The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) is a non-profit worldwide organization focused on improving the security of application software. OWASP has created a number of resources to help developers and security professionals understand and mitigate web application vulnerabilities. One of these resources is the OWASP Top 10, a list of the most critical web application security risks.
The OWASP Top 10 is a list of the most critical web application security risks. It is updated annually and is based on a consensus of security experts from around the world. The OWASP Top 10 is a valuable resource for developers and security professionals who want to understand and mitigate web application vulnerabilities.
The OWASP Top 10 for 2023 is:
- Injection
Injection vulnerabilities occur when an attacker injects malicious code into a web application. This code can then be executed by the application, giving the attacker control of the application. Injection vulnerabilities are often caused by poorly written input validation code.
- Broken Authentication
Broken authentication vulnerabilities occur when a web application fails to authenticate users correctly. This can allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to the application. Broken authentication vulnerabilities are often caused by weak passwords, poor password storage practices, and a lack of two-factor authentication.
- Sensitive Data Exposure
Sensitive data exposure vulnerabilities occur when a web application exposes sensitive data to unauthorized users. This data could include credit card numbers, Social Security numbers, or other personal information. Sensitive data exposure vulnerabilities are often caused by poor data storage practices, a lack of encryption, and a failure to properly sanitize data.
- XML External Entities (XXE)
XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerabilities occur when a web application parses XML data that contains external references. This can allow attackers to inject malicious code into the application. XXE vulnerabilities are often caused by poorly written XML parsers and a lack of input validation.
- Broken Access Control
Broken access control vulnerabilities occur when a web application fails to restrict access to authorized users. This can allow attackers to access data or functionality that they are not authorized to access. Broken access control vulnerabilities are often caused by poor access control logic, a lack of input validation, and a failure to properly sanitize data.
- Security Misconfiguration
Security misconfiguration vulnerabilities occur when a web application is not configured securely. This can include a wide range of issues, such as running outdated software, using weak passwords, and failing to enable security features. Security misconfiguration vulnerabilities are often caused by a lack of awareness of security best practices and a failure to properly test and configure applications.
- Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities occur when a web application allows an attacker to inject malicious code into a web page. This code can then be executed by the web browser of the user who visits the page. XSS vulnerabilities are often caused by poorly written input validation code and a failure to properly escape user input.
- Insecure Deserialization
Insecure deserialization vulnerabilities occur when a web application deserializes data from an untrusted source. This can allow attackers to inject malicious code into the application. Insecure deserialization vulnerabilities are often caused by using insecure deserialization libraries and a failure to properly validate deserialized data.
- Using Components with Known Vulnerabilities
Using components with known vulnerabilities is a major security risk. When a web application uses a component that has a known vulnerability, the application is also vulnerable to that vulnerability. This can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to the application.
- Insufficient Logging & Monitoring
Insufficient logging and monitoring can make it difficult to detect and respond to security incidents. When a web application does not properly log events, it can be difficult to determine what happened in the event of a security breach. Additionally, when a web application is not properly monitored, it can be difficult to detect suspicious activity that could indicate a security breach.
These vulnerabilities can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to web applications, steal sensitive data, or take control of systems. Developers and security professionals should take steps to mitigate these vulnerabilities by following OWASP’s best practices.