can build more secure web applications and reduce the chances of exploitation. Regular security audits, code reviews, and applying the latest security patches can help mitigate these vulnerabilities.