OWASP Top 10: The 10 Most Critical Web Application Security Risks
The OWASP Top 10 is a classification of the most common attacks on the web. The Open Web Application Security Project has compiled it, a worldwide not-for-profit organization focused on improving software security.
Table of Contents
Insufficient Logging and Monitoring.
Insufficient logging and monitoring are the most common issues leading to data breaches. This can happen when systems do not generate enough log data, do not retain log data for an adequate amount of time, or do not have proper alerts and monitoring in place. This can leave organizations blind to malicious activity and unable to investigate and remediate incidents properly.
Using Components with Known Vulnerabilities.
The OWASP Top 10 is a classification of the most common attacks on the web. It has 10 entries, and “Using Components with Known Vulnerabilities” is one of them. This attack occurs when an attacker takes advantage of known vulnerabilities in software components, such as libraries, frameworks, and applications, to carry out an attack. This is usually done by exploiting a known vulnerability in a component that has not been patched or updated. This can lead to the attacker gaining access to sensitive data, executing malicious code, or Denial of Service.
Insecure Deserialization.
The OWASP Top 10 is a classification of the most common attacks on the web. It has 10 entries, and Insecure Deserialization is number 8 on the list.
Insecure deserialization is when untrusted data is used to modify the state or behaviour of a system. This can lead to serious vulnerabilities, like remote code execution.
To protect against insecure deserialization, data should be validated before deserialization. This means that you should ensure that the data is from a trusted source and hasn’t been tampered with.
Cross-site Scripting.
The OWASP Top 10 is a classification of the most common attacks on the web. It has 10 entries, and cross-site scripting (XSS) is number 3. XSS flaws occur when an attacker injects malicious code into a web page, which is then executed by the browser of unsuspecting users who visit the page. This can lead to disclosing sensitive information or the execution of malicious code on the user’s machine.
Security Misconfiguration.
One of OWASP’s Top 10 security risks is misconfiguration. This is when systems are not properly configured, leaving them open to attack. This can happen at both the server and application levels. Poorly configured systems are often the target of attacks because they are easy to exploit. Attackers can gain access to sensitive data, modify system files, and even take control of the system. To prevent this, systems must be properly configured and secured. This includes setting strong passwords, choosing secure protocols, and ensuring that only authorized users have access to the system.
- Broken Access Control.
Broken access control is a security flaw that allows unauthorized users to access resources or data they should not have access to. This can be done in several ways, such as bypassing authentication mechanisms, exploiting vulnerabilities in the access control mechanisms, or simply guessing passwords. Broken access control can lead to data breaches, loss of confidentiality, and loss of integrity.
XML External Entities.
XML External Entities (XXE) is an attack against an application that parses XML input. This attack occurs when an application processes XML input containing a reference to an external entity. This reference may be a file, URL, or any other type of data that can be resolved externally. XXE may allow an attacker to view files on the system, access internal network resources, and execute arbitrary code.
Sensitive Data Exposure.
The OWASP Top 10 is a classification of the most common attacks on the web. It has 10 entries, categorized into three groups: Injection, Broken Authentication and Session Management, and Cross-Site Scripting. Sensitive Data Exposure is number four on the list.
Sensitive Data Exposure happens when an attacker gains access to sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers, or social security numbers. This information is usually stored in a database, and the attacker can access it through various methods, such as SQL injection or cross-site scripting. Once the attacker has this information, they can commit fraud or identity theft.
To prevent Sensitive Data Exposure, businesses should encrypt their data, both in transit and at rest. They should also implement proper access control measures so that only authorized personnel can access the data. Lastly, they should have a comprehensive backup and disaster recovery plan in case the worst happens.
Broken Authentication.
The OWASP Top 10 is a classification of the most common attacks on the web. It has 10 entries, and “Broken Authentication” is number 2 on the list.
As the name suggests, Broken Authentication is when authentication mechanisms are broken or poorly implemented. This can allow attackers to access resources or data they should not have access to.
There are many ways in which authentication can be broken. Still, some of the most common include using easily guessed passwords, storing passwords in plain text, and not properly verifying passwords.
Broken authentication can have serious consequences, such as data leakage, loss of productivity, and even financial loss. That’s why it’s important to ensure that authentication mechanisms are properly implemented and secure.
Injection.
Injection flaws, such as SQL, OS, and LDAP injection, occur when untrusted data is sent to an interpreter as part of a command or query. The attacker’s hostile data can trick the interpreter into executing unintended commands or accessing data without proper authorization.
The injection is the most common attack vector, accounting for over two-thirds of all web application security vulnerabilities. SQL injection is the most common type of injection, followed by OS and LDAP injection.
Prevention
To prevent injection flaws, input validation must be used to detect and reject malicious input. Sanitization should also be used to remove any malicious input before it is passed to the interpreter.
Input validation should be used to detect and reject all invalid input, not just that which is potentially malicious.
Sanitization should be used to remove any invalid input before it is passed to the interpreter.
Output encoding should be used to prevent any malicious input from being interpreted by the browser.